1st Grade Report vs Sydney - Round L/O 3

First Grade report vs Sydney...Sunday 21st October

Julihaan reports on limited over match against the Sydney Tigers

For the last 5 years I have successfully avoided writing a match report for any team I have been part of for Gordon. However the time has come, my back is against the wall and here we go'

(Nicho and Dylan, what a combination) 

We arrived at Chatswood to the disturbing news that our inspirational leader had run over a Paris Hilton like Chihuahua after dropping off Marcus our No. 1 supporter to Allambie Heights. This could be why Nicho thought we were a bit flat in the morning.

The team were up against another potential top 6 side in the Tigers led by former Gordon and Victoria all-rounder Jon Moss. The tigers won the toss and put us in the field.

We started well with Dyldo (Dylan Connell) continuing his form from Saturday snicking off Nathan Ball in his first over. Nixon (Matt Nicholson) followed by removing the other opener and they were 2 for 5 off 3. Soon after they were 3 for not many and behind the eight ball. A partnership then developed between Moss and Crosthwaite to steady the ship.

A tactical bowling change by Nixon saw Jiggy (Will Smith) come on for his first bowl of the season and immediately he had Moss caught at mid on by Bomber (Reece Bombas) with a looping, dipping, ripping, reversing, flighted full toss.

(Ziggy bowls that important ball) 

Wickets started to fall consistently which kept us on top despite a well controlled innings from James Crosthwaite and some poor fielding from our team.

All the bowlers contributed well to dismiss the Tigers for 162 with Nixon and Midnight taking 3 each, Sunshine (Brendan McDonald) 2 and Dyldo and Jiggy 1 each.

The stags went into bat on a wicket which was starting to become two paced and we knew 160 was not going to be easy against a strong bowling attack. Before we had time to take our positions on the couch we were three down for not many. This brought together two of our most experienced batsman in Jammar (James Packman) and Rocket (Rod Hokin) who consolidated with a partnership of 66 which brought us back to level pegging.

More wickets were to follow with Rocket and Nixon both falling to Ettridge and Cuppy (Matt Michael) falling LBW to Adam Maher. When Jammar left the scene it was left to Sunshine and Bevo (Iain Beverley) to see us home. This they achieved through gritty determination and aggressive hitting when needed.

(Jules batting wasn't needed on this occasion)

With Bevo slashing a four over gully off the second last ball of the 39th over meant we had secured an important bonus point. Overall it wasn't a performance that was up to our highest standard but nevertheless a competent victory.

So its on to next week and 10 points against the Sharks.