2nd Grade vs Penrith - Round 7 - 2011/12 |
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The wicket was clearly to the batsmen's advantage but the morning humidity made the decision to bowl easy. Brett Rosen hits one through coverAccurate off-side and good length bowling of James “Els, can you take this catch” Campbell, Adair “I don’t catch well on my left” Durie, Chad “My pectorals are sore from benching” Soper, Ben “My last year’s bowling figures are better than yours” Garratt and Ed “508,next...” Howitt forced Penrith to 6/113 after 35 overs, heading for a score of around 160-170. Ed’s off-spin was a harmonious addition to the usual pressure exerted by the 2nd Grade “Wolf Pack”. However, fine hitting from Penrith’s Number 8 (Betros - 70 from 39) and Number 7 (Pradhan – 45 from 49) taught us the difference between half-volley and block-hole / yorker. All bowlers except James “I’m the more accurate but a tad slower” Campbell were hit over the boundary during Penrith’s flurry to 7/218 in the 47th over. More typical scoring resumed for the final overs after the Betros dismissal as Penrith finished at 9/237 off 50 overs. It is worth noting the 3 catches by Craig “Who cares about a few broken fingers” Thornborough including one caught behind up at the stumps off Ben. GDCC’s innings began with Logan “What comes after the 20’s” Weston and Jordie “Thanks selectors, now how do I know when to shave” Liddle looking extremely comfortable. The first ball that seemed to trouble either of them removed Logan for 19 off 25, caught in the slips. For whatever it is worth, there was a pleasing aspect of control to Logan’s innings. Jordie too continued with control and authority, also disappointing both himself and all spectators when out lbw for 32 off 41. Both these batsmen have improved significantly over the past few rounds and a much larger score is nearby.
Chad Soper in action on SaturdayBeing bowling by a straight one on 72 off 66 was not so impressive, but his partnership of 81 with Ben “I still actually can loft over the off” Garratt, taking the score from 70 to 151, was the foundation of GDCC’s victory. However we were not able to complete the task without raising the blood pressure of the lower order. Ben “All these old people are diminishing my authority” Garratt was joined only briefly by Harry “I can talk as much silliness as Kong” Turner and then formed a 39-run partnership with Henry “These second graders are an unusual bunch” Carmichael, the partnership taking the score from 165 to 204, until Ben skyed a rank full-toss, out for 58 off 83. With 7 overs remaining and requiring 5 runs per over for victory, Henry and Chad quickly but clinically finished the game in the next 4 overs, Henry finishing with 27 off 29 and Chad 22 off 17, and their partnership 36 not out. This was a critical yet satisfying win after last round’s debacle. It places us 6 points out of the Top 6, although with a serious quotient deficiency. This game was also a timely segue to the next 2 matches with both of these being 20/20s. Although both the batting and the bowling have improved, the batmen still need to keep concentration to extend their innings and craft more damaging partnerships, while the bowlers need to more readily consider the slower ball against premeditated big-hitting and bowl the yorker with more precision if it is going to be attempted. Bring on the Hit & Giggle! Ben Garratt, Chad Soper and Henry Carmichael helped to get us a win on the weekend
Adair DurieThe second grade report is sponsored by:
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Round 7 against Penrith was a must-win game if GDCC 2nd Grade were to have any realistic chance of emulating or improving upon last year's achievement. To the team's credit, both the bowling and batting were to the task.
Brett “I have given up thinking when I am batting” Rosen again was the star of the innings. His power without needing to take to the air was impressive. 
