GAME TEN
VS DORA CREEK
Another one that got away! This time failing by eight runs to haul down the Dora Creek total of 110.
Having won the toss the Grizzlies followed the pre-match plan of sending the opposition in to bat. The new opening bowlers, Liam Guest (1/8) and Mackenzie Morison (0/6) did hold back the run rate, but wasted too many deliveries outside the stumps to put too much pressure on the batsmen, and it wasn’t until Liam’s final ball that he picked up his wicket. Josh Parsons and Ben Jenkins then took up the attack. Josh bowled some unplayable deliveries, but he tended to be too short, and he paid the penalty. Ben bowled very accurately, his six overs costing only 14 runs. Neither picked up a wicket, and this meant that the Dora Creek had lots of batsmen left. Adam Gunster did run out of the batsmen out when they took on his arm, Mitchell Brown taking the bails off quickly to complete the run out. By this time the Dora Creek batsmen were hitting everything – catches were put down, and the scoring rate increased steadily. Matt Mascord (2/18) did pick up the Dora Creek star, Ben Jenkins holding a sensational catch in the deep. But the opening batsman was still there, finishing with an unconquered 37. Again, sundries were a major contributor, totalling 28, with 18 no-balls and 5 wides allowing the score to move past the century.
While the bowling was astray, the batting was courageous and inspirational. Liam Guest opened and was adventurous, taking on the field with exceptional running between wickets. He was very solid until given out lbw to a ball which collected an edge for a well compiled 15. Mark Rumford had just been dismissed also. Although only scoring 3, he had held out the Dora Creek speedsters for six and a half overs and the opening partnership was worth 24. With the openers gone, Mackenzie Morison (9) and Nathan Birt (11) continued to consolidate, slowly edging the score forward. When Macca fell, the score was 59, with 18 over gone. At this time Tim Rodgers and Adam Gunster took control. Adam (17) showed the benefit of some excellent work in the nets, his improved defence holding out the better Dora Creek bowlers before he took on the loose deliveries bowled later, hitting powerfully through the leg. Tim was magnificent. He watched the ball closely, and hit out when the bowlers strayed in length – one drive through mid-on was exceptional, and his treatment of short balls effective. When the Dora Creek captain returned to bowl his final over, Tim calmly played out the maiden, leaving four balls go outside the off stump and perfectly playing the other two straight down the pitch, much to the opposition’s disgust. At the end of the 25th over, the Grizzlies had victory in their sights with 86 on the board. With 8 runs off the first five balls the score had moved to 92 – Tim smacked a short delivery to leg, which would have sailed to the boundary had not a fieldsman thrown himself to his left to take a left handed catch centimetres from the ground. Tim had made an excellent 27, but the game had swung back to Dora Creek. Adam Gunster tried to hit out, but was run out trying to keep the run rate going, and Mitch Brown and Eli Love lost wickets going for big shots. The Grizzlies finished at 8/102, desperately close to victory.
A great batting effort against the fastest bowlers in the competition!
Match Points
2 Tim Rodgers
1 Liam Guest, Mark Rumford, Adam Gunster, Ben Jenkins
Monday, December 22, 2008
VECC Team Red Seniors make it 8 in a row
GAME ELEVEN 20/12/08
VS TORONTO RSL MUDCRABS
The Reds continued on their winning way, showing their depth as different players contributed strongly to the impressive victory, the Reds over hauling the opposition’s 114 for the loss of only two wickets.
