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CricSim Herald Season 9, Edition 8 THE RUN HOME By GEC KING As was expected at the beginning of the season, season 9 has been the closest season ever of the Bannerman Shield. The ebbs and flows of the competition have seen teams lose to last, win against first, and generally show inconsistent form from one game to the next. Thus it is with great trepidation that we will today try to make the finals puzzle a little easier for all of you through analysing your teams' chances of making it to the top three. Vipers: The Vipers have pretty much been pencilled into the finals since the halfway point of the comp, having gone undefeated through 7 rounds. With two losses from their last four starts, they will suddenly be looking over their shoulder at the pack developing behind them. However, with a 14 point buffer to second, they should be safe in qualifying for their first grand final. With a fairly easy run home, they should find themselves in form heading into the once struggling club's finest hour. Key man: DA Eggman has gone from strength to strength this season, emerging as one of the premier half dozen fasties in the comp. With 64 wickets at a touch over 21, he is the man to take them all the way. Current Points: 82 Run Home: Rd 12 v. Sticky Wickets (H) Rd 13 v. Cyclones (A) Rd 14 v. Gamblers (A) CH Predicted Finish: First. With a relatively easy run, we're predicting the Vipers to cruise through the last three games without a loss and finish on 112 points. The Grand Final here they come. Pumas: Having started the season at a crawl, the Pumas have gradually developed momentum in recent times. They've got their side right and their big name recruit, Theo Miokovic has started to hit some form after a stint in the ALC. The pack is breathing down their neck but this is one occasion where it's far more preferable to be the hunted than the hunter. An eight point gap to third and fourth means that they must stay on their toes, but likewise, continuing their good form could see them put pressure on the Vipers for the Minor Premiership should the Vipers trip up. With three rounds to go, the Pumas will face two massive games against teams looking to make a late season charge and overtake them. The Cyclones, in round 12 will be desperate for a win to stay in the hunt while the Stingrays game, away from home, could be the Pumas' acid test in their charge towards an inaugural final series. Key Man: Enjoying one of his finest seasons, Scott flack is the heart and soul of this side. Averaging 58 with the bat and 33 with the ball, he has had a season that many can only dream of. He needs to continue this form for his team to make their inaugural finals series. Current Points: 68 Run Home: Rd 12 v. Cyclones (H) Rd 13 v. Stingrays (A) Rd 14 v. Crusaders (A) CH Predicts: Third: They should easily account for the Cyclones and Crusaders but we think that the Stingrays will have too much for the in form team. The difference between second and third could well come down to quotient. Sticky Wickets: Nobody would have predicted at the start of the season that the Sticky Wickets would sit in third position with three rounds to go. The popular choice for the spoon, they are undoubtedly the biggest surprise package of the season. Unfortunately for them, they will finish the season with three away games including two against big contenders for the title. A tough assignment against the Vipers is followed up by a trip to the Strip, a ground which doesn't favour a team with no specialist spinner. A visit to another tough home ground, the Unkindness, finishes their regular season. With the Ravens on the same amount of points as them, the final game of the regular season shapes as a possible semi final qualifier. Key Man: Ben Jacobs might seem an odd choice but with key away games on spinning decks, the former under achiever will have to continue to perform and some. With 44 wickets at 31 accompanying a batting average of almost 26, he has had his best season to date. Current Points: 60 The Run Home: Rd 12 v. Vipers (A) Rd 13 v. Gamblers (A) Rd 14 v. Ravens (A) CH Predicts: Fifth: A difficult run home will see this side's bubble burst. We predict them to win only one of their final three and miss the finals. Ravens: If the Sticky Wickets are the surprise packets, the Ravens aren't far behind. With a team lacking