 Higgins helps 3s to a win
After a nice drive out to Cook Park (Penrith) round 1, 3rd grade enjoyed another visit out west to the Lions of Fairfield Liverpool.
Late changes to the side (Pearce and Jones both withdrawing due to suspect hamstrings) meant an inexperienced outfit would take on Fairfield. The captain won the toss again and elected to bat on a slowish, flat wicket. Kleem (23) struggled to find his timing and when he quickly followed the dismissal of Colley (18) the Stags were 2/44. A consolidating partnership between debutant Blair Lindsay and Jim Gatting ended when Lindsay bunted a full toss from the opposing leg spinner straight to point.
Higgins compiles his first (of many) centuries for Gordon
Another quick wicket, that of the jet lagged Cameron Eccles, created a minor problem at 4/76. Gatting (80), however, was looking good and he soon formed a superb partnership with Ian Higgins (116*). The pair put on 110 in very quick time before Gatting, after hitting some very large “bombs”, fell to what could only be described as a part time spinner. Our resident POM batted superbly and threw away a certain hundred. Higgins wouldn’t fall into the same trap. Crucial partnerships with Cheadle (15) and Howitt (25) saw our keeper inch closer to his first grade hundred for Gordon. He reached 3 figures with a delicate late cut and managed to remain not out and ensure a very competitive total of 308. With one over to bowl, the captain took the new rock. It has happened before and it will probably happen again!!! A great innings form Missy Higgins and reward for the work he is putting in at training and outside training.
Day 2 saw the home side take the attack to Gordon, with a lack of consistent line and length and good batting culminating in a scorleline of 3/190 at tea. After tea the game changed, with spin from both ends meaning the Lions would have to force the pace and not enjoy the ball coming onto the bat. Gatting (2/37), Howitt (4/51) and Cheadle (1/59) bowled well and remained patient, waiting for the batsmen to make mistakes. And mistakes they did…and were all out 17 runs short.
 The opposition batting were guilty of too many “big” shots and, with good pressure bowling, their fate was sealed. A very important run out by Blair Lindsay was also significant in helping us take the 6 points. Nick Cheadle took 3 very good catches, Steve Colley grabbed 2 good’uns and Lindsay was superb all day in the field.
The skipper, Howitt, bags 4
Another really good effort!! Two tough road trips and two good wins. There are areas we must improve but we have shown a very strong ability to defend a total. We now move to North Sydney and another game. Unfortunately two good wins must remain in the past and our focus fix to Saturday. Whatever our standing on the table after round 2….means nothing boys!!
Lets keep winning so the boys who didn’t know the words (Lindsay/Eccles/Gatting) to the song are able to sing it on Saturday week.
Hoppa
PS Howitt (Snr) did not miss the song this game | 
