WPHC 250 defeated Galston-Glenorie 189

After the blip last week when we were comfortable beaten by Ku-ring gai we bounced back to normality. A win is always good but the way we did this is most important for the season ahead.

On day 1 we did it ugly. Against some very good quality swing bowling in ideal conditions we struggled early being effectively 5/34 with one player short for week one. Michael McDowell (72) and Ross A (54) put on 120 to put us in a solid position. We then lost 3 quick wickets until Nathan (45) and Kishore (33) put on 80 to set up an imposing score – but it could have been a lot different. The positive is that apart from getting a solid score we did it under pressure.

Day 2 and our turn to bowl. One of those days when 250 was always going to be tough to get. We took wickets regularly so that the total was never really challenged. There are again a number of positives coming from our effort in the field. With both Andrew and Senthu out Ben and John opened the bowling and did very well. John was outstanding, bowling 11 overs straight and taking 4 wickets – all bowled or LBW. John is sharp and bowls straight and is going to get a lot of wickets this year. Ben also bowls a lovely full length and is always a chance to get a bowled/LBW decision.

Enter the spinners in Kishore and John and we have that depth that is very good to have in the big games.

Our fielding was generally very good with some great catches being taken – none better than John Steel’s at silly mid-on. There was the odd blip but overall the consistency is much better than last season.

This win puts us comfortably into the top 4 – only 1 point off 1st place (our Red team) and 9 in front of 4th spot. Our game against Thornleigh will be a big one with them coming 4th.

Next week we play Thornleigh at Thornleigh Oval – a fabulous ground that gives good value for shots.

Ross A

Posted by Ross Anderson on October 31, 2007 06:50 AM