the stars of past Ravens outfits, they were all but written off before the season had begun, yet now find themselves with a finals birth in their own destiny. Their run home is, however, is one of the most difficult of any of the contenders. With games against the three teams around them, including two away from home, these games all shape as virtual '20 point games' where the swing of a win or loss is more than just them not getting points. They will need at least two wins to give themselves a likely chance of being there come finals time. Key Man: Robert Cribb has been a beacon of strength for the youthful Ravens this season. With 889 runs averaging over 40 and 47 wickets at 32, his figures stack up with the best in the comp. Current Points: 60 The Run Home: Rd 12 v. Stingrays (A) Rd 13 v. Cyclones (A) Rd 14 v. Sticky Wickets (H) CH Predicts: Fourth: Two wins from three will see this side just miss the finals. A loss to the Stingrays and round 12 will prove the difference. Stingrays: The premiers of last season look to have overcome a horror mid-section of the season that saw them sink to only 2 wins from their first six games, with 4 wins from their last 5 starts. With expectation rising of another successful season, a lot will rest on the Stingrays rising to the pressure. Three must win games stand before them in their quest for an unlikely finals appearance. In their favour is that all three games will be back at Fever Pitch, after heading on the road for 7 consecutive rounds mid-season as their stadium underwent upgrades. With games against the Ravens, Pumas and Cyclones, the very fact that they are at home will not be enough to assure victory. Just one loss and their charge will almost certainly be sunk. Key Player: Gareth Weaver is no doubt the breakthrough player of season 9. With 48 wickets at under 25 a piece, he has been the star bowler in a Stingrays bowling lineup containing two of the top 6 ranked bowlers in the comp. Backing this up is his 621 runs at 36.53. He will need to maintain the rage for the Stingrays to make the finals. Current Points: 58 The Run Home: Rd 12 v. Ravens (H) Rd 13 v. Pumas (H) Rd 14 v. Cyclones (H) CH Predicts: Second: With three home games remaining, we're predicting 3/3 and a home semi final on quotient for the Stingrays. First innings points will also come into play. Cyclones: The Cyclones rookies have really stood up this season, giving us a glimpse at a bright future for the club after being given little chance at the beginning of the season given the loss of a host of stars. The future could come early for this team if it can string together three more good performances. Standing in their way is the toughest run of any team over the next three rounds. Away games against the second placed Pumas and the ever dangerous Stingrays shape as difficult games while they will also face the first placed Vipers at home in Round 13. They will start each game as the underdog and a monumental performance will be necessary for this team to qualify. A Cyclones premiership might have to wait at least one more season. Key Player: As always, the ever consistent Dempsey is the key man. Indisputably the best keeper in the game, he has taken his batting to an entirely new level this season, averaging in excess of 50 for the first time in a Bannerman Shield season. He will need to continue to fire if they are to be any chance of making the finals. Current Points: 52 The Run Home: Rd 12 v. Pumas (A) Rd 13 v. Vipers (H) Rd 14 v. Stingrays (A) CH Predicts: Sixth. They've got our predicted three finalists, including two away from home. No chance. With the amount of upsets and the closeness of the season, no doubt we are in for at least a couple more surprise twists and turns in this competition. We at CH look forward to it as much as the rest of you. ? ?