Another solid performance with the team on a roll and a definite chnace of making the top 4 if we win every game from here. After losing the toss and bowling (something different for a change), we powered through Hornsby who struggled to make an impact from the first over. On a slow outfield and with good bowling we kept them to 131 – a moderate score against a side with a strong batting order that is building momentum.

Chris Collits again played a starring roll – he keeps getting better – with 5/24. In a 2 over burst he took 3 wickets – replicating what happened against Beecroft with 2 in 2 balls and a 3rd in the next over. How about Bryce who has come right back into bowling form with 2/29 from 10 overs. Dave also contributed well with his 2 wickets. Add Andrew in with his wicket and we were batting just after Tea.

Apart form the bowling, our fielding was again pretty good with 3 good catches taken – and none dropped. This is something else that has changed since the beginning of the season. A really good one from Kishore who took a skyer in a strong wind.

On to the batting and again solid on a ground that is heavy and makes ground strokes difficult to get value from. No spectacular personal results so far but consistent contributions for every player. John and Ross a put on 34 for the opening and this was followed by good 50 partnership from Kish and Tony. With John Nesbitt and Nathan at the crease once we pass their score there could be some fireworks especially with players like Andrew still to come in. Kishore hasn’t yet determined tactics next week but a factor will be that we need to have enough time to have a chance of rolling them a second time. Time is probably a bigger factor than runs lead but let’s wait and see. With Pat back, taking over from John Mitchell, we have added firepower with the bowling so this works to our advantage.

What an effort from Tony to play on the weekend. Yet again he made the effort to come from Perth to make it to the game. With this sort of commitment it is no wonder that our performance has risen a few levels – inspirational mate.

What next
We are still in the running to make the Semis. But…we have to do it tough:
• We have 31 points with 3 to play including this one
• Winning every game will give us 49 points. If we win this one outright we finish on 53 points
• Hornsby Green is on 4th spot and on 41 points. Third placed Beecroft are on 47 so realistically we can’t dislodge them from the top 4
• We have to play Normanhurst (5th on 35 points) and Glenhaven (2nd )
• Hornsby Green have to play: Normanhurst, Glenhaven (2nd ) and St Ives (1st ) – they have to win 2 of these 3.
• Normanhurst have to play Hornsby Green this match, WPHC and Beecroft
• Castle Hill RSL (5th on 35 points) has to play Beecroft, St Ives, Hornsby (the team we are playing).

Summary
If we win every game, ideally this one outright, we are part of the way there. Hornsby Green then need to drop 2 of their last 3 games (against the top teams) for us to be assured of a spot.

Ross A

Posted by Ross Anderson on January 28, 2007 06:39 AM