Needing 6 points and a miracle result in the match between Easts and Saints, we travelled to the picturesque North Sydney Oval knowing the odds were against us. Mind you, not only were the odds against us, but our coach also decided to put down the lamington for another season and pick up the pork pie. Marcos was still fist pumping at Wharf Bar after a big win against the $1.90 favourite Tigers and Greg Lewis was spotted at Anytime Fitness North Sydney 8:55am queuing for a bench.

Chad Soper charges in against the Bears 

Even without the presence of the coach and Marcos, Packers won the toss and choose to bat second. Dan Smith jumped early out of the cage and opened the "Stag" attack on a track which proved a little slow. Smithy shaped the ball around nicely, reinforcing the hard work he has put in at training this season is finally paying off. Unfortunately the ball seemed to be shaping into the middle of the bat.

Up the hill, our leader decided to hand (via the wrist) Chad Soper an opportunity. Soper (1-14) responded and was sensational. 

From the outset, Chad worked the 2 opening sticks over by bowling "back of a length" and gave them little chance to score. 

Dan Smith keeps tall as he delivers a great spell 

Chad bowled 7 straight! A sign that he is constantly finding out more about "his own game" as a bowler and being able to execute his own "plans" as a cricketer.

James Campbell, "The Real McCoy" replaced Smithy and settled in for the long haul, 10 overs straight. Very English, keeper up, "ring field" etc... JC put the brakes on the scoring and allowed Chad to attack from the other end.

Fortunately it was not as "English" as what Harry Evans is about to experience in the UK. The changes will be, Harold will not have to help with the covers because there are none. Harry will be opening the bowling with an abbreviated run up, (which means shorter than the one at the moment Reece because he will be required to bowl 24 straight from the one end, they play 48 overs). The keeper will be standing up although in exchange for gloves, he will be wearing his 9 to 5 welding mits from the village barn and batting pads as patella protectors. The captain's grandson will be setting Harry's field, due to the fact "pop" can't see anymore and the regular skipper had the week off to watch the away game at Oldham.

The bad news is the opposition only have 10, so "pops" grandson Jonny (who already has bun in the oven) puts his hand up to play for them. 12 year old, little Jonny hands his Burberry cap to the umpire, steams in with the new rock, bowling 70km/hr seam up. Harry's conscience will get the better of him and probably miss a straight one on purpose and proceed to consume 17 pints at tea whilst fighting off Jonny's Mrs and her plans to migrate to Australia with him and start a family.

I must interrupt to announce that JC is a specialist at his craft which is deceiving batsman. This reminder takes me back to a 2 day game v Manly at Manly Oval, 2009. JC deceived the manly skipper by a perfectly pitched delivery that swung back through the gate collecting the top of middle stump. I know its a little off the topic and a terribly vague example, however this manly player was good. You just have to ask him. So good that the following season he got out twice in a day against the Stags.

James Campbell continues to trouble batsmen with his big swingers 

Back to it, from overs 3 to 10, JC was superb. I believe he missed his length only once and created a pressure environment which was hard to score. Enter the giant, Scott Heaney. Scotty would be the first to admit he was not "on" in his opening spell. What impressed me the most is the way he returned. "Heans" sets incredibly high standards for himself, so it was really pleasing to watch him fight to get it right.

Special mention must go to Dan Smith (3/40) for the unusual dismissal of one of the North Sydney openers. Unbelievably the ball was "kicked" twice by the batsman and given out as caught at cover. Very peculiar and apparently the pitch was responsible....I guess you had to be there.

At 1/100, things were not going to plan. However we did manage to turn things around. Similar to Heans, Smithy returned with more discipline like the true "champion" greyhound he is. Smithy displayed good determination by bowling to plan and executing.

To be honest, the turning point to our session in the field was the introduction of Lewis and Evans. So often this season, these two have been called upon to work in tandem, affectionately known as "Chest" and "Abs". Harry pranced in off the long run, stood the seam up and planted the ball on a length. Having the best seat in the house, I can vouch for Harold, he bowls a heavy ball and makes it "talk" off the wicket. For about the fourth game in a row, Harry was complimented by the opposition batsman post delivery about how good he is bowling. 4 weeks ago Nathan Hauritz was offering his bat to the in field with a remark, "you have a go".