-----------------------------------------------------------?? BANNERMAN SHIELD REVIEW By Prince Charles Round 10 Ravens v Cyclones @ Unkindness A 166 run partnership by century makers JB Dempsey and TR Man helped the Cyclones to 360 runs in their first innings against the Ravens. But on their home turf, the Ravens were still able to take first innings points outscoring the Cyclones by 18 runs despite no one making a century. However making triple figures was no problem for the Cyclones in their second dig with Dempsey and Man again passing the milestone. Tim and myself want to make the finals. said Dempsey. If hitting tons in both innings does that, that's what we'll do! Honestly, it was like lollipops being thrown at me all day and I was just eating them up. laughed TR Man. Speaking of eating, you have no idea how hungry I was out there after batting for so long. About halfway through I went up to Dempsey and was like, "Yo dude I could really go for some KFC right now. Their new Burger Deluxe meal is now only $4.99. That's right, $4.99. Only at a KFC outlet near you." ffice:smarttags" /> Needing over 400 for victory, the home side couldn't even get close, collapsing for 183 despite RST Downpipes scoring his second 50 for the match. MJ Johns taking 5 / 34 to help close down the Ravens innings leaving the Cyclones president feeling confident. With the likes of Man, Welker, Johns and Green in such good form at the moment, I don't think anyone should be too surprised if we make appearance come finals time. Result 1st Innings Cyclones 360 all out (107.3 overs) JB Dempsey 103 RG Cribb 3/39 TR Man 102 AJ James 3/68 Ravens 388 all out (136.5 overs) RST Downpipes 88 SM Green 4/77 RG Cribb 80 WC Welker 2/70 2nd Innings Cyclones 443 all out (134.0 overs) JB Dempsey 102 P Orr 4/84 TR Man 100 G Shriram 2/61 Ravens 183 all out (72.2 overs) RST Downpipes 56 MJ Johns 5/34 SM Green 2/29 Cyclones win by 232 runs Pumas v Gamblers @ the Mountains A solid 159 by NG Miokovic laid the platform for the Pumas to put a solid total on the Gamblers at The Mountains. While the Pumas tail faded quickly, the side still managed 385 despite RE Hallett taking 5/58. The Gamblers retort began well as BJT Manera brought up his first hundred for the season but he lacked support. The rest of the top order making starts but failing to go on with them to see the side all out for 291. With the pitch turning more bowler friendly by the second, the Pumas batsmen really struggled to add to their lead. RE Hallett was again dominant, adding six more wickets to his first innings haul and along with BJ Taylor had the home side back in the pavilion for just 152. Needing 246 runs, most punters were leaning towards the Gamblers star batsmen eclipsing that total with ease but they were sadly wrong. Not for the first time this season, the Gamblers stars appeared more like rookies as many of their big names disappeared without a whimper including a second ball duck to BJ Kennedy. Unwanted next season, SM Morgan was the only Gamblers player to fire with his not out 51 nearly pulling them out of trouble but he ran out of partners with 65 runs still needed. Result 1st Innings Pumas 385 all out (97.3 overs) NG Miokovic 159 RE Hallett 5/58 MSM Monkeywrench 74 BJ Taylor 2/82 Gamblers 291 all out (104.1 overs) BJT Manera 111 AD Hunt 4/69 B Kennedy 36 SA Flack 2/63 2nd Innings Pumas 152 all out (47.2 overs) MSM Monkeywrench 34 RE Hallett 6/47 BJ Taylor 3/51 Gamblers 181 all out (59.5 overs) SM Morgan 51* SA Flack 4/33 BJT Manera 42 C Man 3/45 Pumas win by 65 runs Sticky Wickets v Crusaders @ Stevil Oval It hasn't been a great season for the Crusaders with one of the games oldest clubs failing to deliver as they aimed to forget last season's wooden spoon. But still possessing one of the games strongest bowling attacks, they gave themselves a chance against the Sticky Wickets, preventing any player from getting on top of them and restricting the home side to 331. But any team that possess DG Speirs is never out of the game. Enjoying his best season to date, the likeable Speirs showed patience and class as he brought up his fourth ton for the season. But his side needed another hero and with no one standing up, the Stickies ended their innings just 225 runs ahead. 60s to MR Hayes and It certainly came down to the wire. said team veteran C Kovas. The team batted very well in our first innings and I was very pleased with my own performance, with a slow but solid 30 runs. Coming in to bat in the final innings proved to be tough for the boys. Some nervous moments ensued as Result 1st Innings Sticky Wickets 331 all out (112.3 overs) AJ Parker 67 L Tyson 3/76 JP Thornton 47 SB Wilson 3/98 Crusaders 509 all out (149.5 overs) S Bakkum 220 SDR Laing 4/100 M Perry 106 JR Denton 3/116 2nd Innings Sticky Wickets 403 all out (119.1 overs) DG Speirs 149 C Kovas 3/64 JP Thornton 60 SB Wilson 3/77 Crusaders 229/8 (70.5 overs) MR Hayes 68 SDR Laing 4/54 S Bakkum 61 DG Speirs 