The new soccer ground surface does have a great deal of bounce, and the Reds bowlers took every advantage of the extra bounce to make quick inroads into the Toronto line –up. Matt Keast’s height enables him to get the ball off a good length, and his opening overs were impressive, the opposition batsmen playing and missing often outside the off and having a great deal of difficulty adjusting. Matt’s wicket came in the first over, the ball coming off an inside edge to take the stumps. Rohan Kennedy (1/12) at the other end was just as impressive, his wicket coming off an edge to ‘keeper Neil Best from a mis-timed cut shot, the extra bounce Rohan obtained from his powerful shoulder action confounding the batsmen. Dave Lowry (3/15) and Matt Hardaker (2/10) then ripped the heart out of the middle order, both bowling exceptionally. They were well backed up in the field, Joe Pidutti taking a screamer in the covers from their best batsman, the ball hanging in the air for an eternity. Joe didn’t even juggle it! Matt Hardaker also took a high one off his own bowling, having to contend with the batsmen running past and three other fielders all converging, while Neil Best took a more regular offering off Matt. (Mind you, it was good to see Nick Hardaker contribute to the fine tin by dropping one off his brother, his brother unimpressed even though Nick did do superbly to reach it.) Elliot Best (1/31) and Sunny Bhasin (1/12) each picked up a wicket. Elliot completed the leg spinner’s dream by bowling a batsman around his legs, but it wasn’t his best performance, too many deliveries going wide down the leg. A stubborn 9th wicket partnership was finished by a returning Dave Lowry, and Nick Hardaker also got into the act gaining the umpire’s nod to complete the rout.
Toronto’s opening bowlers were quite quick, and Neil Best and Mark Stiller were very watchful for the first several overs, the only runs coming off Neil’s slashes through gully and some well judged singles. Mark was unlucky, his drive through slips only found safe hands. But his dismissal brought Joe Pidutti to the crease. Joe’s back foot style enabled him to take every advantage of every loose delivery, and he soon raced past his partner’s score, clubbing through the leg side and timing his shots to perfection. At the other end Neil continued to noodle runs and occasionally took advantage of short balls down the legside. His “off glance” through the slips showed his opening partner how it should have been done!! With three runs to get Neil’s ambitions again outraced his capabilities when he attempted to hit down the ground, spooning an easy catch to mid-off – out for 45. Sunny Bhasin remained collected for a single, and Joe stroked the winning runs with some five and a half overs left. Joe’s unbeaten 55 was a match winning effort. He refused to let the bowlers dominate, and his efforts enabled the Reds to maintain and eventually surpass the required run rate.
The win continues the good form of the Reds, who are unbeaten in their last eight matches with six victories and two draws. The semi-finals look good!!
VS TORONTO RSL MUDCRABS
The Reds continued on their winning way, showing their depth as different players contributed strongly to the impressive victory, the Reds over hauling the opposition’s 114 for the loss of only two wickets.
The new soccer ground surface does have a great deal of bounce, and the Reds bowlers took every advantage of the extra bounce to make quick inroads into the Toronto line –up. Matt Keast’s height enables him to get the ball off a good length, and his opening overs were impressive, the opposition batsmen playing and missing often outside the off and having a great deal of difficulty adjusting. Matt’s wicket came in the first over, the ball coming off an inside edge to take the stumps. Rohan Kennedy (1/12) at the other end was just as impressive, his wicket coming off an edge to ‘keeper Neil Best from a mis-timed cut shot, the extra bounce Rohan obtained from his powerful shoulder action confounding the batsmen. Dave Lowry (3/15) and Matt Hardaker (2/10) then ripped the heart out of the middle order, both bowling exceptionally. They were well backed up in the field, Joe Pidutti taking a screamer in the covers from their best batsman, the ball hanging in the air for an eternity. Joe didn’t even juggle it! Matt Hardaker also took a high one off his own bowling, having to contend with the batsmen running past and three other fielders all converging, while Neil Best took a more regular offering off Matt. (Mind you, it was good to see Nick Hardaker contribute to the fine tin by dropping one off his brother, his brother unimpressed even though Nick did do superbly to reach it.) Elliot Best (1/31) and Sunny Bhasin (1/12) each picked up a wicket. Elliot completed the leg spinner’s dream by bowling a batsman around his legs, but it wasn’t his best performance, too many deliveries going wide down the leg. A stubborn 9th wicket partnership was finished by a returning Dave Lowry, and Nick Hardaker also got into the act gaining the umpire’s nod to complete the rout.