The highlight, or should I say highlights was Lewis picking up a pair of brothers. Both remarkable deliveries. I say remarkable because they both turned. Straight out of the palm, both deliveries pitched outside off stump and hit the top of leg stump. Had we not removed the brothers we were looking at 250 plus. In the end, we managed to restrict the total to 203.

After no lunch and a break, the two openers Eccles and Lewis set out on mission. Cameron looked comfortable on the back foot from the outset, punching Bills back down the wicket and launched Campbell into the stands as a contender for pull shot of the year. Unfortunately X missed a straight one shortly after....it was very straight.

Greg Lewis, also contender for "palm/pull" shot of the year, started in a positive fashion, piercing the field through the off side with some classic "fingerless" drives. Lewy and Reece Bombas looked in control. Having hit one of the best on drives this season, Reece followed Cam's lead and also missed a straight delivery, although chose not to kick the ball a second time before walking off.

Lewis continued to chip away at the score with young Harold. Harry entered the realm at a difficult stage of the game, we were slipping behind the run rate, could not afford to loose another wicket and he needed to get going from the outset.

Part-time specialist, Harry Evans, keeps his side in the hunt 

The chase feel in a heap when we lost Lewy (40). The momentum was gone, we were behind the rate and for the new batters the wicket proved hard to "get in". Steve Colley did his best, as usual, but fell victim to ever increasing pressure of the scoring rate. We lost our middle order in quick succession. The fight back came from Evans (59) and Soper which is something that would make our coach very proud. The feeling from the sideline was that we were always going down, however Evans and Soper put up a fight. Harry was brilliant and gave the side constant hope. Chad (30) played a crucial support role and in the end we got fairly close to the total, falling 8 runs short! So really, not that far off the rate in the end. Our chase lacked structure and we panicked at crucial stages of the innings. Or if you want to look at it like "the ger", we bowled 14 wides, they bowled 2!

Special mention must go to the manager. The service was fantastic and I think a few players have become accustomed to the constant pampering. Although I blame the former manager, Ian Packman for setting a high standard.

Another big thank you to the angry man that sits, observes us under a lens and tells us to be the best we can. This group cannot thank you enough for the time and preparation you put in each week to allow us to be the best we can be. See you shortly. And finally, to the absent Marcos. We love you regardless of whether you are "busy" or not. Up the eagles!

Bevo

After a disappointing loss to Parramatta last week the First Grade side needed an outright against Mosman to keep their finals chances alive.

James Packman lost the toss, which did not matter as Mosman decided to bat, and we were more than happy to bowl in our bid for an outright. Dan Smith did not disappoint with two wickets in his first two overs both caught James Packman, where he continued to take five for the innings - the most Sam Bunno has ever seen. Reece Bombas claims he has taken 5 in a PG’s game, but we have our doubts.

Dan Smith in action

Constant pressure from all the bowlers had the Mosman bats in all sorts struggling to score and survive. A good aggressive spell from Scott Heaney, with minimal balls in the batsmen’s half earned himself two wickets both caught behind the wicket. Julian Stephenson continued to plow away giving Mosman nothing to hit except when he was persuaded by the mastermind of the 1st Grade team, Reece Bombas, to bowl a bouncer - the only ball which sailed with plenty of conviction to the boundary. After that he went back to the game plan of 4th stump and picked up 4 wickets all behind the stumps. An excellent display of good tight, aggressive bowling and catching meant Mosman were bowled out for 129. It would have been 125 if Jules hadn’t listened to Reece.

The game plan was simple when we went into bat get the runs and have a bowl before stumps.

We got off to a steady start with Reece Bombas and Greg Lewis getting to tea.

Jules celebrating another wicket!

After tea we saw Greg Lewis expanding his “V” and playing shots all round the ground even a pull shot over midwicket. Just ask him about it on Tuesday. Reece hit the ball hard down the ground especially of the spinners, using his feet superbly, just like he does in the nets. He continued to thump the ball to the fence with the world’s worst bat in grade cricket. Unfortunately with a few runs to get Reece Bombas was dismissed.

