1st Grade Report vs Sutherland - Round 14 - Day 2

1st Grade Report Day 2 vs Sutherland
 
Compared to the majority of 1^st grade results last weekend, our result was one of the least exciting. Good I say. That's exactly what we set out to achieve. Next. We batted without 'ruth', ruthless in other words, and fort hard as batting unit to stay in control of the game from ball one.
 
James Packman congratulates Harry Evans on reaching 50 runs

Having made leaps and bounds with his nutrition last week, I decided to enquire about how Reece 'gun rack' Bombas prepared for last Saturday's match. This is how the conversation went:
Reece: 'I ate healthy again Bev but.'
Bevo: 'But what?'
Reece: 'I had a bagel with avocado and tomato'.
Bevo: 'Awesome Bomba! So pleased to hear it. Was that all?'
Reece: 'Na, it also had eggs and bacon on it but'
Bevo: 'Oh, that's OK, was the egg fried?'
Reece: 'Not sure, I got it from Macca's'
 
Well, still some work to do. Prior to ball 1, there was a collision between our favourite stick insect James 'I was a hit with the cougars in Wagga' Kennedy and Elliot 'Swedish House Mafia' Richtor in what Reece described as 'the greatest warm up game ever'. There were legs and claws everywhere. The only reason I raise this point is for that Els came off second best. Better luck next time Tiny Tempah. 
 
The top 3 set the match up for the Stags. Greg 'You'll see me on the cover of Men's Health shortly' Lewis got the chase off to a great start. Determined once again to grind out the opening session, Greg 'Lew-da-cris' Lewis was positive throughout the first hour ticking the scoreboard over with singles.

Harry Evans looked in great touch as he brought the side home against the Sharks

We lost Steve 'Ive actually got 2 courto's at Tumbi' Colley to a ball that took the top of off stump. Steve 'She actually hurled a bottle of water at me' Colley was looking in splendid touch. Some of the greatest 'shape' was being produced off the front foot and it is only fair that we mention that 'cover drive'' that went for 3. The challenge was set for Blair 'Go away!' Lindsey, get to lunch with 'gettin' Lewis. In hindsight, this session probably defined the match. Batting was tough. The ball was moving around for the Sutherland attack, however our boys held tough, and with a brief rain delay we made it to lunch 1-61 with 'The Temple' on 30 odd and Linds 20 odd.
 
After the break, the boys were able to play with a bit more freedom. The grind continued, however the runs started to flow. 'The Adonis' Lewis started to free the arms and open his massive chest with some great shots over point off the back foot. Lindsey followed suit and took a liking to the spinner with some excellent sweep shots. Just as things looked settled things changed dramatically. Within the space of 10 minutes, both 'Bahai' Lewis and Linds picked up half centuries and both got out.
 
With the score now at 3- 130 odd and 2 new batsmen at the crease, the game was again in the balance. James 'gun skull' Packman was called upon in circumstances that required 'a captains knock'. Well Packers did not disappoint. Similar to Dan 'Dylans Apprentice' Smith's form at 'the Beery', James 'got lewis' Packman jumped on the front foot and took the game to the Sutherland bowlers. The skipper played some unbelievable strokes, not shots. Packman played with touch and timing, stroking the ball to the boundary.

Unfortunately, Reece 'oi JK, what's your bowling average?' Bombas was not able to support his skipper with a partnership. Enter Harry 'mullet boy' Evans. Similar to his favourite dance floor move, 'the gun rack' looked in great touch, producing a near perfect sequence to full and short deliveries. Hitting the tea break we still required 100 runs or so to win the match.
 
James Packman played a 'skipper's knock' on his way to 92

For the final time Mr and Mrs Connell signed off in style producing a stella tea. All the greats were present. From scones and jam to the signature Connell dish of Gyoza's. The afternoon tea was brilliant as per usual. Thank you very much for your efforts throughout Dylan's career.
 
In order to win the match, we needed to push the run rate along. With wickets in hand and Packman and Evans at the crease, both victory and the 'Beery' were in sight. The boys dominated the final session. Harold got his guns out of the rack passing 50 with a massive 6 clearing the train tracks! At the other end, Packman was in a hurry. He took down the Sutherland attack as if he needed to be somewhere up the coast at 7pm.

At times 'gun skull' was impossible to bowl to. Some glorious cover drives. We passed Sutho 4 down. The run chase was well constructed set up by the top order. Last weekend we proved to ourselves what we are capable as a unit when we apply ourselves. Packers finished on 92 not out. A terrific innings which deserved three figures and very enjoyable to watch.

Good on ya Marcus, good on ya Stags.

Special mention must go to "The Moth" and 5th grade who came to cheer 1st grade over the line whilst Toddy cooked up a storm on the BBQ. Thanks boys, your support means a lot.

Bevo