Toronto’s opening bowlers were quite quick, and Neil Best and Mark Stiller were very watchful for the first several overs, the only runs coming off Neil’s slashes through gully and some well judged singles. Mark was unlucky, his drive through slips only found safe hands. But his dismissal brought Joe Pidutti to the crease. Joe’s back foot style enabled him to take every advantage of every loose delivery, and he soon raced past his partner’s score, clubbing through the leg side and timing his shots to perfection. At the other end Neil continued to noodle runs and occasionally took advantage of short balls down the legside. His “off glance” through the slips showed his opening partner how it should have been done!! With three runs to get Neil’s ambitions again outraced his capabilities when he attempted to hit down the ground, spooning an easy catch to mid-off – out for 45. Sunny Bhasin remained collected for a single, and Joe stroked the winning runs with some five and a half overs left. Joe’s unbeaten 55 was a match winning effort. He refused to let the bowlers dominate, and his efforts enabled the Reds to maintain and eventually surpass the required run rate.
The win continues the good form of the Reds, who are unbeaten in their last eight matches with six victories and two draws. The semi-finals look good!!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
VECC junior flagship team fails to make it 4 in a row
Under 15 2s Vs West’s - 6/12/08
A Captains Knock!!!
After winning 3 on the trot we knew that playing the top team was going to be a tough assignment. But, after a good training session we were pretty sure we would give a good account of ourselves.
We found ourselves playing on a tiny field in suburban Lambton and hoped that our bowling could restrict them to a manageable run chase.
We won the toss and sent them in on what could only be described as a green top (admittedly it was painted concrete and as such offered little to the bowlers).
Our opening pair of Dylan Garland and Matt Clancy again showed how bowling a good line and length can restrict even the most talented batsmen. After 8 overs of very consistent bowling, they were 2-21. Shannon Oeser and Daniel Gustard followed with some equally impressive bowling and by the 17 over drinks break they were 3 for 51.
But,like all good sides, West’s did tend to get away from us after a few chances went to ground… (while none of the catches were easy we need to make sure we take everything that comes out way). Lloyd Jarrett and Dan Gustard both took very good catches.
D Risby hit 2 sixes and 3 fours in his 37 runs and their score ended up a very respectable 124.
As we have struggled to get over 100 on many of our innings this was going to be a tough day.
Wicket takers were:
Matt Clancy 6 overs 2 maidens 3 wickets for 14 runs
Dan Gustard 4 overs 1 maiden 1 for 6
Barney Sheargold 3 overs 1 for 14
Alec Stocker 3 overs 1 for 19
Matt Clancy also ran out one batsman after a great throw from Nick Haley
West’s have a very tight bowling attack and set very tight fields so patience was to be the order of the day.
Dan Gustard and Matt Clancy opened the batting, the weather was warming up and it was going to be a very sticky morning.
Daniel played a superb innings – a Captains Knock! - he deserved to carry his bat but was finally out for 42 in the 28th over after he and Alec Stocker had put on 22 for the 10th wicket.
With some of our more credentialed batsmen out cheaply: Dom Bizzarri 2, Matt Clancy 2, Dylan Garland 0; it was up to Scott Rumford and Alec Stocker to try to support Daniel.
In the end the task was simply out of reach. While Matt, Dom, Barney, Nick, Lloyd and Kara all got off the mark they were not able to give Daniel the support he needed. The final target was never really threatened (we got to 82) but Dan’s innings was well worth the trip to Lambton. It was his highest score (he has hit 41 on 2 or 3 occasions) so everyone was very pleased for him. He was patient and determined!
In the last few weeks Dan has shown so much maturity and his leadership has been very important to the team.
Next week we play Charlestown at home in the last game before the Christmas break. Coach Russell will be looking for us to put together a good performance. Let’s hope that all our batters can put it together on the one day!
One boy from Wests should be sleeping lightly this week. His careless comment that Kara is “Only a chick!” could land him in some hot water if she ever uncovers his identity. I reckon the boys would be backing her up too!
A Captains Knock!!!
After winning 3 on the trot we knew that playing the top team was going to be a tough assignment. But, after a good training session we were pretty sure we would give a good account of ourselves.
We found ourselves playing on a tiny field in suburban Lambton and hoped that our bowling could restrict them to a manageable run chase.
