After a surprise loss to Kissing Point in Round one – failing to get 175 after being 2/125 we bounced back in style this match.

Week 1
Winning the toss and batting on a hot day we smashed Castle Hill to get 353 in 74 overs. The platform was set with Kishore and Ross A (26) who put on 40 for the opening partnership. We never looked back from there. Gus Grima showed his class with a powerful innings of 102 before being retired to give others a go. The partnership with Nathan was season defining. They put on 130 odd to have very well placed.

At 2 /190 the hard work had been done – now to capitalise. Everyone batted very well. Nathan got is second 50 in a row and looks like having a big season. John Steel showed his ability to move the score with a powerful 45 that included a big six, 2nd ball, at Headen Park. His partnership with DA (18) of 45 was better than a run a ball. Their running between wickets will be close to the best in the Comp.

Craig Hutchinson, in only his 2nd game back after a 3 year break still has it after his quality 30. Bryce also showed what value he will be in tough games with his ability to value his wicket.

Gamini also batted very well for his 20 odd in failing light.

Although Castle Hill had a modest attack we still had to get the runs – a lesson we learnt against Kissing Point last match when we got out chasing poor bowling.

Week 2
Arriving at Headen Park with part of the wicket submerged after a morning dump we weren’t going to miss the opportunity of defending 353. With brooms and sawdust we got on at 2.30 pm and rolled them in 2 hours.

Apart from winning, and winning well, the way we did it was impressive. While we have lost Geoff and Ben (2 outstanding opening bowlers) this season Jaskaran is a quality bowler and will get wickets. Apart from John and Andrew who are also good bowlers we have 5 genuine spinners – all different – who add a different dimension to our attack and make it unique in C1. It will make life interesting for opposition bats with 3 leggies (Chris, John Mitchell and DA) and 2 off spinners (Craig and Kishore).

Craig Hutchinson was superb, taking 4/25 from 11 overs after having 3/8 from 7 overs until the ball became a piece of soap. Everyone else chipped in with 1 wicket. Well done to DA who at 13 took 1/22 from 6 overs after having 1/2 from 3 overs before the wet ball made it tougher.

Finally, our fielding was generally good. Gamini did a great job behind the stumps and will get a bit of work with stumpings this season. Apart from that we put down a couple of catches once the ball got wet but also took some good ones.

Team strength
Despite our effort we still have John Mitchell and Andrew Watt to come into the team adding yet more strength. This is a powerful squad and also opens up the opportunity to have a structured rotation system so anyone who needs a week off can book ahead and have the break. Being able to play a 12th and 13th man will also help out. While this can be a pain with everyone wanting to play the real bonus comes when we should only be using 13/14 players this season.

Next week
Next week we play Hornsby at Karuah, who beat us in the Final last season so this is one game we are looking forward to.

Ross A

Posted by Ross Anderson on October 6, 2008 06:37 AM