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| Latest News - 3/3/2010 - CricSim Herald - Season 9, Edition 5: |
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BANNERMAN SHIELD REVIEW By Prince Charles ROUND 5 Sticky Wickets v Vipers @ Stevil Oval The all conquering Vipers continued on their merry way in round five, disposing of the Sticky Wickets by 187 runs and leaving only the Gamblers and Cyclones in front of them as they seek a perfect start to the season. But they didn't have the match all their way after an indifferent first innings was rescued by T Delonge's 130. While no one in the Sticky Wickets outfit managed to match that score, the team still easily took first innings points thanks to 83 by DA Alessi and 89 not out to EI Morris. DA Eggman was again in nice touch with the ball, picking up four wickets, including that of in form opener JP Thornton. When quizzed on his good form, the paceman puts it down to his accuracy. "(It's) most likely the tight bowling I produce but I think it's also the guys around me. We support each others bowling. It would also be Torres he is just awesome." The Vipers needed to turn it on in their second innings and they didn't disappoint. In total, they added 476 runs with big scores to JE McGrath, J Torres and a stunning 178 to R Gee his best Bannerman Shield score in seven seasons. "I was stoked to finally put on a big score." said the Vipers skipper. "I was starting to think I'd never ton up this season. It definitely couldn't have come at a better time." With the flow of the match now against them, the Stickies couldn't raise a big enough total to take the win with Vipers bowlers BA Storer and BOY Blunder doing the early work, while Eggman was again in the thick of things, taking five wickets to close out the victory. Result 1st Innings Vipers 275 all out (97.4 overs) T Delonge 130 SDR Laing 3/76 CJ Devonshire 43 JR Denton 3/86 Sticky Wickets 334 all out (112.5 overs) EI Morris 89* DA Eggman 4/78 DA Alessi 83 BOY Blunder 3/75 2nd Innings Vipers 476 all out (155.1 overs) R Gee 178 SDR Laing 3/92 JE McGrath 90 JR Denton 2/94 Sticky Wickets - 230 all out (72.3 overs) JP Thornton 51 DA Eggman 5/61 JEM Logan 31 BA Storer 3/39 Vipers win by 187 runs CricSim Herald Player of the Season Points 3. DA Eggman 2. R Gee 1. T Delonge --------------------------------- Cyclones v Pumas @ B.O.M. A total of six players took catches off their own bowling in the Cyclones clash with the Pumas at B.O.M. AD Hunt and C Man each taking one in the first innings with their combined five wickets helping dislodge the Cyclones top order. But not before the Clones had already put on a great start with JP Gonzalez, ND Short and RK Fittaman all passing fifty. Despite holding a loftier position on the ladder, the Pumas couldn't match the Cyclones first innings, falling short by 159 runs. A fourth ball duck to JP Dempsey didn't deter those around him in the Cyclones second dig, with both openers and second drop RK Fittaman bringing up half centuries. "(I'm) obviously pleased with the two half centuries" said Fittaman. "I would have liked to have gone on to make bigger scores but it's just good to contribute to the win." "We've got a long way to go as a team and obviously we haven't had the best start to the season, but the signs are there, we've played some good cricket, now all we need is a bit of consistency and that will hold us in good stead moving forward." While their innings fell away after that, the Cyclones still managed to leave the Pumas a target just under 400. It proved to be enough. Despite a not out 98 to SA Flack, the Pumas could only amass 314 handing the Cyclones just their second win for the season. Result 1st Innings Cyclones 362 all out (101.2 overs) JP Gonzalez 81 AJ Izett 5/93 ND Short 63 C Man 3/55 Pumas 203 all out (72.5 overs) SLO Graham 60 MJ Johns 3/43 KD Jones 34 WC Welker 2/26 2nd Innings Cyclones - 240 all out (74.5 overs) TR Man 67 AD Hunt 4/72 JP Gonzalez 54 C Man 3/54 Pumas 314 all out (96.5 overs) SA Flack 98* SM Green 2/41 KD Jones 76 KF Tait 2/58 Cyclones win by 85 runs CricSim Herald Player of the Season Points 3. JP Gonzalez 2. RK Fittaman 1. TR Man --------------------------------- Ravens v Stingrays @ Unkindness Despite being last season's Bannerman Shield premiers as well as one of the hot favourites for this season's title, the Stingrays are fast finding the Ravens to be somewhat of a bogey team, having now lost four of their five games against the Ravens (which includes two Care Cup matches). A solid first innings total by the Ravens put them on the front foot early with E Ames' good form continuing with 94 but TJL Webber was the star of the innings with 105 not out. AJ James continued his impressive form as opening bowler for the Ravens this season as he knocked over the Stingrays top three cheaply. "I