We won the toss and sent them in on what could only be described as a green top (admittedly it was painted concrete and as such offered little to the bowlers).
Our opening pair of Dylan Garland and Matt Clancy again showed how bowling a good line and length can restrict even the most talented batsmen. After 8 overs of very consistent bowling, they were 2-21. Shannon Oeser and Daniel Gustard followed with some equally impressive bowling and by the 17 over drinks break they were 3 for 51.
But,like all good sides, West’s did tend to get away from us after a few chances went to ground… (while none of the catches were easy we need to make sure we take everything that comes out way). Lloyd Jarrett and Dan Gustard both took very good catches.
D Risby hit 2 sixes and 3 fours in his 37 runs and their score ended up a very respectable 124.
As we have struggled to get over 100 on many of our innings this was going to be a tough day.
Wicket takers were:
Matt Clancy 6 overs 2 maidens 3 wickets for 14 runs
Dan Gustard 4 overs 1 maiden 1 for 6
Barney Sheargold 3 overs 1 for 14
Alec Stocker 3 overs 1 for 19
Matt Clancy also ran out one batsman after a great throw from Nick Haley
West’s have a very tight bowling attack and set very tight fields so patience was to be the order of the day.
Dan Gustard and Matt Clancy opened the batting, the weather was warming up and it was going to be a very sticky morning.
Daniel played a superb innings – a Captains Knock! - he deserved to carry his bat but was finally out for 42 in the 28th over after he and Alec Stocker had put on 22 for the 10th wicket.
With some of our more credentialed batsmen out cheaply: Dom Bizzarri 2, Matt Clancy 2, Dylan Garland 0; it was up to Scott Rumford and Alec Stocker to try to support Daniel.
In the end the task was simply out of reach. While Matt, Dom, Barney, Nick, Lloyd and Kara all got off the mark they were not able to give Daniel the support he needed. The final target was never really threatened (we got to 82) but Dan’s innings was well worth the trip to Lambton. It was his highest score (he has hit 41 on 2 or 3 occasions) so everyone was very pleased for him. He was patient and determined!
In the last few weeks Dan has shown so much maturity and his leadership has been very important to the team.
Next week we play Charlestown at home in the last game before the Christmas break. Coach Russell will be looking for us to put together a good performance. Let’s hope that all our batters can put it together on the one day!
One boy from Wests should be sleeping lightly this week. His careless comment that Kara is “Only a chick!” could land him in some hot water if she ever uncovers his identity. I reckon the boys would be backing her up too!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
VECC team Red gain revenge after first round pounding
GAME NINE 6/12/08
VS BAR 121
The Reds continued on their winning way, their comprehensive victory over Bar 121 taking the winning sequence to five straight games ( not counting wash-outs!)
The victory was set up by the fine opening bowling of young players Matt Keast (3/26) and Matthew Steele (2/22). Matt Steele started the attack with a wicket in his first over, a well pitched up delivery which skittled the stumps. Keasty relied with two of his own, the first via a swinging yorker, the second to a well gloved catch to wicketkeeper Dominic Bizzarri. Further wickets to both bowlers left Bar 121 at 5 for 22, and in a bit of trouble.
They tried to hit their way out, and very nearly succeeded. Mark Stiller (1/25) and Matt Hardaker (1/26) came in for some heavy punishment, the opposition taking advantage of anything short to send to the boundary or beyond. Dropped catches by Dominic and Daniel Gustard didn’t help (their contributions to the fine tin was, however, appreciated.) Both bowlers came back well to claim wickets, another fine catch to Dominic helping Matt Hardaker to claim some revenge for his sunburnt mouth. Both bowlers were unable to break a stubborn last wicket partnership (Bar 121 were two players short), and it was left to arm ball spinner Neil Best, having his first trip to the crease in two seasons, to finish the innings for an even 100, scored in only 18.2 overs.
Best and Stiller started the run chase more slowly that the opposition, taking advantage of the gaps in the field to rotate the strike. Neil fell in the 7th over with the score at 16, and Paul D’Elboux joined Mark at the crease – and neither left until the end of the game. Mark finished with an unbeaten and chanceless 52, an innings characterised by compact defence at the beginning and some hard hit swings to leg at the end, two of which went over the boundary. Paul also batted impressively for his 29 not out, a clip off his toes and a cut through covers highlighting the run chase.
