Played

Report

by The Skip

Having won the toss, GRACC elected to bat on a fairly green pitch under sunny skies. We made a very solid start with debutante openers Roger and Andy seeing off their early bowlers with only a few minor scares. Roger then unfortunately missed a straight one but Andy went on to a very solid 34 before he too succumbed. Dave then came in and hit a brilliant quickfire 70 (with one memorable effortless six) ably accompanied by Lewis who went on to an elegant 61 not out. With a few late boundaries from Chappers and a cameo from John, we were delighted to sneak past the 200 mark in the 35th over, ending the innings on 204-5.

After tea in the clubhouse, accompanied by some of Hussey's dogged resistance against the English bowling attack, we took to the field.

Chappers opened the bowling, keeping it reasonably tight (after a few early looseners) and with the skipper in miserly mood at the other end, the run-rate had soon slowed to a crawl. Still, we needed wickets and Adrian duly obliged with two in consecutive overs, both nipping back off the pitch to take off stump. Their opener was still working it around well (and went on to reach his fifty) but we brought on Paul for some variation and, after a couple of sighters, he got his man bowled through the gate with a quicker one. With Lewis keeping it steady at the other end, we could afford to rotate the bowling and soon they were tumbling with a sharp run-out and a super stumping from Andy off John. Saving the best till last, Dave came on to mop up the tail and he was just too quick, even off a short run, with three wickets falling near the end as they tried to keep up with the rapidly increasing run-rate in vain. With only one man left, the overs ticked down and South Park finished 39 runs adrift on 165-9.

So a very satisfying performance from a relatively makeshift team and it was good to see a few new faces amongst the runs and wickets; hopefully we can count on you all for next season!

Result

GRACC: 204 for 5 (35.0 overs)

South Park Manor: 165 for 9 (35.0 overs)

GRACC  won by 39 runs

Man of the match: Dave for his 70 and 3-28, the bearded wonder strikes again...

Champagne Moment: A proper stood-up stumping from Andy!

Comedy Moment: Lewis contriving to drop FIVE catches; just as well he got some runs :)