2/28 Crusaders win by 2 wickets Vipers v Stingrays @ Snake Pit Last season's premiers are back! That was the message they sent out to all Bannerman Shield teams after they delivered a thumping victory over this season's leaders - the Vipers. GEC King and GJ Weaver did the damage early for the visitors as they combined perfectly to dismiss the Vipers for 255. It proved to be the decisive part of the game as both sides went on to put on 500 plus scores in their next innings. The Stingrays looking once more like the side of last season with centuries to BL Hornby and K Fung. The Vipers needed something special and despite their top three going for just 13, their middle order fired with T Delonge and CJ Devonshire making centuries. In total, 502 runs were put on the board as they tried to reclaim some hope in the match. But it wasn't enough. Needing just under 200, the Stingrays stormed back into finals contention with an eight wicket win that will no doubt have top three sides looking over their shoulders. It's good to see we are back in the running. claimed K Fung. Our batting has let us down all season, but this last game shows that we are well and truly back! I think we chose the right time to fire. Result 1st Innings Vipers 255 all out (77.4 overs) J Torres 59 GEC King 4/63 BA Storer 39 GJ Weaver 3/46 Stingrays 575 all out (171.0 overs) BL Hornby 130 DA Eggman 5/139 K Fung 124 BA Storer 3/122 2nd Innings Vipers 502 all out (139.5 overs) T Delonge 131 GJ Weaver 3/89 CJ Devonshire 108 BL Hornby 2/43 Stingrays 183/2 (54.3 overs) A Vago 71 DA Eggman 2/43 DG Dafter 51 Stingrays win by 8 wickets ROUND 11 Pumas v Ravens @ The Mountains Arch enemies is perhaps an understatement when it comes to the Pumas and Ravens rivalry. Since their inception, these two clubs have despised each other and it was clear that both sides wanted to maintain the rage as they clashed at The Mountains. Having lost their earlier encounter this season, the Ravens got off to a good start this time round, rolling the Pumas for 278. TA Miokovic made a lone stand scoring 102 while ALC sensation M Chung brought his good form to the top grade, taking 3/53. Promoted to opener at the expense of X Meister, R Cribb played out a patient 82 but the star of the Ravens innings was G Shriram, scoring 108 to boost the number six batsman's average to over 45. AD Hunt the main destroyer for the home side as he claimed five wickets. However the match took a major turn as the Pumas came out for their second innings. A second ball duck to NG Miokovic wasn't the start they needed, but the recovered quickly with his brother TA Miokovic adding 90 to his first innings ton while SA Flack scored 100 his fifth for the season. The Pumas finally dismissed for 409. Needing 340 for victory, the Ravens still fancied their chances. Enter AJ Izett. The medium pacer claiming season best figures as he nearly single handily took down the Ravens. His 6/42, which included most of the Ravens top order, started an avalanche that didn't stop. Yeah surprising isn't it. Izett told the Herald. Gone are the days that the allanator was there simply to make up the numbers. I'm in the form of my life and loving it. The Pumas taking the clash by 144 runs. Result 1st Innings Pumas 278 all out (74.5 overs) TA Miokovic 102 MP Chung 3/53 MSM Monkeywrench 50 AJ James 3/65 Ravens 347 all out (109.1 overs) G Shriram 108 AD Hunt 5/92 RG Cribb 82 AJ Izett 2/43 2nd Innings Pumas 409 all out (111.0 overs) SA Flack 100 RG Cribb 3/82 TA Miokovic 90 AD Funkotron 3/92 Ravens 196 all out (69.5 overs) G Shriram 62 AJ Izett 6/42 E Ames 32 JP Wilkinson 2/54 Pumas win by 144 runs Cyclones v Sticky Wickets @ BOM Stop the fight. I've seen enough. DG Speirs is the best batsman this season in the Bannerman Shield. While he fell just three runs short of his fifth ton this season in the match against the Cyclones, he still once again top scored for his side as the Stickies registered 390 runs. It just seems like everything has fallen into place this season. said the opener. I get to bat regularly on a road at Stevil Oval, and for the first time in quite a while I've got a settled opening partner who's scoring well, and in fact generally out-scoring me, which takes plenty of pressure off me and allows me to go at my own pace every innings. While Speirs was the hero for the visitors with the bat, BC Jacobs did the job for them with the