4th Grade vs Sutherland - Round 5 - 2011/12

Compliancy is the only word that can be used to describe the game against Sutherland. We thought we had the game won within the first 15 over’s which technically we had but it is never over till its over.

Julian Stephenson happy to be taking more wickets in 4th grade

This is something I have learnt from watching one of the greatest sporting nations to exist and I don’t mean Australia, I mean New Zealand, the Kiwis whatever you want to call us. We do hold the rugby world cup, the rugby league world cup and any other cup that is played for - apart from the four nations now after a somewhat remarkable win to Australia over England Sunday morning. So I think I do know what I’m talking about. It’s that you have to keep fighting till the end. Never give up, never expect it just to happen no matter what the score or who the opposition are as things can happen, and happen they did.

Let’s get to the game.

For me it was a very early wake up at 6.30am as Sutherland is about as far away as Sydney is from the land of the long white cloud. I don’t know if I took a wrong turn leaving Castle hill but it ended up being a 70km trip to Sutherland oval where I just managed to arrive before 9am. With the inspection of the pitch done before warm up it was noted that Shane really needed to win a toss otherwise we would find ourselves batting on a pitch that the groundsman’s was still preparing up until play. It was green, not too soft but would be more difficult to bat on now than later in the day when the sun dried it out. We welcomed 6 people into 4th grade this week with many players being out either doing a uni exam or winning poker tournaments in the Philippines, then deciding to spend the cash there and find a bride. The new players we welcomed in or back into the team were Mitch, Iqbal, Max Newman, Paul our English import, flemmo@bowlolgist (Adam Fleming) and Tom Gooch.

Warm up started with a game of touch with a small pink rugby ball and a field that included dog poo in the middle as we couldn’t be bothered moving the field. As usual any out markers are just a guideline to Shane so when his team run out by 10m its still play on as they are just there as a guidance. Shane’s team won which is a sad thing to say.

Tom Gooch watches his ball

With that over there was a solid warm up in the already sweltering heat. Shane was called to the middle to do the toss which he again lost, however the coin did land on the side rope of the pitch and for some reason the umpires called a re toss which ended up with Shane winning it and us sending them in .The plan was to bowl full and swing the ball to make the most of what was in the pitch. What happened next happened so fast, some thoughts turned to who we should go and watch once we won or maybe the team lunch at sizzler was on again.

Jules Stephenson coming off 5fa against St George again did the job for the Stags claiming a wicket an over for the first 4 over’s before he got a brace the next and was on another hat-rick that was again denied. Jules bowled the perfect line his whole ten over’s for a very well deserved 6/16 off 10 straight overs. It must be noted that once Jules saw the pitch in the morning he decided that his knee would hold up to bowling after deciding during the week that he would just play as a bat. He was well supported by flemmo@bowlologist who bowled some good lines and earned himself a wicket thanks to a leaping Max Newman at midwicket who timed his jump to perfection and got some great hang time to take a mark overhead. Gooch replaced flemmo@bowlogist and brought instant reward with a wicket to a catching short cover.

At 8/81 it was all the stags. However it was noted that we had to stay up for the challenge as anyone could put on a partnership and that’s what happened as we ended up relaxing a bit too much as we tried to finish them off.

'Chilli' Perry in the delivery stride

Conversation turned to why Shane’s company Channel 9 was not sponsoring 4th grade as they could cover every game and beam it live around Sydney on Channel 9 each Saturday. 

Michael 'Chilli' Perry and flemmo@bowlologist then combined to try and take the last 2 wickets quickly. Flemmo had the remaining batsmen running for their helmets as he sent down some sizzling balls at pace. Word going around grade clubs is that he is faster than Alex lines.

Sutherland ended up all out for 87.

How do I talk about what happened next.

We lost Mitch early to a run out, 1 for 4. Michael ‘Mickey D’ Dalrymple and Michael ‘Chilli’ Perry then combined to try continue their good form in the middle and take 4s home. Until Chilli was fooled by a slower one to be bowled. 2/40. Mickey D was joined by Max Newman before both of them followed each other in quick succession, as well as the Englishman Paul. At 5/57 it was tight and game on.

Enter our captain, our leader, the inspiration, tactician. First ball bang 4. it must be difficult for Shane to bat in a shirt as he loves to stalk the picket fence shirtless, looking for any eyes that may wonder his way whether it be from a nice woman or man passing by who knows. Andrew Crosland looked to support Shane with the odd boundary and a few singles before Shane lost his wicket, who must of thought he was facing Alex Lines or Andrew Chapman, wanting to dominate the bowlers to the end. 6/79.

The author watches his ball through point

Then it was all over on 86. One run short.

A very disappointing finish to what should have been a good win against one of the teams in the top 6. It must be said though we have been playing very well so it was disappointing to come to such a halt but we will bounce back. Overall there were too many lose shots, and not enough patience on a track that had quickened up but was still doing enough. We need to stand up now take some pride in our game, pride in the Gordon club and come out bloody hungry next week against Wests.

Michael ‘Chilli’ Perry