 PG's chalk up a win vs Sydney at Chatswood
After getting through the first 5 games of the PG’s season without posting a win, the younger stags were keen to head into the Christmas break on a high, and with the opposing Sydney team having only posted one win through their 5 games there was a good feeling within the team that we would indeed be able to take the points.
Justin Avendano during his century
The day started as usual with a relaxed warm up and the elder Colley losing the toss. As such the stags were in the field first. Scott Heany and Dan Smith opened up and bowled well without gaining a break through, though they ensured that the run rate never got away from the stags and with that pressure it allowed the like of Alex Jackson, Chad Soper and Henry Carmichael to bowl a number of tight overs at their middle order, and also pick up wickets along the way, restricting Sydney to only 8-190 of their 50 overs. Special mention must also be given to Steve Colley, who did indeed bowl a very useful spell, much to the amazement of his team mates. Giving the ball plenty of air and even spinning a couple, although I’m not sure if his figures would have been the same if it were not for some interesting shot selections by the Sydney bats, and also the fact that Steve ensured he bowled from the end that meant the batsmen had to hit the ball around 80 meters on the leg side for a boundary not 40. But none the less well bowled Col.
After seeing the scores of the 1st grade game the day before the young stags were confident in their abilities to chase down the score that was judged ‘below par’ by some. Colley enterprises opened the innings but it was not long before they were broken up with Kris falling LBW. This brought Dick Huey’s favourite avocado to the crease, and Justin obviously still thought he was playing in the 20/20 game from Saturday as he duly smoked his first ball for four through cover.
Chad Soper, Alex Jackson and Justin during the PG's game at Chatswood
Justin was given a life before he had reached 10 and he was determined to make the Sydney bowlers pay, and that he did. Justin and Steve added 80 before Steve was out, bringing Logan Weston to the crease, he and Justin batted tremendously, knocking around singles on occasions but ensuring that any bowler who missed their mark slightly was punished. As the Stags raced towards the Sydney total Justin continued to belt anything and everything on his way to a magnificent 126 N.O. of only 97 balls which included 14 4’s and 5 6’s. This was a great innings by Justin and hopefully he can take this form into the New Year and continue on scoring runs. Logan finished on a stylish 26 N.O which gave the stags an 8 wicket win in only the 31st over.
Overall it was very pleasing to finally play at a level somewhere near the team’s potential, giving not only the club but each player cause to look forward to the final game against Bankstown next year and hopefully finishing on a high.
Henry Carmichael
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