ball, taking 5/87. But that wasn't enough to stop the Cyclones making a real game of it, as RK Fittaman's century helped his side make 378. The old firm of Speirs and JP Thornton laid a solid platform in the Stickies second dig, adding 142 before Speirs fell for 67. Fifties to their next two continued this trend but the tail fell away to be all out for 363. But the damage was done. The Cyclones unable to secure a much needed win as they faltered 114 runs short to continue to float one spot out of the top four. Result 1st Innings Sticky Wickets 390 all out (119.0 overs) DG Speirs 97 WC Welker 3/81 B Dover 76 AM Farhat 2/29 Cyclones 368 all out (111.2 overs) RK Fittaman 105 BC Jacobs 5/87 M Deane 95 SDR Laing 4/72 2nd Innings Sticky Wickets 363 all out (111.5 overs) JP Thornton 98 WC Welker 4/67 DG Speirs 67 M Deane 3/72 Cyclones 271 all out (86.1 overs) JP Gonzalez 58 BC Jacobs 4/72 RK Fittaman 53 SDR Laing 2/52 Sticky Wickets win by 114 runs Vipers v Crusaders @ Snake Pit A solid start for the Crusaders against the floundering Vipers as they clashed at the Snake Pit. The hard work done for the Crusaders off the bats of P Retzel and M Perry, both dismissed just a handful of runs short of centuries. DA Eggman took 5/90 as the Crusaders innings finished on 450. The Vipers responded in kind, with three players making 80s to bring their total to 369. SB Wilson keeping his side in the lead with a brilliant 5/87. A big second innings score was still needed to shut down the Vipers and while the Crusaders didn't fail, they no doubt would have liked to set a bigger target for the competition leaders to chase. They still had their work cut out needing just over 350 and their innings was certainly not without some nervous moments. But in the end the Vipers were simply the better side despite the best efforts of "It's disappointing obviously." said WIlson. "But you take the positives instead of the negatives. We pushed the best team into the comp to the limit, I'm certainly pleased with most of the performance." An important win for the Vipers which will no doubt go a long way to rebuilding team confidence after a slight drop in form. Result 1st Innings Crusaders 450 all out (141.5 overs) M Perry 98 DA Eggman 5/90 P Retzel 96 HJ Bots 2/76 Vipers 369 all out (102.3 overs) T Delonge 89 SB Wilson 5/87 JE McGrath 84 L Tyson 3/100 2nd Innings Crusaders 270 all out (74.0 overs) V Noir 78 BA Storer 4/60 BI Immanuel 49 DA Eggman 3/59 Vipers 353/8 (101.4 overs) JRE Luffman 81 SB Wilson 4/99 JE McGrath 77 L Tyson 2/51 Vipers win by 2 wickets Stingrays v Gamblers @ Fever Pitch Their season now fizzing out with barely a whimper, the Gamblers at least had two men stand up with the ball. Both WD Robinson and BJ Taylor took five wicket hauls to help restrict last season's premiers to 357. Robinson's display even more impressive given it was his first Bannerman Shield match in six seasons. However the Gamblers once again failed to live up to their reputation as a batting dream team dismissed for 294 with GEC King taking 6/88. BJ Kennedy keeping his purple patch going with 59 but failing to grab the match by the scruff of the neck and make a big score. Already in the lead, the Stingrays second innings was intimidating. 559 runs were scored, highlighted by a stunning 129 by BL Hornby. It was enough to defeat any side and the Gamblers barely even put up a fight. The visitors rolled for 146 476 runs short. King making it a ten wicket match as he took 4/41 as the Stingrays' resurgence continued on. Result 1st Innings Stingrays 357 all out (112.0 overs) BH Borisc 79 WD Robinson 5/83 DG Dafter 78 BJ Taylor 5/97 Gamblers 294 all out (99.0 overs) L Popovic 66 GEC King 6/88 B Kennedy 59 GJ Weaver 3/71 2nd Innings Stingrays 559/8 dec. (134.0 overs) BL Hornby 126 TG Bullpitt 3/109 ZA Berkuta 97 BJ Taylor 3/125 Gamblers 146 all out (45.1 overs) L Popovic 46* AP Farnsworth 4/36 GEC King 4/41 Stingrays win by 476 runs BANNERMAN SHIELD STATS By GJ WEAVER At the end of Round 11: Most Runs 1. JP Thornton - 1428 2. DG Speirs - 1269 3. SA Flack - 1103 4. S Bakkum - 1099 5. E Ames - 1048 Most 50's 1. A Vago - 9 2= 3 others on 8 Most 100's 1. SA Flack - 5 2= TR Man - 4 2= DG Speirs - 4 4. 