think bouncing between firsts and reserves has hindered me in the past." suggested James. "But hopefully I can cement a spot in the Ravens squad and keep getting better." "The Stingrays are a tough team, so to take the top 3 for SFA and set a good platform to ultimately get the win was great, hopefully I can keep up the form." The Rays middle and lower order kept their side in the hunt BL Hornby top scoring with 74 but feeling as though his own personal aim to take a match by the scruff of the neck wasn't achieved. "I see that as my job." a deflated Hornby said. "I feel as if I let my team mates down." After another failure from XX Meister in his return to top grade, the Ravens top order responded well with JP Goodfellow bringing up his second ton for the season. However the Ravens bottom seven only 31 leaving the door very slightly ajar for the visitors. But the Rays could only manage 155 as spinners G Shriram and RG Cribb claimed a combined eight wickets to ensure a big win for the revitalised Ravens. After the match, Cribb was very pleased with his nine wicket haul for the game. "I worked really hard on my bowling over the off-season." he explained in the post match press conference. "I knew the plan was for me to be bowling a lot more this season, but I think my batting has benefited from that too. I'm a bit more relaxed about it and the runs have been coming as a result." The Ravens founder was also surprised to learn of his team's recent dominance against the Stingrays. "I actually wasn't aware of the exact figures, but it doesn't surprise me." "We always seem to go up an extra gear when we play them, and King seems to take the game personally every time, trying to prove he can out-captain me. We take advantage of that." Result 1st Innings Ravens 448 all out (157.1 overs) TJL Webber 105* GJ Weaver 4/83 E Ames 94 HT Davis 3/104 Stingrays 315 all out (91.1 overs) BL Hornby 74 RG Cribb 4/101 ZA Berkuta 62 AJ James 3/49 2nd Innings Ravens 290 all out (104.5 overs) JP Goodfellow 106 GEC King 6/96 E Ames 80 GJ Weaver 2/46 Stingrays 155 all out (45.0 overs) A Vago 50 RG Cribb 5/61 G Shriram 3/17 Ravens win by 268 runs CricSim Herald Player of the Season Points 3. RG Cribb 2. E Ames 1. JP Goodfellow --------------------------------- Crusaders v Gamblers @ C.C.G. It was a run-fest in the Crusaders v Gamblers match with 11 players passing fifty, including two centuries. The Saders kicked things off with a first innings total of 415 with Bannerman Shield rookie S Bakkum scoring his second ton for the season. "The chance to play against the Gamblers was the round i was waiting for." boasted the proud Kiwi. "(They) have such talented players but this was proved wrong after I smacked them for 130 in the first innings." SJ Surkleton was impressive with the ball, taking 5 for 81 but it was now in the Gamblers' batsman's hands and they proved equally impressive. DR Armstrong cemented his position as one of the most feared openers in the world as he brought up his third ton this season. BJT Manera also scored nicely with 96 and, along with solid scores from RE Hallett, BS Read and a surprising 52 not out from TG Bullpitt, the Gamblers stole first innings points with 461 runs. Despite this score, most talk centred around another failure from BJ Gemmell with the games former number one batsman yet to pass forty in Season 9. The Crusaders however kept their minds firmly on the job as they ploughed on more runs in their second innings, again passing 400. The Gamblers simply had no answer leaving their best efforts in the first innings as the entire side was wiped out for under 100 the first team to achieve the unenviable feat this season. In the end it was a 299 run win to the Crusaders, helping their quest to move off the bottom of the ladder. Result 1st Innings Crusaders 415 all out (128.4 overs) S Bakkum 130 SJ Surkelton 5/81 M Perry 78 BJ Taylor 3/69 Gamblers 461 all out (143.2 overs) DR Armstrong 102 SB Wilson 4/128 BJT Manera 96 M Perry 3/61 Crusaders 443 all out (135.5 overs) MR Hayes 93 TG Bullpitt 4/82 M Perry 84 BJ Taylor 4/122 Gamblers 98 all out (26.5 overs) BS Read 40 RS Hutchinson 4/24 L Tyson 3/39 Crusaders win by 299 runs CricSim Herald Player of the Season Points 3. M Perry 2. S Bakkum 1. MR Hayes --------------------------------- ROUND 6 Pumas v Stingrays @ The Mountains The fall and fall of last season's premiers, losing their fourth match on the trot against the Pumas in round six. A century to SA Flack provided a solid backbone for his side to work from as they combined for 349 first innings runs. "I was really pleased." said the Pumas captain. "I've been in really good form this season, which I needed after such a poor effort last season." "I was really pleased to see the team effort this round, it's something we're struggling with, but everyone seemed to have