We got the runs and added a few for the road, before James Packman was forced to declare when Harry Evans rolled his ankle. James Packman brought the boys in leaving 11 overs at them before stumps. Has to be said excellent palming by Greg Lewis on a superb 78 not out. 

Although we didn’t bowl to our best and were a little bit greedy searching for wickets we were able to snare two vital wickets one From Dan Smith caught Iain Beverley down the legside and Scott Heaney caught Iain Beverly.

Today was a great day to be part of the Gordon 1st grade side. We showed excellent fight by all the boys with our season on the line and achieved everything we set out to achieve. Hopefully we can back it up next week and come away with 10 points.

Steve ‘Buck’ Colley

The slip cordon waiting for another James Packman catch

Parramatta: In a must win game for the top grade we arrived at Old Kings kitted out in the traditional creams.

Pre match: Scott Heaney was an early arrival at the ground, no doubt looking to finally meet our beloved Marcos even though Marcos rates Heans as our number one. This cannot be explained as only two weeks ago it was alleged that Scotty was asking a fellow team mate "whats that Eagles supported doing here, is he lost?". And to think I was 8th "unbelievable". In complete contrast Harry Evans was late once again, every excuse was thrown at the captain; "M2 was terrible", "I hit a cyclist." All I can say is guilty. Too the trough.

Cam Eccles plays strongly through the off side 

Alright to the game: With the pitch looking particularly flat the skipper decided it was time we have a bat first after winning the toss. Unfortunately this must have taken the top order by surprise as we were quickly 3 for bugger all as Parkinson picked up Greg, Reece and Harry all caught behind. This brought Steve to the crease with a must needed partnership required. With some early shouts and close calls we were progressing along nicely as the score moved past 80. Unfortunately, Colley fell next to Wood who must have bowled his slightly straighter one and Steve chiped an easy catch back.

Packman and Smith fell cheaply and this brought Iain Beverley to the middle. Another partneship with Beverley and me of 80 before I was out for 70. The end of the innings was nigh and with some lusty swings of the willow from Chad, Jules and Marcos' mate saw our score get to 231. In hindsight the score was probably 80 odd runs short.

The Parramatta run chase got off to a good start as stumps were called and they were 0/50. Sunday required some excellent bowling and some luck to get the points on a pitch that seemed to get harder and flatter and the outfield becoming fasted after two days of 30+ days. 

Greg Lewis picks up the spinning duties for 1st Grade - taking two wickets in the match 

All the bowlers toiled for a wicket and it came from Jules, a perfectly pitched ball catching the outside edge for an easy catch to Bev. However that was one of too few highlights for the Stags as Parramatta inched closer to the target. Only some good bowling and sledging from Lewis brought a couple of wickets for our spinner. Parramatta eventually passed our score by tea on Sunday, just 4 down, with the only other wicket going to Harry Evans. 

Poor result on a tough weekend.

A good possitive is that kangaroo court is growing and very enjoyable even after a loss. What will Bomb be guilty of this week!

Too the trough.

Cam Eccles

Rocking up to Chatswood on Saturday thinking that we might not get on because of all the rain we had during the week, we sat around until 1. Then we got the call that we were playing at 2. The boys were pumped and ready to go. 

The Greyhound - Dan Smith - gets the Stags off to a great start 

Special mention to Iain Beverley who was organising his wedding apparently! 

We had won the toss and sent the Dogs in on a track that had a bit of life in it. Dan 'Greyhound' Smith started well with some early wickets from some consistent bowling, while James Kennedy bowled without luck. Then young Chad 'I don't wanna get 5-fa anymore, so I don't have to skull VB anymore' Soper was thrown the ball and without doubt came up with the goods snicking the Dogs batsman off! 

Before we new it we had them 5 for 30 odd. Scott Heaney from the other end toiled hard with some heavy rocks and got himself a well earned wicket. Young Chad was destroying the Dogs at this stage and wickets keep falling and the Bankstown were all out 76. Well done to the bowlers outstanding job. 

