Whalers CC won by 78 runs
For my
first game of the season I have to wonder how the Whalers haven’t gone
undefeated this season cause this was the most complete whalers performance I’ve
seen in the 30 odd matches I’ve played, The Batters all scored runs, the
bowlers all took wickets and there was some very sharp catching. Only the fines
kitty would be disappointed with a small return.
After a history of domination over our traditional rivals Salix they had beaten
us twice in a row entering Sundays match held under overcast skies - defiantly
time to get back to winnings ways against them.
Dan won the toss and opted to bat - Will and Al strode to the middle and
proceeded to establish the platform with a solid first wicket stand of 60 in 16
overs. With wickets in hand and Dan yodelling something about how it was now a
20/20 batting situation Duncs took to the crease to help up the pace. Will also
took up the call and started peppering a 20 degree angle on the leg side with a
series of pull type shots that sailed to the boundary. Duncs was also looking
in good touch timing it nicely including a cracking off drive. Both fell close
together after a very handy partnership of 60 in 8 overs or so, Will top
scoring with 67. Channa stepped up and hit his first ball for 6 over the
longest boundary on the field into the wind, feeling confident he immediately
started calling for drinks every couple of balls, none was provided. Stu was
also at the crease and in the mood as he and Channa added 80 or so in the final
10 overs (the 3rd 50 partnership of the innings), Stu hitting 3 big sixes on
the way to 60no including one on the back of what can only be described as a
ballet pirouette pick up shot that cleared the clubhouse. Channa finished with
a pb 24* as the Whalers racked up 213/3 off 35 overs.
A quick tea and it was into the field. Matt opened up and soon regretted they
hadn't varnished the stumps before play, their opener had a very good eye for
the leave on several occasions. The first wicket fell when Channa lunged right
and low at short cover to grasp a ripper. The other opener followed quickly
when from the other end Dan took a similar effort from the same position. Matt
took another when the number 4 hit a regulation catch up too long off and all
was looking good but the number three was looking handy. Jiff came into bowl
and bowled a decent one that the number 3 tried hitting into his favourite spot
on the on side but caught a leading edge that travelled quick, low and right of
Stu who was keeping - no worries, Stu thrusts down a glove and snaps it up - an
awesome catch and perhaps the key moment of the match, there number three out
for 40. Ben picked up the next - good catch in the deep off a skier by Matt who
made amends for blotting the team copy book with an earlier drop. Kamal came on
and immediately enticed an edge, more good catching
from Stu and the game was pretty much over. Geoff bowled the number 8, Kamal
out guiled the number 9 with a full toss that smashed
the stumps and Dan mopped up the tail as the light rain started falling, only
the number 11 offering any further resistance with a hard hit 22no.
Really a very good team performance
Whalers: 213 for 3 (30)
Salix: 135 a.o. (?)
Man of the match: Stu, Quick 60no and 3 good catches
(and 2 drops!)
Champagne moment: Stu's outstanding first catch to remove
there top scorer
Muppet moment: Kamal’s matrix fielding