8 others on 3 Most 4's 1. JP Thornton - 121 2. DG Speirs - 114 3. DR Armstrong - 102 4= SA Flack - 95 4= S Bakkum - 95 Most 6's 1. BL Hornby - 19 2. G Shriram - 14 3= 3 others on 13 Most Wickets 1. SB Wilson - 72 2= BJ Taylor - 64 2= DA Eggman - 64 4. JR Denton - 55 5. SDR Laing - 51 Most 5fers 1= SB Wilson - 6 1= DA Eggman - 6 3. BJ Taylor - 5 4. AP Farnsworth - 4 Highest Scores 1. JP Gonzalez - 240 vs. Gamblers 2. SA Flack - 221* vs. Ravens 3. S Bakkum - 220 vs. Sticky Wickets 4. JP Thornton - 216* vs. Ravens 5. DR Armstrong - 214 vs. Stingrays 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. SB Wilson - 6/36 vs. Pumas ??-----------------------------------------------------------?? ALC REVIEW By M Deane & BJT Manera Round 10 Brumbies vs Test Eagles A topsy-turvy encounter between these two sides saw momentum change sides like a tennis ball, back and forth from each side. The Test Eagles started strongest as they blew away the Brumbies for a paltry 107 with the four frontline bowlers all chipping in. The Brumbies began their reply well with two quick wickets from KF Tait but the partnership that followed seemingly took the game away from the Brumbies as JA Robertson made his way to 111 and surpassed the number of runs managed by the entire Brumbies line up. The Test Eagles were eventually all out for 307 with Tait completing a five wicket haul. As the Brumbies began their second innings there sole ambition was to knock of the deficit and set the Test Eagles a tricky total to chase. AJ O'Neill was particularly focused on the goal as the rookie wicket keeper managed a massive 198 in the Brumbies total, which ended up at 424 thanks to a useful fifty from allrounder Mitch Johns. The Test Eagles must have fancied their chances in chasing 223 runs to win but what followed was a master class of pace bowling from the young Kyle Tait as he went on to record the first 10 wicket innings in CricSim history. In what was a monumental effort, Tait singlehandedly wrenched victory from the grasp of the Test Eagles and laughed in their faces. Brumbies win by 102 runs Kittens vs Punters The Kittens registered a competitive total of 350 thanks to a number of middle order contributors though Lucas Schaw's 81 was the highlight of the lot. For the Punters the bulky opening bowler WD Robinson stood shoulders above the others as he claimed 6 Kittens wickets. The Punters innings could be likened to a sandwich, a large contribution at the top of the order from Morgan Burridge, who made 111, and half centuries in the lower order with not much else in between. The Punters eventually staggered their way to 402. A less impressive effort from the Kittens saw them dismissed for 267 with just two half centuries in the innings. The largest of which came from allrounder L Lover who made a sparkling 81 to give the scorecard some sense of credibility. WD Robinson took 6 wickets for the second time in the match to finish with match figures of 12/182. The Punters went about chasing the total in a professional manner and made it across the line with 7 wickets in hand, Burridge's contribution took the Punters within touching distance of the finish line but it was Brett Hall's unbeaten half century that secured the victory. Punters win by 7 wickets. Cobras vs Crocodiles A solid effort from the Cobras saw them total 324 thanks to contributions from most of the top order. 3 players registered half centuries, including Lee Sweetman's 61, and 6 players made starts. The Crocodiles response was commanding, opener BH Borisc scored a magnificent 242 to put his side in the driving seat while Chris Golding rammed home the advantage with an unbeaten 139* from the number seven spot. Cameron Darts continued his form with the ball though his six wickets did come at a price. The Crocodiles were eventually all out for 590. Despite conceding a huge deficit in the first innings, the Cobras weren't willing to roll over and give up the game. They showed some impressive determination as they compiled 424 thanks in no small part to a century from number three OJ Carson. The chase was never going to prove too challenging a task for the Crocodiles and they knocked off the required runs for the loss of J Steele's wicket. BH Borisc wrapped up a fantastic game for himself with a free flowing 78* Crocodiles win by 9 wickets. Kings vs Knights An innings that was very much full of rocks and diamonds for the Kings saw them make 459, only 3 players made more than 21 but between them they amassed 370 runs; the highlight of which was AJ Son's majestic 160 from just 194 deliveries. Knights