1st Grade Report vs Penrith - Round 6 - Day 2 |
 First Grade Match Report ' Penrith Day Two
When seven batsmen get to double figures chasing a respectable but imminently 'getable' target of 264, you might be expected to win the game fairly comfortably. (Nicho collects four through point) This however was not the case. Firstly, seven batsmen shouldn't have been needed, let alone have the chance to reach double figures, and secondly, the fact that the highest score was the captain's unbeaten 63, combined to allow this crucial game against one of our closest pursuers, Penrith, to slip through our fingers. It will be a great test of this team's resolve and individual's own sense of responsibility when it comes to winning matches, as to how we learn the lessons of this loss. Both were lacking in the chase and from here on in match-winning efforts with the bat need to be summoned up. Precious little is technically wrong, what needs to be worked on now is the mental process of scoring big runs and taking games by the scruff of the neck. It is hard graft and Nixon's effort, while gallant as ever, would not ideally be necessary.
(Will Smith) To lose Jammer, given the great touch he is in, so soon after lunch was a big body blow. Nicho and Nicho Jr. (Rocket) then wrestled the advantage back towards the Stags with a fighting partnership for the fifth wicket. Again just at the wrong point, a wicket was lost, emphasizing the need for greater recognition of crucial match situations. The match swayed firmly towards the visitors, after a handy spell of reverse-swing bowling from McNamara had left us 8 for 214, and it was only a spirited partnership between the skipper and Jules that got us close. Any proximity to their score, while it gave us hope, only masks a poor batting effort. All out for 255 on such a good deck was below standard.
(Reece Bombas) Jammer and I are experienced cricketers now, and much more influential innings' are required. We have both shown in the past, and for this side to prosper, will have to show it at vital times for the remainder of this season. With Rocket and Nicho (and Beau to come back in when available) following that, the middle has a solid look about it. The challenge is now to put this disappointment to one side, not forget about it, but move on as a group. The next two weekends have cricket on both days, and are an ideal chance to prepare for the mental challenges that winning games of cricket involve. Next Saturday can't come quick enough. Will Smith |
The day started badly as we lost Cam Eccles to useful left-armer Lalor's very first ball. On a flat and dry wicket, (again great credit to Glen for preparing a belter), Reece and myself set about compiling the biggest partnership of the game to take the score beyond 100. Partnerships are crucial to reeling in targets such as this, and this really should have been turned into a match-winning one. Reece and I both fell to innocuous deliveries from Penrith's spinners and at 3 for 124 at lunch, the game was evenly balanced.
On the whole it was a disappointing day for a side who are, on paper, one of the most talented in the competition. Cricket is not played on paper however, and how quickly we learn from this and start consistently getting hundreds as a batting unit, will determine how far this team can go. Every one of the top four is capable of scoring really big. Cam and Reese are two excitingly talented young batsmen and have shown exactly what they can do at various points this season.
