 Second grade report vs St. George
After weeks of stop-start cricket it was pleasing to arrive at Chatswood with the sun shining on a dry outfield.
(Chris Archer during his 5 wicket haul)
Digger Dowsley lost the toss and the dragons decided to bat on what looked like a pretty flat wicket. The new pill was shared by the big Gazza Wright and fellow string bean James Kennedy who was making his 2nd grade debut. Both bowled with good pace and carry and JK was first to strike, catching the edge of the openers bat resulting in a relatively easy catch to 2nd slip. There was even some talk of hooking up the practice nets out in the middle so that JK could perform his best work. I think it was Ritchie’s idea.
The bowlers continued to toil away but were probably guilty of bowling too many 4 balls when line and length was the formula needed on a flat wicket and fast outfield.
Chris Archer was definitely the pick of the bowlers, as he mixed up his flight and pace superbly to really tie down the dragons batsmen and force them into mistakes. He ended up with a well deserved 5/68 off 23 overs but must seriously do something about the mullet. He also has a habit of taking his shirt off whenever he can. It must be a central coast thing, cause Jonesy does it too. I suppose it doesn’t really matter as long as Bomber keeps his on. Oh yeah, and Ritchie.
 Speaking of Jack “slug” Ritchie, apart from providing some amusing efforts in the field, he too bowled with great control to take 2/13 off 6 overs at a very important time in the innings when the score could have got away. Don’t know what’s going on with his earring though.
(Harry Evans during his 51)
The Dragons were eventually bowled out for 321 and credit must go to their middle order batsmen who played mature and intelligent cricket to get them to that total.
With about 40 minutes till stumps Gordon hoped to see out the day without losing a wicket. Unfortunately Medcalf was dismissed 2nd ball. It was a fair ball too. Ask Ritchie.
Day two began with Ritchie and Evans steadily ticking the scoreboard over. Ritchie went after unluckily spooning a catch to square leg. It was one of those weird ones where it looked like it could have been a bump ball. It wasn’t though.
Matt Jones joined Evans at the crease and it was clear to see the confidence he has gained after making his first grade debut last week. The pair batted aggressively with some power hitting down the ground the highlight. It’s also great to the see the delight Jonesy’s Dad gets from watching his son bat…it keeps the spectators amused anyway.
 Obviously still on cloud nine after receiving his HSC results during the week, Harold Evans batted with maturity and great timing to bring up his half century (much to the delight of a proud Rog on the sideline). Unfortunately he was out next ball edging one to slip.
(James Kennedy on debut for 2nds)
Gordon continued to lose wickets at vital times throughout the innings, halting any momentum we had started to gain. Richtor went for a quickfire 31, and was followed by Jones just before lunch for 42.
One of the highlights of lunch had to be the efforts of big Gazza Wright at Subway. After proudly announcing he hadn’t eaten Subway for a couple of years and that he was actually on debut with the Chicken Fillet sub, Medcalf decided to stitch him up. There were bizarre looks from staff and customers when Gaz asked if he could grab the stamps for his subway redemption card. Subway stopped this offer 2 years ago. It provided a good laugh.
Back to the cricket and captain courageous Nick “Digger” Dowsley found capitalised on some time in the middle to score a gutsy and chanceless 74. Unfortunately the wickets kept falling around him and our innings closed with his dismissal. Gordon all out for 260. It started pouring with rain about 2 minutes after we’d lost. 2 minutes away from a draw. Cricket sux sometimes.
 A disappointing loss but one that hopefully the guys learn from. Partnerships are the key in a big run chase and the St.George batsmen showed just how valuable patient batting and time in the middle can be. We lost too many wickets at vital times and shot selection left a bit to be desired.
(Jack Ritchie in action with the bat)
We are still well and truly in the race to play finals cricket this season, and there is definitely the talent in this team to give the competition a real shake.
Merry Christmas and I wish you all have a safe and happy new year,
Nick Medcalf | 