either one good knock or a good innings of bowling, and it just made the game much easier to win." The Rays were simply lacklustre in their opening innings as they failed to even come close to the Pumas intensity. The entire side sent back to the pavilion with only 151 runs to show for their efforts. "I wouldn't say we are lacking intensity or pride." claimed K Fung. "In fact, I reckon this will do us some good for the rest of the season. We are just having a bad patch. I'm sure we'll be back to our best soon - just need a good win and our confidence will be back." Despite a five wicket haul from AP Farnsworth, the Pumas added a further 392 with Flack backing up his first innings ton, top scoring again with 74 in the second. Chasing an impossible 590 in the final innings, the Stingrays were improved but never in the hunt. ZA Berkuta was unlucky with the bat, running out of partners on 98 but it was clearly never meant to be his or the Stingrays day. The club left licking it wounds once more as it prepares for their next round clash with the Cyclones. Result 1st Innings Pumas 349 all out (97.1 overs) SA Flack 106 GJ Weaver 3/64 SLO Graham 72 HT Davis 3/79 Stingrays 151 all out (46.4 overs) B Man 53 AD Hunt 4/38 ZA Berkuta 37 JP Wilkinson 3/49 2nd Innings Pumas 392 all out (107.5 overs) SA Flack 74 AP Farnsworth 5/101 B Olsen 62 BH Borisc 3/36 Stingrays 297 all out (90.4 overs) ZA Berkuta 98* JP Wilkinson 3/57 A Vago 54 C Man 2/58 Pumas win by 293 runs CricSim Herald Player of the Season Points 3. SA Flack 2. AD Hunt 1. SLO Graham --------------------------------- Vipers v Cyclones @ Snake Pit After a solid win against the Pumas last round, the Cyclones were back to their bumbling best as they took on the undefeated Vipers. In form Vipers bowlers BA Storer and DA Eggman tore through the Clones with very little resistance to have them all out for 143. The Vipers had no batting troubles as they stacked on 349. JE McGrath top scored with 85 while Storer added to his solid bowling with a not out 56. "I was quite pleased with my performance actually." proudly boasted Storer. "I haven't made too many runs this season, so I was glad to knock up a 50 against the 'Clones. And my bowling has been pretty good this season. It was good to pick up some more wickets to add to my season tally." The Cyclones second innings was much improved on their first. Their 314 helping avoid an innings victory but not able to add enough to trouble their opposition. BA Storer completing a memorable match for himself with a further four wickets while openers McGrath and DN Boland both scoring fifty as they added the extra runs needed for the clubs sixth consecutive victory. "I don't think there's any secret as such." said R Gee when explaining his club's recent success. "We were able to keep most of our guys from last season on board and the whole feel around the club has been a positive one." "We just keep looking at the next game on our schedule and putting all our focus into how we can come away with the win. Finals thoughts are always there in the back of your head somewhere but that's where they'll stay for us until we can prove this isn't just a run of good luck." Result 1st Innings Cyclones 143 all out (41.5 overs) M Deane 46 DA Eggman 3/27 BA Storer 3/51 Vipers 349 all out (132.0 overs) JE McGrath 85 M Deane 2/48 BA Storer 56* KF Tait 2/77 2nd Innings Cyclones 314 all out (95.1 overs) ND Short 67 BA Storer 4/78 JB Dempsey 64 BOY Blunder 2/52 Vipers 111/1 (40.3 overs) DN Boland 53 JE McGrath 50* Vipers win by 9 wickets CricSim Herald Player of the Season Points 3. BA Storer 2. JE McGrath 1. M Deane --------------------------------- Ravens v Crusaders @ Unkindness It was a sound that echoed around the CricSim universe. An almighty "CLICK" as the Ravens batsmen all fired at the same time. Their first innings score of 608 the highest single innings score so far this season. Centuries to E Ames and XX Meister got the side off to a cracking start and it didn't stop their with only two players failing to make double fuigures. Having lost a true CricSim star in BJT Manera last season, many forecast it as impossible to replace him. Enter E Ames. "I am loving it." he chuckled. "Manera is one of the best bats on CricSim and if I am doing anywhere near as good a job as he did, I'm doing well." The Crusaders faced their own impossible situation as they set out for their first innings. The hero coming in former Raven M Perry whose 111 not out saved the Crusaders from total embarrassment. "Whenever I set foot on the pitch I want to have a great game" claimed Perry. "Nothing annoys me more than losing... I wanted nothing less than to put on a good score against (the Ravens)." RG Cribb added six wickets to his 81 with the bat and the Ravens skipper had no doubts when enforcing the follow on for the