Now it was our turn to bat and Cam Eccles and Greg Lewis went about punishing the bowling attack and were off to a flyer the boys put on 39 before cam was out hooking. Reece came in looked to score quickly before he was out lbw with the score at 71. Harry was out in the same over. Steve Colley and Greg batted with good patience and got the score to 112 before Greg spooned one to cover. 

In walked night watchmen Iain Beverley and he and Steve saw us out to the end of the day with the score at 5 for 122.

Turning up on a nice sunny Sunday ready for a Day 2 battle against the Dogs, the boys were keen on getting more points from this game. Bevo and Col started patiently looked in control and wasn't long before Bankstown's head began to drop and runs started to flow. Steve played some quality shots to all parts of the ground which we haven't seen for awhile. Steve was out caught behind for a well made 49. Bevo continued on and looked solid for a bloke who has been worrying about how many guys he's going to invite to his wedding! 

We then lost wickets consistently and we were all out for 229. The boys were pretty confident that we could roll Bankstown again on a wicket that was starting to dry out by this stage. Wickets were hard to come but Dan continued he's perfect swing bowling picked up four wickets and we had Bankstown 4 for not much and we started to feel we could knock them off cheap again. However, two of the Bankstown boys knuckeld down and put on a hefty partnership. 

On came Harry 'repeat offender' evans and with his little medium pacers took a couple of wickets to give us a chance of maybe and outright. We toiled hard for the remaining wickets but the Dogs keep fighting, and at the end of the day we had Bankstown 9 for 290 and the game was called off. 

Well done boys very solid effort from us and where getting better every week. Keep fighting for each other! 

Bomma

Driving out to Campbelltown through quite a bit rain didn’t give me great hope for the cricket ahead but arrived at the ground to find not much rain about over Raby No 1. So after “the skip” Packman arrived late, but still getting stuck into Harry, and a short delay, the boys were ready to take on the “Ghosts”. The pitch looked like it was in good condition but a little slow so with that in mind James after winning the toss sent the Ghosts into bat.

Chad Soper on his way to 5 more wickets after his recall to 1st Grade

The openers got off to a solid start with 46 before Chad took a wicket in his first over. The runs were ticking over steadily until Chad again chimed in with 3 more wickets. Dan with 2 wickets, James with 1 wicket and Scott, who was unlucky not to take a wicket, all bowled very well and Harry & I helped out also with some tight bowling.

The bowling honours for the day went to Chad Soper with 5 for 44. The Ghosts finished up with 9 for 210. With the target set but, because of the slow wicket, not knowing how good a score on this ground it was, we had to bat sensibly and solidly.

Cam and I went out with a positive attitude to keep the scoreboard ticking over and to make sure we had wickets in hand at the end if they were needed. The Ghosts opening bowlers were quite tight and with the slowness of the wicket runs were not easy to get but we managed to be a hard fought 61 before Cam was out for solid 23.

Reece Bombas came to the crease and we knew that it important for us to continue building runs so our other batsmen could come in and be able to play their natural game. I was out next for 33 and Harry “always late” Evans came in and he and Reece took the score to 134 before he was out for a well made 32 which put us in a good position to win the match.

Reece continued on with Packers who pinch hit 21 off 17 and then Dan “Greyhound” Smith came in to finish off the match, hitting the winning runs, with 4 balls to spare. Reece finished with a good, patient innings of 69 not out.

Reece 'Bomber' Bombas demonstrates his maturity as he guides the side home

After the game there was a quality fines session with a few punishments handed out for previous offences!

Starting with JK receiving the packing of the kits for last week’s crime, then Packman drank 3 fingers of his beer for being late which he loved anyway and finally ‘Situation’ Lewis had to eat a meat pie for leaving early on Thursday night! This was a high carb and saturated fat punishment for the ‘situation’ which required a 5km run later that evening. It was a tight and exciting game and I believe the Stags worked really hard for this win, so let’s continue the good form against Penrith and Bankstown.

Greg Lewis

Breaking news. The Buck (Steve Colley) has a girlfriend. More details in later match reports as the rumours continue to filter through.

But first, what a game of CRICKET! We arrived at Cheeeeeeyatswood determined to get our season back on track. After losing the toss on a pitch with a nice covering of grass, we were sent in to bat.

