Dean Century Brings It Home for Whalers

Whalers CC vs Salix CC; Saturday 7th July 2018 ; King’s House Sports Ground

9 Whalers, old and new, gathered on a very hot Saturday for a shortened T20 game versus Salix. 

Salix captain Dave won the toss and elected to field and kindly offered the services of Tony to allow for a 10 vs 10 game. 

Dean and Andrew headed out to bat with 200 assumed to be a par score on a sun-baked wicket. The pair got the Whalers off to a flyer punishing any loose bowling taking 67 off the first 4 overs. 

Salix switched their bowlers around but the carnage continued with the 100 partnership being raised in just the 7th over. Andrew was eventually dismissed just after reaching fifty, bowled trying to continue his onslaught. 

Salix then pinned the Whalers back, removing debutant Tom, Will and Josh in quick succession. Dean, however, continued to prosper and raced to another Whalers hundred, bringing up the milestone with an enormous 6, before retiring not out 103.

Dave, in just his second game, struck a couple of good boundaries and with Nick “I’m a specialist batsman now” Howes moved the Whalers past 200. After Dave was bowled for 13, Russell and honorary Whaler for the day Tony hit a couple of boundaries to further increase the score. The Whalers eventually finished on 223-9 for their 20 overs with Nick 21*.

With the clock ticking ahead of England vs Sweden, both teams hurried through a short drinks break and headed back out for Salix’s chase, Yovaan and CK opening the innings. 

Yovaan showed early intent hitting some cracking shots and damaging opening bowlers Nick and Special’s figures. Nick made the breakthrough in his 3rd over when he had CK caught by Andrew for 3.

Salix No.3 Johnny lent Yovaan valuable support and they continued to hit boundaries with alarming frequency. A couple of dropped catches further helped them on their way.

Yovaan was eventually run out by Will following a mix up for an very well-made 65. Will, staking a claim for a specialist fielder role, soon ran out the next batsman for 6. Salix were now on the back foot.

Having taken some punishment in his early overs, Josh then got in the act picking up 3 quick wickets, including an excellent delivery to remove No.3 Johnny. Another run out followed, this time by debutant Tom and Andrew picked up a wicket in the final over of the match. Salix finishing on 130-9 from their 20 overs. 

The teams then rushed back to to the clubhouse to eat tea and catch the England vs Sweden Quarter Final. Big thanks to Salix for being so accommodating and lending us a player. The Whalers winning streak continues!

MoM: Dean for his 103*
Champagne moment: Dean’s enormous 6 to bring up his 100
Muppet: Russell for two dropped catches and generally losing all ability to stop the ball