Crusaders. Showing true grit, the Saders refused to give in, smacking the Ravens bowlers around to amass 520. P Retzel was the star of the show scoring 119 but their was any number of impressive batting displays including three others who passed fifty. The Ravens still had the upper hand needing just 167 but with over 430 overs already used, time was of the essence. The match had now become something of a limited overs contest and the Crusaders were now breathing fire. The Ravens top order failed to convert half starts into runs with SB Wilson and C Kovas each taking three wickets. Suddenly the Ravens not only needed runs they had to hold on to their wickets. As the sun's glare faded late on day five, the match was eventually halted with the Ravens just eleven runs short of victory with just two wickets in hand. A match that had so many highlights finishing in a draw, leaving the Ravens captain frustrated but full of respect for his opponents. "I think we just got complacent." said Cribb. "We went into the game focusing on their bowling attack, and after we put on that huge score we thought the job was done. Enforcing the follow on is always hard work for the bowlers and we just let it slip in that second innings of their batting." "Credit to them though - a lesser team would've just given up, but they pushed us right to the end." Result 1st Innings Ravens 608 all out (211.1 overs) E Ames - 146 C Kovas 3/128 XX Meister - 129 SB Wilson 3/162 Crusaders 254 all out (74.2 overs) M Perry 111* RG Cribb 6/64 P Retzel - 44 AJ James 2/51 2nd Innings Crusaders f/o 520 all out (147.3 overs) P Retzel - 119 G Shriram 4/118 A Bannerman - 81 RG Cribb 3/102 Ravens 156/8 (45.0 overs) DW Lewis - 34 C Kovas 3/41 RG Cribb - 30 SB Wilson 3/69 Test match drawn CricSim Herald Player of the Season Points 3. E Ames 2. RG Cribb 1. M Perry --------------------------------- Sticky Wickets v Gamblers @ Stevil Oval. Two big things will be remembered from the Sticky Wickets v Gamblers match. One is that the Stickies will not be intimidated by a 450 plus first innings. The second is that Brett Kennedy has officially lost his mojo. Despite many of those around him flurishing on the Stevil Oval pitch, Kennedy again failed with the bat heading back to the pavilion to the jeers of the crowd with only 10 runs to his name. BJT Manera got his side off to a flyer, opening the batting and quickly knocking up 88 before falling to seven wicket hero BC Jacobs. DR Armstrong again contributed making 72 but it was D Davis who was the star of the show as he put on 147. AJ O'Driscoll ensured a big total was on the cards with the visitors finishing their innings with 472. It was a daunting total but the Sticky Wickets couldn't have appeared more relaxed as the openers put on 165 runs before DG Speris fell for 75. JP Thornton had no such intentions as he pushed ever so close to a double century before BS Read finally dispatched him for 191. Thornton's name had barely been etched in the honour board at Stevil Oval before there were two more names to add with AJ Parker and EI Morris also making centuries. The Stickies taking control of the match with a dominating 635. "By the time I reached my half century after my first ton, all I wanted to do was have fun and I did that." said Thornton. "Getting out just short of my second century was cutting but I didn't mind at all because we racked up a solid total in the end everyone had a good day in the office today." Now it was the Gamblers with a daunting task ahead of them and unlike the Sticky Wickets, the Gamblers crumbled under the pressure with L Popovic the top scorer with 60 as the Gamblers folded for 229. Kennedy again aiding the taunts of the Stevil Oval faithful, falling for 6. "It's pretty funny. Gemmell's a shit ****." teased DR Armstrong. "We just got a bit excited after the first innings, few too many drinks, etc etc. Next game we're going to declare in the first innings once we've faced a dozen overs so we can still bat in the last innings." 17 overs into the Sticky Wickets final innings and the game was complete - the home side making the 67 required for victory without the loss of a wicket. Result 1st Innings Gamblers 472 all out (120.1 overs) D Davis 147 BC Jacobs 7/118 BJT Manera 88 DG Speirs 2/55 Sticky Wickets 635 all out (183.4 overs) JP Thornton 191 RE Hallett 3/112 AJ Parker 140 SJ Surkelton 3/122 2nd Innings Gamblers 229 all out (66.0 overs) L Popovic 60 SDR Laing 4/47 D Davis 46 JR Denton 3/61 Sticky Wickets 67/0 (17.0 overs) DG Speirs 35* JP Thornton 24* Sticky Wickets win by 10 wickets CricSim Herald Player of the Season Points 3. JP Thornton 2. BC Jacobs 1. DG Speirs --------------------------------- BANNERMAN SHIELD STATS By GJ Weaver At the end of Round 6: Most Runs 1. JP Thornton - 859 2. DR Armstrong - 753 3. SA Flack - 693 4. E Ames - 682 5. TR Man - 609 Most 50's 1= R Gee - 5 1= JP Thornton - 5 1= J Torres - 5 1= A Vago - 5 Most 4's 1. DR Armstrong - 70 1= JP Thornton - 70 3. SA Flack - 61 4= M Perry - 50 4= E Ames - 50 Most 6's 1. JP Goodfellow - 10 2= BL Hornby - 9 2= TR Man - 9 4. 