3rd Grade Report vs Blacktown - Round 15 |
Arriving at the ground early Saturday morning, the Thirsties were looking to end the season with a second win on the trot, and go out on a high over their lower placed opponents Blacktown. 'Reg' Livermore finishes on 73 not out after a great innings Howitt had some luck with the toss calling correctly and electing to send Blacktown in on a good wicket that would prove to take both spin and seam. Pat Effeney and Alex Lines got the Stags of to a good start with Pat claiming the first wicket with a well directed bouncer. The catch was taken behind the wicket by Beverley, who would go on to claim six dismissals for the game. Not long after, Pat went down with a rolled ankle which needed some treatment. Pats injury gave 3rd grade debutant Ben Armstrong his opportunity. Ben bowled really well and despite this author putting a tough chance down he was able to grab a wicket to continue to put Blacktown on the back foot. Howitt then introduced spin and it proved to be a good move as the wicket was gripping and turning. With some purchase in the wicket all the spinners bowled well to claim a combined 6 for 86 including 8 maidens. Pascal bowled well to claim 2 wickets, including two excellent stumpings behind the wicket by Tom Beverly. Howitt was as usual extremely tough to get away and claimed a wicket, whilst Tjaard bowled well in claiming 3 wickets and helped to wrap up the tail.
Howitt, Player of the Year, makes sure he gets a good bowl in the final round Howitt was the first to go in the run chase for 13, but from then on it was all the Stags with Mark Fonseka and Damon Livermore batting beautifully to put on 105 for the second wicket. With smart running between the wickets and some brutal shots square of the wicket by Reg these two took the total to 121 before Fonseka was out caught. Reg went on to post 73 not out and guide the Stags to victory just 3 wickets down. Well done boys on a good win and ending the season on a high even if we did finish a disappointing 8th on the ladder. Pascal |
3rd Grade vs Blacktown at Blacktown Olympic Park No. 2
An excellent team effort highlighted by Beverley's 6 dismissals meant the Stags were left with the small total of just 156 for victory.
