 Green Shield Match Report vs Blacktown
On a fairly humid Thursday morning, Gordon Green Shield travelled to Blacktown for their third round match. Currently seated at 7th on the table, we were looking to conceal a place in the top six. After successfully conquering Bankstown late December, the Green Shield players went into today’s game with a degree of confidence.
(Michael O'Shea during his 55)
On a lively & hardly benign wicket at Joe McAleer oval, skipper Henry Carmichael won the toss & elected to bat. With little game time under their belts, the Greenies really had to buckle down in order to post a large total.
However the pitch was ruthless & unforgiving. With the ball swinging & seaming around all over the place, we struggled early losing Hulston for 0 (6) & Lamont 10 (15) within the first 10 overs. Gordon were on the ropes at 2 for 14, but Avendano toiled well for his 9 (37) & was undone by some good bowling.
Then came the collapse.
 After 20 overs, Gordon was 7 for 36, but come to the crease, saviour Michael O’Shea. Mike truly showed us how to really step up to mark & buckle down when it’s needed, scoring 55 in over 40 overs. Combined with equally important knocks from Alex Shaw 8 (29), Dan Lake 4 (23) & Mark Anderson 19 (37), we finished with 130 after 56, all out.
(Chad Soper in action against Blacktown)
After seeing what the wicket had to offer, Rocket was fairly impressed with the total, but more so with the fight back by the boys. Chad & Henry were frothing at the mouth after seeing their team mates perish to the unpredictable red & wondering what it would do for them & the endless wicket possibilities it would offer them.
They did not disappoint.
Chad struck an lbw in his second over & Henry produced a Glenn McGrath style inswinging yorker to put Blacktown on the back foot at 2 for 5 after 4 overs. However some solid batting by the opposition & a few unlucky chances here & there put them back in the game with 2 for 54 after 17 overs at the tea break.
After an inspirational chat from the coach, the boys were fired up & ready for another session. With a stroke of brilliance by Declan Jakrot quickly after the drinks break, the Stags had their third wicket.
 After a skied top edge, Declan sprinted in only to his shock realisation that the ball was actually going over his head. In a desperate last attempt, he stuck his right hand out & miraculously held on to the ball, probably clueless to the fact that he actually had it. None the less he did & as Rocket predicted, it brought the fall of another wicket, due to another spectacular piece of cricket, but this time by Henry Carmichael. After a low full toss from Declan Jakrot which was flat batted in the air on the leg side, Henry very intelligently popped the ball up in the air & straight into his hands.
(Henry Carmichael about to launch against Blacktown)
Blacktown were now 4 for 77. Unfortunately, we were unable to capitalise on some tough chances & we just let the game slip away.
Now Gordon Green Shield must look to game on the 5th & concentrate on trying to secure a place in the top six. Cricket is a tough & unpredictable game, but what we can take away from today is that anything can happen; you’ve got to want to win it to be in it.
James Ryan. | 