4 others on 8 Most Wickets 1= SB Wilson - 41 2. DA Eggman - 40 3. JR Denton - 34 4. RG Cribb - 31 5. AD Hunt - 30 Most 5fers 1. DA Eggman - 4 2= SB Wilson - 3 2= RG Cribb - 3 Highest Scores 1. SA Flack - 221* vs. Ravens 2. DR Armstrong - 214 vs. Stingrays 3. JP Thornton - 191 vs. Gamblers 4. JP Thornton - 188 vs. Pumas 5. R Gee - 178 vs. Sticky Wickets 5fers 1. WC Welker - 8/60 vs. Sticky Wickets 2. DA Eggman - 8/92 vs. Stingrays 3. TG Bullpitt - 7/110 vs. Ravens 4. BC Jacobs - 7/118 vs. Gamblers 5. RG Cribb - 6/64 vs. Crusaders --------------------------------- HORRIGAN CUP REVIEW By K Fung ROUND 5 Most of the Cyclones' batsmen had starts, but only a couple managed to get past the 50 mark. All rounder, Deane, fired with the bat scoring 86 from just 96 balls during the middle of the innings it was exactly what the coach ordered. He got great support from Laing who made 58* at a strike rate of 100. Cyclones were bowled out for 270. Astele was the best of the Pumas' bowlers. In reply, all of the Pumas' batsmen got starts, with Herd being the stand out with an aggressive inning of 83. Astele also chipped in with a steady 38. McDougal was the best of the bowlers with four wickets. Pumas won with 8 balls and a wicket to spare. Pumas def Cyclones 3. DA Astele 2. BG Herd 1. J McDougal In probably the match of the round, the in form teams of Ravens and Stingrays went head to head. Ravens were sent in to bat fist, and started well. Opener, Cribb and first drop batsman, Scott, both made half centuries to give the Ravens a good platform. Scott top scored for the inning with 83 runs. Weaver did the most damage with three wickets for the Stingrays. Needing to chase 256 for victory, the Stingrays' openers got them to a good start with Dafter getting out short of a half century, and Vago following on 66. Hornby then steadied the innings, while at the other end, Fung made a quick fire 30. Proving its entertainment value, the game came right down to the last ball where Golding managed to steal a run. Orr had a good performance with the ball. Stingrays def Ravens 3. GJ Weaver 2. A Vago 1. BL Hornby Some major players have accused the Gamblers of having nosebleeds at the top of the ladder, so they needed a good game to prove their critics wrong against the Crusaders. The Crusaders innings was more of a team effort, with no players getting half centuries, but instead a host of batsmen had starts. Wicket-keeper batsman, Immanuel, went the closest to the milestone with a 48 run inning. Impressive bowling by Taylor and Crowley saw the Saders bundled out for 217. The Gamblers started really well as their top order took up the majority of the runs. Downes, Morgan and Manera all made positive contributions to the team. Kennedy, yet again continued his horrible form, but it is believed that the selectors will stick with him for a few more games. The Gamblers won with 18 balls to spare. Wilson looked the most likely to get a breakthrough with the ball for the Crusaders. Gamblers def Crusaders 3. BJ Taylor 2. DA Crowley 1. CJ Downes The Sticky Wickets had to fire to have any chance of beating the strong outfit of the Vipers. The top order of the Stickies managed to get them off to a good start, but could not convert their starts. Wicket-keeper, Morris scored 49 after being pushed up the order to first drop. The middle order gave little resistance, while some big hitting at the end by Nova and Dorn managed to get the Stickies to 248. Eggman was impressive with four wickets. The Vipers made the chase looked easy with McGrath playing an outstanding innings of 128*, backed up by starts from Luffman, Penn and Torres. The total was mowed down with 26 balls to spare. Vipers def Sticky Wickets 3. JE McGrath 2. DA Eggman 1. HJ Bots --------------------------- ROUND 6 The Ravens have been having a horrible time in the Horrigan Cup. Their batsmen have consistently let them down, with only a few of their innings passing 200. Even with a decent bowling line-up like they do, having a small total to bowl at puts a lot of pressures on their bowler. Their game against the Crusaders was no different. They were bowled out for 161, with Cribb being the only batsman to put a dent in the Saders' bowling attack. Rocker was on song with a 5fer. The Saders won with 52 balls to spare and eight wickets in hand. Jackson was unlucky to get his half century. Cribb was the only wicket taker. Crusaders def Ravens 3. JU Rocker 2. JJ Ritchie 1. RG Cribb The Vipers got off to a good start against the Cyclones, but had a massive collapse once the spin bowlers were brought on. McGrath was the first