legspinner JJ Ritchie continued his promising debut season with yet another five wicket haul. When it come to the time for them to bat the Knights seemed to struggle in pursuit of a moderately imposing total. Only Hugh Roberts passed 50 in the Knights innings of 272. The Kings bowlers appeared to enjoy more success, in particular Josh Whicker and Matt Dorn who took four wickets apiece. The Kings second innings ended up being the Alastair Son show. Where the other first innings contributors faultered, AJ Son repeated his brilliance with a better than run a ball 149. A number of lower order contributions took the Kings total to 363 and effectively gave the Knights no hope of the win. Staring down the barrel, the Knights knew they were goingto need something remarkable to get close to winning but stiil, they would have been very disappointed with their efforts. The Kings new ball bowlers blew away the top order before MD Dorn came on to wrap up the tail as the Knights were all out for 191. Nigel Hunt's 42 was the only thing preventing an even more humiliating defeat. Kings win by 358 runs. ROUND 11 Punters vs Crocodiles The Punters struck early in the first innings, bowling J Batesman for a duck. The Punters could not capitalise on this and the Crocodiles put on 177 runs before their next wicket fell. J Steele did his job, putting on 76 runs whilst LA Pilgrim went on to make 109. DRP Taylor continued his good form in the ALC this season with an unbeaten hundred. The Punters needed to chase a total of 339 in the first innings but struggled immensely, posting a mere total of 85. SJ Cambridge was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4 wickets for 36 runs whilst HT Davis and ME Kozole both picked up 3 wickets each. The Punters were forced to bat again and this time made a solid total of 434. BS Read and BR Hall both made hundreds, the later managing his high score of 161. NJ Stacker also contributed a solid 84. C Golding was the pick of the bowlers taking 4 wickets for 59. The Crocodiles needed to chase 180, which they did with ease. Both the opening batsmen managed solid scores in the sixties and only lost four wickets before accomplishing the win. Cobras vs Knights After being beaten by 9 wickets in round 10, the Cobras were looking to extract some revenge. It only took ten runs before the Knights first wicket fell and it was not long until Knight's reach a miserable total of 75. CB Darts put on his best performance in his career, taking 6 wickets for 38 for the Cobras. The Cobras replied to the Knight's dismal total by putting on 252 runs with A Johnson making 53. N Hunt picked up 4 wickets for 59. After the Knight's embarrassing performance in the first innings, they restored their pride by posting a massive total of 591. TJ Clough and HD Roberts both put on centuries, achieving scores of 127 and 159. A Bannerman contributed a solid 81 runs whilst the bowling all-rounder CJ Smith made his high score of 65. CB Darts picked up his 10 wickets of the match, taking four wickets in the second innings. Despite having the advantage after the first innings, the Cobras were not able chase the Knight's lead of 417. LM Sweetman put on 76 runs, but the Cobras were all out for 220. The Knights did very well to come from behind and JJ Ritchie picked up 6 wickets for 68 to lead them to a 197 run victory. Brumbies vs Kings The Kings put on 54 runs before they lost four quick wickets which saw them 4/85. JEM Logan who made an unbeaten 73 and a quick 31 by SJ Nova guided the Kings to a total of 222. J McDougal did the damage with the ball, taking 5 wickets for 50 which include the removal of the top four batsmen. KF Tait picked up three wickets whilst JH Ridd picked up two. The Brumbies got the better of the Kings in the first innings, reaching a total of 307, giving them a lead of almost 100 runs. S Masters made a solid 134 and AD Culum managed 53. Z Payne collected four of the wickets whilst the rest were shared by the Kings bowlers. The Kings managed a similar total to the Brumbies in the second innings, reaching a 297 runs. JS Shiva, AJ Son and JEM Logan all put on fifties. JH Ridd stood up for the Brumbies bowling attack, taking six wickets for 75. The lead of 212 was not enough, with the Brumbies only losing four wickets in the chase. LG Fernandes made an unbeaten 67 in his first game of the season and JE Harding made a handy 49. JT