Green Shield vs Bankstown - 2011/12

The Legend Chris Spratt reports from Grahame Thomas Oval Bankstown

The Gordon boys arrived early out at Bankstown under cloudy skies, captain Lachy Borg was true to form and lost another toss and Bankstown chose to bat. Bankstown got off to a brisk start but Gordon fought back taking 2 early wickets going to Sean Campbell and Harry Middlebrook.

Chris Spratt hits a six over mid wicket.

Soon after we were forced off due to wet weather. An hour of play was lost and the game was reduced to 56 overs a side. The pumped up Gordon boys returned to the field bowling good line and length, placing the pressure back on the opposition. Seany Campbell was soon rewarded with a wicket courtesy of an athletic diving catch by Max Papworth the wicket keeper.

Seanny and Harry were replaced by Rohan Siva and Will Calov who kept the pressure on the opposition and the scoring rate continued to slow.

The fielding effort from the Gordon boys was splendid as wickets continued to tumble. We knocked Bankstown over for 149 after 50 overs with Will, Seany and Harry all taking 3 wickets. Lachie Mactier and James Partridge keeping the run rate to a minimum and Chris Spratt (legend) bagging 4 catches and Max Papworth taking 3. Unfortunately Lachy Borg could not bowl due to a knee problem to everyone’s disappointment.

Chris Spratt and Connor Jackson opened the batting just before tea, determined to get on with the game. Connor took strike and got off the mark with an elegant cover drive that raced to the boundary for 4 off the first ball. At the tea break Gordon were 0-28 off 6 overs.

Rohan Siva and Sean Campbell in action while Harry Middlebrook disturbs the stumps- again!!

We returned to the crease after tea with both batsmen looking to attack the bowling of Bankstown. Spratt brought up his half century with a 6 over midwicket and continued the attack until he was bowled attempting to clear the pickets again for 76. Jack Colley came to the crease looking solid and worked the ball around to ensure Connor Jackson achieved his half century, which he did by hitting 2 consecutive 4's as we passed the total 1 wicket down.

It was a good all round performance with the ball, the bat and very sharp fielding. Congrats Gordon for 3 out of 4 wins.

By Chris Spratt (legend)