to go on 27, and then things quickly went downhill from there. No one in the middle order could make it into the double digits, except the keeper. Luffman (69) and Scoble (66) managed to get some respectability to the total with a good steady partnership. They were bowled out two runs short of 200. It was a team effort from the Cyclones with the majority of bowlers getting a couple of wickets. The Cyclones all had starts, but it was only, opener, Farhat who managed to get to 98* before running out of runs to chase. Cyclones won with 27 balls to spare and eight wickets in hand. Cyclones def Vipers 3. AM Farhat 2. M Deane 1. WC Welker The game between the Pumas and the Stingrays was a nice change from the two low scoring games previously played. Boy (48) and Schaw's (77) large opening partnership gave the rest of their team mates a solid platform to work from, and they made the most of out of it. Their middle order used to platform to bat aggressively allowing them a very good total of 283. King was quite impressive with the ball. The Stingrays didn't get the good start they wanted to with Dafter getting out without troubling the scoreboard. The majority of the middle order managed to chip in, but none went on get the larger score that was needed after their bad start. Weaver failed to impress after been promoted up the order. Izett got five wickets, but would be hoping to be tighter with his bowling. Pumas def Stingrays 3. AJ Izett 2. LE Schaw 1. GEC King A large opening stand between in-form batsman, Thornton and all rounder, Speirs got the Sticky Wickets off to a good start. But the middle order did not take full advantage of the condition with Parker the only one who with a decent score. Aggressive hitting by Alessi and Dorn at the death pushed the final score pass 240. Spin bowler, Taylor impressed the selectors with four wickets. The Gambers' innings was pretty much a team effort with Morgan, Manera, Gemmell and Burridge all contributing a fair few runs to the total, but none managed to get pass 50. When quizzed, Kennedy was quite happy with his 47 after his failure to date. Das bowled well, taking three wickets in a losing cause. The Gamblers won with 12 balls to spare. Gamblers def Sticky Wickets 3. BJ Taylor 2. S Das 1. L Popovic ------------------------------------------ AVO LOVER'S CUP REVIEW By M Deane ROUND 5 Kings vs Cobras Two very similar first innings from both sides made it look as though it might be a close game. The Kings largely owed their 297 down to a fine 81 from opener M Dorn. After being 98/6 the Cobras innings was salvaged by a brilliant century from number eight Cameron Darts. Despite Darts's best efforts the Cobras fell just short of winning first innings points. With the game well poised both sides would've hoped to make an impact in the third innings. Again there was little to choose between the two sides as the Kings were bowled out for 300; PE Trainer top scored at the top of the order. Needing 312 runs to win it was going to be a tough ask for the Cobras but it wasn't an impossible task. It wasn't to be though as SA Humble took 6 wickets to roll the Cobras for 186. Kings win by 125 runs 3. Darts 2. Humble 1. Dorn Kittens vs Brumbies Going into this match the Brumbies were hoping to continue their unbeaten run whilst the Kittens were hoping for an upset. Two half centuries from Ben Herd and DA Astele helped the Kittens to 281 all out in their first innings with Ridd bowling exceptionally well for the Brumbies to pick up 6 wickets. As was expected the Brumbies top order contributed the bulk of the runs, Sam Verigotta top scored with 85 whilst Paul Oz took six scalps for the Kittens as they conceded 315 runs and first innings points. Second time round the Kittens could only manage 230 with J Ono top scoring with 58 after opening the innings, DA Astele contributed again. As did Ridd who completed his 10 wicket match. Needing 197 the Brumbies got off to a shaky start losing wickets with the scoreboard on 22 and 88. Ali Farhat and Marcuss Deane combined for a match winning partnership though. Unfortunately Farhat could not quite see his side over the line but the match was won without the loss of further wickets. Brumbies win by 7 wickets 3. Ridd 2. Oz 1. Deane Punters vs Knights Not for the first time both sides were almost inseparable after their first innings. The Knights amassed 323 with contributions all through the order. A Shreyas was the only player not to reach double figures whilst number three Banga Desh was the only man to pass 50. In reply the Punters stole first innings points from under the nose of the Knights, they managed 325 with opener Morgan Burridge top scoring. Nigel Hunt and CJ Smith shared the wickets for the Knights taking six and four respectively. Opener V Noir carried the Knights to a competitive total in their