5th Grade vs Blacktown - Round 10 - 2011/12

The day began overcast with a slight chance of rain. The lads were very proactive with sightscreens and covers while I got the drinks ready. I summoned Max Newman to run the warmup while I filled in the teamsheet & went out to toss. The result was us being sent in on a greenish but firm wicket.

Tom Carruthers on his way to 70*

‘Supaturk’ Turki & Corbin got us away to a terrific start scoring at about 5 per over for the first 10 before Corbin departed. ‘Corbs’ has been a great find for the club and is a really talented player & an even better bloke. He played some great shots in his innings including some great drives. ‘Supaturk’ also displayed a more positive role this week which I would like to see more of, particularly in the shorter forms.

Daniel Richtor came and went pretty quickly, the victim of a decision which he, as always, took very well. Good fortune is just around the corner for Daniel. Max & Turks then continued with good shotmaking a running before Turks was out for a well made 40.

Tommy Caruthers then came to the crease & he and Max produced another good partnership before Max fell for 46. Tommy batted very well as other blokes came and went at regular intervals and finished on a very handy 70no. At the end of 50 overs we had 236 to defend which I was more than happy with, especially considering the strength of our bowling.

And… to the bowling…..

Alex ‘Linesy’ Lines and Charlie ‘CBanger’ Bangs took the new rock in a new look pace attack for the 5s - as they were victims of the new selection policy adopted by the committee. Linesy bowled with aggression, pace and absolutely no luck as he saw multiple catches spilt in the slips (welcome to 5s mate!). Banger on the other hand had a case of the yips which can happen to us all from time to time. I am sure however he will turn it around this week.

With dropped catches and aggressive strokeplay, Blacktown actually got off to a pretty good start. Linesy turned it, however, by bowling the opener & sending the other opener off retired hurt after a painful blow to his left testicle. We later heard it had blown up to the size of a coconut and the poor lad had gone to North Shore hospital for further treatment.

Matt Todd "somehow" bowls a Warrior around his legs

After about 18 overs, Balcktown were cruising at 1 for around 80 when I decided to have a trundle. Somehow I bowled the bloke around his legs first rock & continued to get wickets at regular intervals. This big unit then strolled out as pinch hitter & I have got to say he had me a tad worried.

He was belting 4s & 6’s at will with even miss hits racing to the fence. I thought it was time to bring Linesy back and he made the crucial breakthrough to get the big rig out (a good high catch taken by Supaturk).

After this the Townies lost their momentum and were bowled out without even so much as a whimper.

Another good win for 5s a keeping the momentum going.

Matt ‘Fester’ Todd