An excellent win against a team that had given us a hiding in the first round! This time Tony “Home Game” Farnham, Scott “The Diver” Gustard and grizzled battle veteran Justin Dunne weren’t even needed.
VS BAR 121
The Reds continued on their winning way, their comprehensive victory over Bar 121 taking the winning sequence to five straight games ( not counting wash-outs!)
The victory was set up by the fine opening bowling of young players Matt Keast (3/26) and Matthew Steele (2/22). Matt Steele started the attack with a wicket in his first over, a well pitched up delivery which skittled the stumps. Keasty relied with two of his own, the first via a swinging yorker, the second to a well gloved catch to wicketkeeper Dominic Bizzarri. Further wickets to both bowlers left Bar 121 at 5 for 22, and in a bit of trouble.
They tried to hit their way out, and very nearly succeeded. Mark Stiller (1/25) and Matt Hardaker (1/26) came in for some heavy punishment, the opposition taking advantage of anything short to send to the boundary or beyond. Dropped catches by Dominic and Daniel Gustard didn’t help (their contributions to the fine tin was, however, appreciated.) Both bowlers came back well to claim wickets, another fine catch to Dominic helping Matt Hardaker to claim some revenge for his sunburnt mouth. Both bowlers were unable to break a stubborn last wicket partnership (Bar 121 were two players short), and it was left to arm ball spinner Neil Best, having his first trip to the crease in two seasons, to finish the innings for an even 100, scored in only 18.2 overs.
Best and Stiller started the run chase more slowly that the opposition, taking advantage of the gaps in the field to rotate the strike. Neil fell in the 7th over with the score at 16, and Paul D’Elboux joined Mark at the crease – and neither left until the end of the game. Mark finished with an unbeaten and chanceless 52, an innings characterised by compact defence at the beginning and some hard hit swings to leg at the end, two of which went over the boundary. Paul also batted impressively for his 29 not out, a clip off his toes and a cut through covers highlighting the run chase.
An excellent win against a team that had given us a hiding in the first round! This time Tony “Home Game” Farnham, Scott “The Diver” Gustard and grizzled battle veteran Justin Dunne weren’t even needed.
Under 14's collect points for only the second time this season
GAME NINE
VS ELLIOTS-LAMBTON
A breakthrough victory; the Grizzlies achieving their second win of the year after a disciplined bowling performance that saw the strong Elliots-Lambton line-up held to a modest 52. Even the umpire, who saw the team in the first game of the season, remarked on how well the team that improved over the season.
Ben Jenkins again led the bowling attack, inducing a fine edge to ‘keeper Mitchell Brown off only his second delivery. His five overs were all maidens, and the opposition’s inability to get him away cost them dearly. At the other end Matt Mascord also bowled well, his four overs costing 10 runs, and he picked up two wickets wit well pitched up deliveries. Nathan Birt (1 for 5 off 4) and Josh Parsons (0 for 7 off 4) continued to apply the pressure, and at drinks Elliots-Lambton had been held to only 16 runs. With the opposition’s big hitters finally at the crease, Liam Guest (2/8) and Rhys Cooper (1/8) were introduced into the attack, and they too refused to give the give the batsmen anything to hit. Mackenzie Morison (0/7) continued in the same vein, and Adam Gunster finished the innings off with the last ball of the 30 overs, Josh Parsons taking a smart catch at mid-off.
The fielding was excellent, Matthew Mascord outstanding with several direct interceptions, one leading to a run out, and Eli Love was also prominent. Rhys Cooper capped a good day in the field with a run out towards the end of the innings, the runs outs resulting from the tight pressure applied by all the bowlers.
