5th Grade vs St George - Round 4 - 2011/12 |
Adam Fleming strives hard against an immovable forceHaving being sent into bat first, some early movement in the air and some good length bowling from St George made it a difficult first session resulting in 3 early wickets and 41 runs from17 overs. Elton Junior (Max) looked impressive with good precision and power but came unstuck with what looked to many as a bump-ball-catch to end his innings on 28. 4 for 61 from 25. Our innings was somewhat on a teetering point; another wicket may have put increased doubts/concerns on the lower order. However, the two TCs (Tom Carruthers and Tristan Cooper) combined, taking their time to consolidate and later controlling the temperament of the game, turning it in our favour. A game changing 111 run partnership. With Tristan’s dismissal (a well-earned 36), I joined Tom when he was in the nervous 90s. Not taking into account the fact that he had 90-run-old legs, there may have been a few bad calls ... but let’s just say that all is well that ends well; he reached his ton, earning compliments from all. Although his innings ended a short time later on 111, he had the professional courtesy to walk after being given not out by the umpire – well done Tom! From 7 for 209 off 64, the last few wickets fell in quick succession ending the innings on 228. Potentially a few short of where we wanted to be.
Matt Todd continues his good early season form with 3 wicketsContinued pressure and early wickets was the request from the skipper and with great partnership bowling and a couple of classic catches behind the wicket from Elton Junior and Cooper, we had the visitors at 5 for 48 off 24. With the situation St George found themselves in, they literally shut up shop. Some statistics;
It was a good test for the Stags as we controlled our frustration and eventually took the 6 points dismissing St George for 132. (D.Monaghan 3-24-16, M.Todd 3-26-18, T.Cockburn 1-3-3, T.Carruthers 1-7-4, T.Gooch 1-9-8, Run-out T.Cockburn) Dave Monaghan |
A wise man made claim, “you never beat St George until you actually beat them”. Having not played St George before, it was clear however that this tone resonated with the rest of the team. This prospect had me excited and raring to go, and no it was not because of the dogs parading Beauchamp Park in case anyone was wondering. 
A final 10-over session proved fruitful with great pressure and targeted bowling resulting in 3 wickets, one contributed by Toddy with the last ball of the day – great momentum to take into day two.
