 6 points for 2nd Grade
Sitting on 1/82, 2nd Grade looked to continue where they left off the previous week but unfortunately lost the early wicket of Kieran Jones, who had come in to the team to cover for Ritchie. This, however, was only a minor setback; Dowse combined with Ben "BG" Garratt for a solid partnership which got the Stags back on track. Dowse looked the goods and played some beautiful square shots before being caught lbw by the North Sydney leggie for 31.
BG strokes one through the covers
BG was then joined by Elliot Richtor and these two ensured Gordon got over the line without the loss of any further wickets. Both batted well and after seeing off some tight bowling, displayed some awesome shot making. BG in particular was fantastic to watch, uncharacteristically playing several shots of the back foot and many along the ground. He reached his century not long after lunch and fell shortly after for 122. Els soon followed, being caught in the gully for a well-made 85, which included one huge shot onto the expressway.
With the game well and truly over, North Sydney was hoping for an early afternoon. Dowse, however was keen to give the lower order some batting practice (and was also under strict orders from Matt Kelly) so he opted to bat on for an hour after the tea break. Evans, Medcalf and Gatting showed promise and all reached 20 in quick time but wickets fell consistently, the game ending with Gordon all out for 390. This was a relief for Archer who had copped several beamers and been given a death threat. To say it mildly, the North Sydney boys were pretty upset at being stuck in the field all afternoon. That aside, it was a solid win for 2s who need to take that same form and frame of mind into the next round.
Will Sweeney |