Whicker collected 3 wickets for 55 but it was not enough. Kittens vs Test Eagles The Kittens lost a wicket early but recovered well. The Kitten's reliable keeper, RA Boy, put on a 64 runs. LE Schaw came in at number four and put on 53 runs, but it was DA Astele who contributed the most to the total, making 161 which included three sixes. The Kitten's total of 404 was impressive, but it was CW Jennings's haul of eight wickets which was most mesmerising. JA Robertson topped the scoring in the Test Eagle's reply. He was unlucky, getting out for 90, but he guided his team to reach the total of 337. All-rounder DA Astele backed up his 161 with six wickets for 84. The Kittens put on a further 273 runs to increase their lead in the second innings. L Lover topped scored with 75 runs whilst RW Raine contributed 52 runs. CW Jennings collected 11 wickets for the match, taking three wickets. KD Kobain cleaned up the tail taking four wickets for 29. The chase proved too much for the Test Eagles, falling short by 138 runs. KD Kobain backed up his bowling with a score of 68 but he was not supported by any of the other batsmen. K Bovver bowled well for the Kittens, amassing 5 wickets for 66, whilst PF Oz picked up 3 wickets for 48. --------------------------------------------------- PLAYER OF THE WEEK By BJT Manera It is only fitting that the inaugural CricSim Herald Player of the Week recognises a player who has achieved one of the greatest feats that can be achieved in the beloved sport of Cricket. What is this feat you ask? Well it is nothing other than the 15 wicket haul of KF Tait attained in the ALC match between the Brumbies and Test Eagles. What makes this performance even more astonishing is the fact that KF Tait took all ten wickets in the second innings to ultimately win the match for the Brumbies. This feat may have been achieved in the Second XI division, but it is an accomplishment that is rarely witnessed in the game of cricket and it very likely that it will never be achieved in CricSim again. His epic triumph will always be remembered. In the lead up to this game, KF Tait was struggling to find form. He started the season in the Cyclone's XI before eventually being demoted to the ALC competition to find the form which gave him the opportunity to play in firsts. KF Tait was not going to let his team mates and selector down, and in his first game back in the ALC he took a 10 wicket haul although this was obtained with 5 wickets in each innings. He then backed this game up with his divine performance spoken of above. He then followed this up with 5 wickets in his most recent match against the Kings. I wish KF Tait the best of luck in his endeavours to force his way back into the Cyclone's XI. If he continues to dominate in the ALC until the season's end, it will not take long. He will be hoping to become the leading wicket taker for his team next season and to help lead them on their quest for the Bannerman Shield. ------------------------------------ THE FINAL WORD By P Charles What's that old saying? Where there's smoke, there's fire and if we are to read anything out of the smoke billowing from Cyclones headquarters this week, there may well be a raging inferno roaring within. Rumours are circulating that club hero and newly reinstated president JP Dempsey will not be a Cyclone in Season 10. While Dempsey went on record for the Final Word to say he will definitely be a Cyclone next season, there are many club presidents who are quietly confident that they will have his services in Season 10. ----------------------------------- It may have slipped under the noses of many of our games statisticians, but an interesting milestone is fast approaching some of the Bannerman Shield's most experienced batsmen. No player has achieved it yet, but the race to 50 Bannerman Shield centuries is hotting up. At last count, BJT Manera was in the lead with 46, while BJ Kennedy and A Vago sit on 44 with DG Speirs only an outside hope, sitting on 40. --------------------------------- Heard a rumour? Seen something you perhaps shouldn't have seen? The Final Word wants to hear from you! If you have something you think we might be interested in - please send a Private Message to Prince Charles. |
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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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