4th Grade vs Sydney - Round 2 - 2011/12

Arriving at Killara, the 4ths were looking for some revenge for last years grand final loss at the hands of the Tigers. Although, their team was much different to the one seen in the final, it was still a big game for us. However, the start of the game followed in similar suit to the finals with plenty of early losses at the top of the order.

Adam Cubbage hits out during his 71.

At 3-7 after 8 overs and 6-22 shortly after, we were in a dire situation. Anthony ‘Pic’ Sherman and Adam ‘Cubby’ Cubbage then set about gaining back some respect for the team as the top order were back in the sheds after some good in-swinging deliveries. Pic and Cubby both began slowly with some form of consolidation needed. However it didn’t take long for the runs to come, with Pic playing some great shots through the covers and Cubby joining the act later on with a big 6 down the ground. The runs would have undoubtedly continued, but rain put an end to the onslaught. After the rain delay, Cubby fell for 71 and Pic 83.

They combined for a fine 157 run partnership and put us into a great position come the second week.

James Kidd bowling on day 2.

The second day began much better than the first, with a great tea spread on offer thanks to new member Kris Colley and his sambos, and a first time appearance from Alex Lines, making it a day to look forward to. Warm up was sharp, with a great touch game including a Andrew Chapman falcon and some good footwork on offer. As we focussed on defending our total and we knew early wickets were key, as could be surmised from our own innings. 

James Kidd, the hat trick specialist, and Pat Effeny opened the innings with some good full bowling. They gave the ball a chance to move and it payed dividends with the majority of wickets taken behind the stumps. A partnership began, but Pat, bowling a long spell early on kept up his pace and continued to bowl well, taking a well deserved 4 wickets in the innings.

It was when Pat was on a roll that a bizarre incident occurred, with an inside edge onto the pads, the cordon went up in a half appeal, only for the umpire to trigger the finger to our delight, only to say not out as he held his finger high. Kiddy then came back into the attack and again produced 2 wickets in 2 balls, with a caught behind, an LBW and then a huge appeal on the third ball, only to be turned down.

Shayne Lin celebrates with his bowler as 4th Grade take home 6 points

With the score on 88, the final wicket fell and a great first innings win for 4th grade ensured. We did dabble for a short time with an outright win in mind, but when Cubby came on for his first over and was blasted, Shayne had had enough and called the day. A great performance for the team, still with plenty of improvement in them.

I guess I must also mention Shaynes five catches behind the stumps, as although he made them look difficult at times, he held all his chances.

Chris Retallick