 5th Grade well placed against UNSW
After heavy rain during the later half of the working week, and the news that both 2’s and 4’s had been called off, it was an anxious drive out to David Phillips South on Saturday morning. On first look the ground appeared in top shape, but after closer inspection of the pitch it was decided that play would be delayed at least an hour.
Higgins races after the ball to effect the run-out
This year’s 5th grade team has resembled an England touring team, and Saturday was no exception. The Jazz welcomed newcomer, Pat Effeney (aka. Craig Knight) to the ranks, as well as a host of returning 4th graders. Adding to this, club stalwart, Ian Higgins was returning to where it all began, representing 5th grade for the first time in several years.
After some tireless work from the groundsman, who had to prepare both 3rd and 5th grade wickets, the game finally got underway at 2pm.
Gordon won the toss and had no hesitation in sending Uni in (thanks to expert opinion from Tiddles Wilson) on a deck which was hiding plenty of moisture under the surface.
With only two quicks in the starting team, the Jazz had to strike early (both quicks were restricted to 8 over spells). Fortunately the deck was providing plenty of assistance and James JC “Hernandez” Campbell claimed his mandatory wicket in the first over. JC had a second in his next over, clean bowling the number 3 bat.
With UNSW 2 for not many, and every Gordon fielder in a catching position, Uni were on the ropes. The last thing they needed was a run out. As the Uni bat tickled one round the corner, the batsmen set off for what seemed to be an easy single. Missy Higgins had other ideas. Scampering after the ball, like a greyhound pursuing a rabbit, Missy claimed the ball, pivoted to his left and threw down the stumps. Not only was it a great run out but it was also the first time Missy had ever turned left.
 Pat E-Fanny (Effeney) was the next to step-up. In one of the most interesting spells of bowling this scribe has ever witnessed, Pat managed to take 4 poles in his 8 overs. His spell was erratic but lethal. His unpredictability seemed to undo the batsmen.
4-for for the newcomer, Pat Effeney
The highlight of Pat’s spell had to be a miraculous catch taken by Sam Ranney (fielding at second slip, due to an ankle injury and a mild hangover). Pat bowled a full and wide delivery which the batsman slashed at. The ball flew low to the ground to Sam’s left. Ranney, displaying the lighting reflexes which have served him so well on the streets of Chatswood, stuck out his left hand and snared the catch an inch off the ground. A look of surprise and disbelief overcome the Gordon players, as Sam opened his eyes and realised he still had the ball.
So after the 16 overs from Gordon’s two opening bowlers, Uni were 7 wickets down. Not a bad start, but it would be up to Huge Selby and the spinners to finish them off. Hugh claimed the eighth wicket, caught and bowled, soon after drinks, and the end seemed inevitable.
Unfortunately Ranney was badly affected by his ankle and couldn’t get through the crease. This left Selbs and the embryo, Justin, to take up the attack until the underage quicks were allowed to bowl again. Both bowled well without claiming any wickets and a 50 run partnership was achieved. Surely the 5th graders weren’t going to let another team off the hook?
Two very sharp run-outs from James ‘Marto’ Martin ensured this was not to be the case, ending the Uni innings on 102.
With an hour to bat, Gordon was keen to knock off as many runs as possible. Unfortunately both openers were dismissed in unlucky circumstances. Marto copped an LBW decision and Sunny was claimed by a ‘Ranney-like’ catch at second slip. The opener position seems to be cursed in 5th grade this season (just ask Weaves).
This left the prodigal son, Ian Higgins, and Sticks Kenner to bat out the day, Gordon finishing at 2-46.
With Higgos heading off to his wedding early on day 2, there could be some interesting batting next week. A possible outright on the cards…
Until next week, you stay classy Chatswood.
Day 2 - Washed Out
Sticks Kenner | 
