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!