second innings, his 86 coupled with Owen Farrell's 45 took the Knights to 281 and a lead of 279. The Punters would have held high hopes of chasing down that total in the fourth innings but they got off to a disastrous start with opener Charlie Downes out for a golden duck with the scoreboard still on zero. From the very beginning the Punters lost regular wickets, just as a partnership appeared to be forming a batsman would be out, with six wickets falling to the bowling of JJ Ritchie whose 6/54 proved to be the difference as the Knights claimed an important victory. Knights win by 105 runs 3. Hunt 2. Ritchie 1. Noir Crocodiles vs Test Eagles Regardless of the fact they managed 295 in their first innings the Crocodiles would have been disappointed with their innings. With so many batsmen getting starts they would have hoped for considerably more runs. Middle order batsman DRP Taylor continued his good form with another half century as he top scored with 63. James Robertson was the standout with the ball as he picked up four cheap wickets. The Test Eagles innings highlighted the importance of a player going on to convert a start. Though many of the Test Eagles middle and lower order failed they managed to overhaul the Crocodiles first innings thanks to a composed century from opener Nick Scott who made 117. The Crocodiles would have hoped to have learned their lesson from the first innings but it didn't appear as though they had. Again no batsman made a century but DRP Taylor made his second half century of the match whilst opener J Steel top scored with 66. C0rbin Jennings was the best bowler for the Test Eagles as he claimed five important wickets. Needing 254 to win the game was in the balance for the Test Eagles heading into the fourth innings. Half centuries from AJ Laing and James Robertson took the Test Eagles within sight of the line and small contributions from all of the middle order was enough for them to seal the win. Test Eagles win by 4 wickets. 3. Scott 2. Robertson 1. Taylor --------------------------------- ROUND 6 Punters vs Kings This was a match of two halves if there ever was one. The Punters batted first and thanks to some great batting from Morgan Burridge, who top scored with 94, and Siege Morgan made 334. Simon Humble and M Dorn both claimed four wickets. In reply the Kings fell 50 runs short of the Punters first innings total. Thanks in no small part to some crucial innings from their lower order. After being 129/7 the Kings would have been delighted to finally make 284. A spirited innings of 82* from debutant KG Rogers was undoubtedly the highlight for the Kings. What followed was a remarkable series of events as the Punters were routed for 96 with Morgan Burridge the only form of resistance as he made a hard fought 42. Needing just 147 to win the Kings would have felt the match was theirs for the taking but it was not to be. Early wickets left them in a poor position and the situation did not improve until it was too late, after staring down the barrel at 88/8 it took some positive counterattacking batting from Rogers and Humble to get the Kings into a position where they had any hope of winning the match but Robinson wrapped up the innings to complete his spell of 4/29. Punters win by 17 runs. 3. Burridge 2. Payne 1. Dorn Test Eagles vs Knights Opener NG Scott continued his fine form for the Test Eagles with a sparkling 86 at the top of the order. IA Ryabovol was the only other player to pass 50 as he again made an important contribution from down the order. Nigel Hunt claimed four wickets as he helped restrict the Test Eagles to 280. The Knights score of 348 was anchored by a brilliant century from number three TJ Clough. The batsman's score of 131 coming from a mammoth 330 deliveries. He was ably supported by Owen Farrell and Nigel Hunt who both registered half centuries whilst Chung, Ryabovol and Jennings all took three wickets for the Test Eagles. After conceding a first innings deficit of nearly 70 runs the Test Eagles were going to need a much improved batting effort if they were to have a hope of winning the match and that's what they got. Small contributions from the top and middle order all helped to build AJ Laing's 114 into an innings score of 363. Nigel Hunt, again, took four wickets for the Knights. Needing 296 to win the Knights would have been devastated when they were reduced to 71/3 early on. However, once PM Jackson and DP Howell combined for a 122 run stand they would have had renewed hopes of victory. It was a shame that other than Jackson's century and Howell's fifty that nobody else made a contribution of not and the Knights fell within sight of the line. MP Chung was the pick of the bowlers with five cheap wickets. Test Eagles won by 34 runs. 3. Hunt 2. Clough 1. Chung Kittens vs Crocodiles With both sides suffering