After shifting from Ongley 9 to Ongley 10 (still not sure why) we lost the toss and bowled first when Marist opted to bat. This game turned out to be all about our effort in the field with some quality bowling and great fielding carrying on our efforts from last week and the pre-season.
Pratiek and Navin got us off to a great start, albeit in different styles. Navin bowled 8 straight overs of top quality swing and seam to nab 3 well deserved wickets. Prateik, by his own admission, bowled 3 overs full of pies (and the odd good ball) to nab 3 more and Marist slumped to 56/6 in quick order. John and Craig continued the bowling effort both extremely economical at less than 3 RPO, Craig grabbing 2 wickets and John 1. Matt Middleton continued the trend and finished off the tail Marist all out for 86 off just 30.2 overs. Once again our catching was near perfect only 2 chances going down, both difficult but 8 held including some more seriously good work by Matt Middleton & Sheriff.
In reply Marists opening bowlers proved a real handful particularly their 14 year old opener J.Harris. John went 2nd ball to a great catch at slip, and then after a small 21 run partnership between Sheriff and Navin we suffered a big clump losing 3 quick wickets. Tim and Phil both got ducks and suddenly we were on the wrong side of 24/5 and not looking good. What followed were two match winning partnerships. The first involved Cory Adams and Matt Waldin. Together with some solid defence they saw off Marist's openers, with 2 crashing pull shots for 4 by Cory forcing a double bowling change as the openers tired. Together Cory and Matt put on a valuable 20 runs. Matt in particular deserves praise for the way he played. After Matt fell a rather sick Dan Hamid joined Cory at the crease and the two set about a slow rebuilding process. Dan's first 7 balls were all dots and after that he cut loose smashing 38 runs of his next 16 balls including 7 4's and a towering hook shot for 6 to seal the win in the 22nd over. It was a very hard fought and very close win.
Pratiek and Navin got us off to a great start, albeit in different styles. Navin bowled 8 straight overs of top quality swing and seam to nab 3 well deserved wickets. Prateik, by his own admission, bowled 3 overs full of pies (and the odd good ball) to nab 3 more and Marist slumped to 56/6 in quick order. John and Craig continued the bowling effort both extremely economical at less than 3 RPO, Craig grabbing 2 wickets and John 1. Matt Middleton continued the trend and finished off the tail Marist all out for 86 off just 30.2 overs. Once again our catching was near perfect only 2 chances going down, both difficult but 8 held including some more seriously good work by Matt Middleton & Sheriff.
In reply Marists opening bowlers proved a real handful particularly their 14 year old opener J.Harris. John went 2nd ball to a great catch at slip, and then after a small 21 run partnership between Sheriff and Navin we suffered a big clump losing 3 quick wickets. Tim and Phil both got ducks and suddenly we were on the wrong side of 24/5 and not looking good. What followed were two match winning partnerships. The first involved Cory Adams and Matt Waldin. Together with some solid defence they saw off Marist's openers, with 2 crashing pull shots for 4 by Cory forcing a double bowling change as the openers tired. Together Cory and Matt put on a valuable 20 runs. Matt in particular deserves praise for the way he played. After Matt fell a rather sick Dan Hamid joined Cory at the crease and the two set about a slow rebuilding process. Dan's first 7 balls were all dots and after that he cut loose smashing 38 runs of his next 16 balls including 7 4's and a towering hook shot for 6 to seal the win in the 22nd over. It was a very hard fought and very close win.
Final Thoughts
First up I have to give props to Marist's opening bowlers J.Harris and C.Harridge who were very good, we thoroughly enjoyed the game and its great to see a side full of younger kids working their way into club cricket. Once again our fielding and bowling efforts were spot on. But our batting once again looked shaky and it took some great defence by Cory and Matt, and some showmanship from Dan to see us home. Navin continued to show good form at the top but other senior players in the team (esp. the Captain) need to step up with the bat if our season is to continue in winning fashion.