The author, Dan Smith, brings the team back from 5/19

Although quite green, the pitch was also quite hard, so it was difficult to gauge how the deck would play and what a par score would be. Eccles and “déjà vu” Lewis both departed early, while Steve “I always get out the same way as Ponting” Colley and Harry “18.7” Evans had their stumps cleaned up off some good bowling by Philipson and Collymore. Reece “I almost got fired but…” Bombas’ hard work at training this week did not pay dividends as he too fell victim to the seaming ball.

At 5 for 19, things looked grim. James “Race 4, Number 7” and Dan “Number 7” Smith then tried to take the attack to the Blacktown bowlers. Packers was timing the ball perfectly, while Smithy took full advantage of the gap between 2nd slip and 3rd man. Lucky Guptill wasn’t playing. Packers was particularly dominant against the Blacktown spinners, with the highlight of his innings being a sweetly timed flat six over cover. The pair put on 129 runs for the 6th wicket to give the Stag’s bowlers something to defend.

Packers and Smithy then departed in consecutive overs for 64 and 61 respectively, and it was left to Iain “I’m putting speed-stipes in my hair. Makes you go faster” Beverley and the tail to progress the score towards 174. Special mention also goes to Scott Heaney who is still yet to be dismissed this season.

Young Chad Soper makes the most of his return to 1st Grade, taking 3 wickets

Things did not start well with the ball, as Brett Collison took down the Stags pace bowlers. At 0 for 50, we desperately needed a breakthrough. Packer’s sent square leg back to the boundary, and after one or two mean bumpers, Scott “keaney” Heaney clean bowled the other opening batsman who was stuck on the back foot.

However, it was the introduction of Chad “pumped up kicks” Soper that turned the match around. From ball one, Chad was right on the money and before long he snicked off the no. 3 batsman. Packers then reintroduced James “we found love in a hopeless place” Kennedy into the attack. Many eyes were on “contacts” Kennedy, and he didn’t disappoint, forcing Craig Philipson into a rash shot that was comfortably taken by Scott Heaney. Big wicket. Good song as well.

Wedding at Forester’s Beach Resort?

Chad continued his good work with the ball and was again rewarded with another wicket – through the gate, top of middle – not a bad rock. He was well backed up by 'Harold' Evans who picked up the prized scalp of Collison for 60 off just 55 balls. The next over, Steve Colley then ran out Hodges and Blacktown had lost 5 wickets for just 7 runs. What was more astonishing, however, was the celebration of Steve after the run out, who remained motionless next to the stumps with his hands towards the heavens, not too dissimilar to a Freddie Flintoff celebration.

A small partnership then followed, but it was once again Chad who made the breakthrough. Shortly after, Harold clean bowled Tony Clark. One would think that Harry was bowling with a 300g rock the way the ball crashed into the stumps, but I can assure you he just bowls a heavy ball. Chad finished with figures of 3 for 22 (8 overs) while Harry finished with a tidy 2 for 8 (4 overs). The tail was quickly cleaned up and Blacktown were bowled out for 110, 65 runs shy of victory.

A great performance from the Stags 1st XI after a disappointing game last Saturday. Also, a quick mention regarding the first-class fielding display of Greg Lewis, Steve Colley and Harry Evans who led from the front. After the game, the Gordon song was sung loud and proud. I can also confirm that Reece Bombas never did a match report for the Eastern Suburbs game. Boo-urns!

Get Fah You Bah!

Dan Smith

After a disappointing finish to 2011, the Stags 1st XI were keen to get back into CRICKET! and ambush the Hawks at our home ground. Our preparation going in to this match wasn’t the best, with a couple of average training sessions. James ‘win at all costs’ Packman lost the toss, and the Stags were sent in to bat on a pitch that would favour the bowlers early on. We were playing a 50 over match whilst the rest of the club (except for the Colts) were still in T20 mode.

Cam "Pinger" Eccles launches a ball into the far regions of Chatswood

Greg ‘kit off in summer, singlet in winter’ Lewis and Cam ‘reverse tail’ Eccles got the team off to a solid start, rotating the strike well and dispatching the bad ball to the boundary, with Lewis even pulling out his first pull shot in his cricketing career. Don’t bowl there.