In reply, the Grizzlies were held together by opener Liam Guest, whose solid 23 saw the Grizzlies to 50 before he scooped a ball to forward short leg. This created a mini-collapse, the team losing two more wickets (Rhys Cooper run out in his eagerness to hit the winning runs, and Tim Rodgers bowled for a well compiled 12) before Adam Gunster sealed the win with a drive through the off to the boundary. Earlier Mackenzie Morison (6) had supported Liam in a valuable partnership of 20 after the early loss of Mark Rumford, who was unable to take his fine net form into this game. An excellent team effort!!
Match Points
3 Liam Guest
2 Ben Jenkins
1 Rhys Cooper
VS ELLIOTS-LAMBTON
A breakthrough victory; the Grizzlies achieving their second win of the year after a disciplined bowling performance that saw the strong Elliots-Lambton line-up held to a modest 52. Even the umpire, who saw the team in the first game of the season, remarked on how well the team that improved over the season.
Ben Jenkins again led the bowling attack, inducing a fine edge to ‘keeper Mitchell Brown off only his second delivery. His five overs were all maidens, and the opposition’s inability to get him away cost them dearly. At the other end Matt Mascord also bowled well, his four overs costing 10 runs, and he picked up two wickets wit well pitched up deliveries. Nathan Birt (1 for 5 off 4) and Josh Parsons (0 for 7 off 4) continued to apply the pressure, and at drinks Elliots-Lambton had been held to only 16 runs. With the opposition’s big hitters finally at the crease, Liam Guest (2/8) and Rhys Cooper (1/8) were introduced into the attack, and they too refused to give the give the batsmen anything to hit. Mackenzie Morison (0/7) continued in the same vein, and Adam Gunster finished the innings off with the last ball of the 30 overs, Josh Parsons taking a smart catch at mid-off.
The fielding was excellent, Matthew Mascord outstanding with several direct interceptions, one leading to a run out, and Eli Love was also prominent. Rhys Cooper capped a good day in the field with a run out towards the end of the innings, the runs outs resulting from the tight pressure applied by all the bowlers.
In reply, the Grizzlies were held together by opener Liam Guest, whose solid 23 saw the Grizzlies to 50 before he scooped a ball to forward short leg. This created a mini-collapse, the team losing two more wickets (Rhys Cooper run out in his eagerness to hit the winning runs, and Tim Rodgers bowled for a well compiled 12) before Adam Gunster sealed the win with a drive through the off to the boundary. Earlier Mackenzie Morison (6) had supported Liam in a valuable partnership of 20 after the early loss of Mark Rumford, who was unable to take his fine net form into this game. An excellent team effort!!
Match Points
3 Liam Guest
2 Ben Jenkins
1 Rhys Cooper
Golds bring home tight game to enter top 4
Today the GOLDS were going to face a tough match against one of the top four sides in Wallsend RSL Juniors at their home ground. We won the toss and elected to bat first on what was a stincking hot afternoon,so definitely a good toss to win.Bonner and Smith got the side off to a steady start before a runout occurred and Valentine were 1 for 30.At drinks we were well positioned at 1 for 60 given the bowling was good line and length stuff.After drinks we stepped it up with Bonner posting 53 before being caught in the deep,Brett Mathews continued to be Mr Consistency 17, Matt Jones 14, Peter Henson 11 and sundries helped chip in with 22. Unfortunately we seem to find ways of falling away just when we need to step things up.We finished up 9 down for 140 which was probably about 30 runs short of what is a par score on this ground.Early on we didn't put enough pressure on them and they got off to a flyer 1 for 49 after 6 overs, then entered Schrader and Henson who turned things around to have the opposition 5 for 85 after 15.We knew that is was going to be close and with one wicket and only 15 runs to get it was coming down to the wire.The skipper throws the ball to Phil Jones and says ''FINISH THIS OFF"".First ball 4 runs second ball 4 runs third ball a dot ball fourth ball a single then fifth ball a short ball outside off stump is cut straight into the awaiting ever reliable hands of Alex Rodger.Jubilation everywhere as well as relief , WE DID IT WE WON.G.Schrader 1 for 22, P.Henson 3 for 29, Phil Jones 2 for 16 as well as Matt Jones 1 FOR 19 were the pick of the bowlers.A great effort to the GOLDS, with that win we may find ourselves sneaking into the top four.
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