defeat in their last match neither would have liked to continue the losing streak. The Crocodiles batted first and managed a mammoth 511. Again no batsman managed to score a century for them, though batsman J Batesman came very close as he top scored with 97. Dafter, Steele, Volavola and Golding were the other half centurions for the Crocodiles. In reply the Kittens effort was somewhat similar to that of the Crocs as they made a large total of 378 without a centurion. Opener Boy top scored with 77 whilst Ben Herd and DA Atsele contributed with 68 and 73 respectively. SIA Yates wrapped up the tail quickly as he finished with six wickets. Holding a first innings lead of nearly 130, the Crocodiles would have planned to just bat the Kittens out of the game but their plan did not come to fruition. Regular wickets stunted the early part of their innings and besides one partnership of 59 between Dafter and Hughes, there was not much else to speak of. The Crocodiles managed to lose their final four wickets all with the score on 180 as Lover finished with five wickets. The Kittens carried the momentum with them into the fourth innings and they were going to need it if they were going to chase down 314 to win. Their innings got off to a dreadful start as Boy was removed in the first over which brought Ben herd to the crease. It was to be Ben Herd's innings that helped the Kittens successful chase down the total required for the win. By the time Herd got out for 108 victory was within reach for the Kittens and their lower order managed to knock off the final runs. Kittens win by two wickets. 3. Yates 2. Herd 1. Astele Brumbies vs Cobras With a changed lineup the Brumbies would have hoped to continue their dominance in ALC this season. It ended up being the new Brumbies batsman, Shane Masters, who top scored with 119 on his return to ALC. AD Culum made a valuable 88 in the middle order as the Brumbies ended on 388. CB Darts was the pick of the bunch with four hard earned wickets. In reply, the Cobras became the first team to wrestle first innings points from the grasp of the Brumbies, thanks in no small part to their middle order of BM Penn, Dirk Erschoff and F Burn who all helped take the Cobras from a position of 76/3 to 429 all out. In a surprise turn of events it was opening batsman Jesse Harding who was the Brumbies best bowler with three for ten runs off is 13 overs. Conceding first innings points seemed to jolt the Brumbies into action as they produced an improved batting display, AM Farhat made a steady 88 at the top of the order and Culum made his second half century but the star of the innings was wicket keeper AJ O'Neill who made his maiden ALC hundred, shortly after raising the milestone the Brumbies declared their innings on 447/8. With only 47 overs left in the match and the Cobras needing 401 runs to win there was little chance of any outcome other than a draw and that was how it turned out. There was little opportunity for anybody to make an impression on the innings though Matthew Scoble's 46 was a good sign of his increasing form. Match drawn. 3. Erschoff 2. Masters 1. O'Neill --------------------------------- THE FINAL WORD By Prince Charles Great news this week with the announcement of the yet to be named CricSim North v CricSim South clash, penned down to occur at the end of the regular season. The competition will see a northern side filled with Queensland and Great Britain players taking on a southern side that includes players from New South Wales, Victoria and New Zealand. Perhaps not enough Gamblers players have "touched wood" after shooting their mouths off about the team's stellar batting line up. Their round five score of 98 was not only the lowest score this season but the lowest team total since the Pumas massive collapse in round 13 last season. I doubt however that this setback with dent the team's confidence one bit. Still on the Gamblers... it was interesting to note that despite several attempts to obtain a comment from key Gamblers players regarding the recent form of Brett Kennedy, none were prepared to speak. Has a media ban been placed on them by the man himself? For a club that has previously had so much to say, the silence coming from them this week was interesting to say the least. They may be undefeated so far this season but the Vipers players are remaining tight lipped when it comes to the "F" word finals. Rumours have circulated this week that a team meeting was called with players warned that any mention of the finals would be heavily frowned upon. The official team line seems to be "we're just taking it one game at a time" and with their next match presenting them with a chance to finish the perfect start to the season, it is set to be an absolute cracker! |
| Posted by: Scott |
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