However, with the loss of Lewis, Colley and Evans in relatively quick succession, a partnership was needed to turn the momentum. After grinding out the first hour, Cam started to find his feet at the crease and took to the Hawks bowlers. He was ably supported by Reece ‘I hate woodport’ Bombas at the other end, and together they shared in a crucial 95 run partnership before Bombas opted for a tactical change of bat and smoked the leather off the ball to the keeper for a well compiled 37 runs.

Enter James Packman. At his best, “Jamma” makes batting look easy. After smashing the spin bowlers out of the attack, Jamma started swotting the pace bowlers into the gaps. His innings of 50 runs off 28 balls was short and sweet and allowed us to edge closer to a par score at Cheeeeeyatswood.

James "I'll get a new club helmet soon" Packman notches up 50 in short time

Meanwhile, Cam continued to dominate the bowling at the other end on his way to 100. A real grinder of an innings at the start, but by the end Cam looked very comfortable at the crease, playing each ball on its merits with a clear intent.

When Jamma departed, Elliot Richtor then took hold of the reigns, hitting three consecutive sixes in a quick fire 24 run stand. At the other end, Cam finished on 122 not out off 136 balls. All in all, it was a very mature innings from the Stags, led by Cam Eccles with the other batsmen batting sensibly around him.

The plan with the ball remained the same as always. The bowlers got out of the box early and shortly after the first bend picked up the first wicket with James ‘4 eyes’ Kennedy clean bowling the Hawks opening batsman. At 2 for 10 and then 3 for 49, we were on track for 6 points. However, some undisciplined bowling and plenty of 4 or 5 ball overs allowed the Hawks batsmen to pick off the runs with ease. Before long, Lowe and Decent put on 150 runs together and pushed the score to almost 200.

We desperately needed a wicket to get us back in the match, and this came courtesy of a slower ball from JK that ballooned back for a straightforward catch. JK did his best to make the catch look difficult, however, diving forward and plucking the ball just centimetres off the ground with his right hand.

Iain "Bevo" Beverley takes a big inswinging delivery as it passes the batsmen

At this point, all 11 of us were thinking that this was our chance to really put the pressure on the Hawks, but again some wayward bowling meant that the gap between the runs required and balls remaining started to close. The Hawks eventually passed our total with 4 balls to spare.

Overall, it was a very disappointing match for the Stags, and it was a shame that we couldn’t honour Cam’s century with a win. That said, we take on Blacktown this Saturday and I have full confidence in this young side to bounce back and take home 6 points.

Harry also bowled a heavy ball.

Dan ‘greyhound’ Smith

James Packman reports on our Round 8 mtach against our Northern neighbours.

After an interrupted few weeks due to wet weather and an unexpected weekend off against Penrith, the team had not participated in competitive cricket for a number of Saturdays. It would therefore be assumed we were eager, energetic and excited to take on the Rangers at our home ground prior to the Christmas break. A respectable week at training and the return of the regular skipper and we were prepared to put in the best performance of the year.... or so we thought.

The old fella Packers in full flight

There was something missing at the toss (no Marcus!!! -it was later discovered he was busy at the shops purchasing the brightest set of white trainers possible... in size 4) and immediately the vibe was a little off. The toss however was won and on what appeared to the eye to be a green wicket which would assist the bowlers it was decided we would have first use with the ball. That said it was difficult to gauge if that was the right decision as the bowlers got off to a pretty ordinary start with both sides of the facilities being tested and a variety of lengths being used, mostly to the batsman's liking. Some useful deliveries were produced by "after dark Heaney" and "best out of box 1" smith however as a bowling unit we didn't apply pressure and with "the only one not to get hit for six by Chris Gayle at thunder training" Kennedy having an off day the bowling figures tell the story. One highlight however was watching "sponsored by Tony Wilson" attempting a run up off about 10 steps..and trapping the ND's no. 5 dead in front.

I would be very surprised if there isn't a photo of Harry in action on the website at some stage this week. It has been a turbulent week for "office works" with some of his office ethics coming into question by senior management... nothing more at this stage however look forward to the progression of this story.

No bowling photo of Harry, Packers but we did get him batting

Back to cricket, we were staring down the barrel of 350+ at one stage so to be chasing only 313 was a minor victory, however was going to require a quality team performance with a number of contributors. A steady start from Eccles and Lewis was required and wickets in hand and a run a ball intent needed right from the start. We began to fall behind the run rate and pressure was mounting, mirrors was beginning to loosen up after a slowish start until a hamstring injury halted his late charge and was out for 62. It did give him an opportunity to get the budgie smugglers out in public so he could ice the leg, most would probably just iced it under their shorts - not "the situation" as he doesn't miss any opportunity to get the kit off! Evans the only other batsmen to get in and looked good until losing concentration in the 30s. A cameo by the "old fella" packers on his return game wasn't enough as 10 per over were needed in the last 15 to get over the line and proved too much and the team were finished 9-262 in reply after the allotted 50 overs.

The Christmas break will be a good opportunity to take time out of cricket, catch up as a team and enjoy the camaraderie of your team mates. As a side we are coming together well - it now has to start translating into confidence and a winning way to progress to the next level. There is no doubt we are a team of talented cricketers, it is now about displaying it week in week out. Some thoughts on how each individual will 'find a way' to dominate the 2nd half of the season would be encouraged over the next few weeks and look forward to hitting the ground running in January 2012.

James Packman

We arrived to Pratten Oval on a picturesque summer's day with the magpies larking and the local shoppers pushing their trolleys through the thick outfield (amazing). After a few rounds ofT20 where we were largely unsuccessful, the 1st graders were keen to get back to winning ways.

After welcoming back Blair “Beach runs are the best hangover cure” Lindsay to the side our stand in captain and King of the coast Iain Beverley won the toss and sent the home team into bat on a pitch that should give a little assistance to our 3/4 pronged pace attack (depending on the Reece’s Neck).

Steve Colley uses his feet to hit straight

The team motto to ‘out enthuse’ was evident from the get go with James "Contacts" Kennedy and Dan "Redbull Racing" Smith tying the batsmen down with nice line and length. Our first breakthrough came with “Better than what Reece can get” Kennedy bowling a strategic no ball to force a free hit. This free hit saw their opener smash a cover drive straight to Harry "Geoff's new In-law" Evans and take off resulting in both batsmen at one end. Cheers. 1/15 was soon 3/28 as Dan picked up 2 wickets with catches to Reece "the owl" Bombas (neck reference definitely not a nocturnal reference) and "fingers" Beverley. With tight bowling from Scott “How did I get stuck with him” Heaney and Elliot “Let me take over the decks” Richtor wickets just kept coming. Col Chipped in with what some would describe as ‘spinners’ wickets and we went on to dominate with the ball and in the field as we bowled the magpies out for 111 off 45 overs. A few special mentions need to go out to:

• Steve "this is what I would wear anyway" Colley's one handed pick up and throw with one stump to aim at run out. 
• James "Geppetto" Packman obviously getting bored with the pace of the game and sitting on the fence and feeding Reece "Parrot" Bombas with some dreadful banter.

Elliot Richtor playing off the back foot

Thank God the T20’s are over

The day started with the warm up, it wasn’t the most energetic warm up of the year and that followed through to our bowling. The boys showed glimpses of a game plan but failing to convert we struggled to keep the runs down. Dan Smith showed his skills with a good three overs finishing with 0-22 alongside James Kennedy 1-28 off 4, Elliot Richtor 0-29 off 4, Henry Carmichael 1-16 off 2, Scott Heaney 1-38 off 4 and Kurt Roughley 1-41 off 3. Everyone bowled well at times.

With good fields being set by the opposing team our batsmen found it hard to score boundaries but with Greg Lewis (36 off 34) and Harry Evans (44 off 32) showing us the way, 182 didn’t seem so far away, we just needed a big partnership which didn’t eventuate. It was left up to Dan Smith (17) and James Kennedy (25) to get us through to the final over but even though 148 was a good score, it wasn’t enough against the strong Sutherland outfit who made 182 with only the loss of 4 wickets.

Looking forward to getting back to the longer form of the game!

Scott Heaney

Harry Evans works one off the pads while Dan Smith tries to go over the top