The Falcons - Senior Captains Match Reports

1st XI vs Knoxfield @ Carrington Park

After a couple weeks break in the festive season the first XI had their first game back against the reigning premier Knoxfield in a T/20. The weather wasn't to kind to us cricketers on Saturday serving up a nice 39 degree day first up, which was a test in itself. We knew we were going to have to be at our best if we were to give Knoxfield a run for their money but at the same time took a lot of confidence into the game on the back of 4 straight wins.

We lost the toss and were asked to bowl first. Details are extremely hard to remember as the game goes really quick but all the bowlers bowled extremely well and the boys fielded extremely well highlighted by part time fielder Josh Gregory with a nice run out to get the ball rolling. we restricted Knoxfield to 6/146. Bowling figures were - Wilba 4 overs 0/23, Nav Singh 4 overs 1/25, Zach Flintoff 4 overs 1/37, Scott Mcinnerney 4 overs 2/26 and Matt Young 4 overs 1/32.

Batting was always going to be difficult after fielding for 20 overs in the heat but the boys were ready for the challenge. Niraj De Silva got us off to a good start scoring 37 opening up and Butch made 42 batting at 3 before he was dismissed in the 12th over leaving us needing a further 57 runs for victory. Youngy and Scotty Mac came and went quickly looking to get on with it which saw the Gregory brothers Josh and Mitch joint at the crease. Mitch made a timely 16 and Josh 27 which got us to a tie. 7/146 was the score at the close of our innings.

With the scores tied we were forced into a super over. We batted first and made 6 off our over. Knoxfield then came in and also made 6 which meant we were going into a second super over. Knoxfield batted first and made 7 and unfortunately we were unable to reach that total meaning we lose the game.

The effort from our boys was something to be proud of and we take confidence out of the game knowing we can match it with the best team in the competition. Next week we take on Upwey at Upwey in yet another massive game for us.

Butch

2nd XI vs Knox Boronia Churches @ Miller Park

The New Year greeted us with perfect 37 degree weather and an early start to our round eight T/20 clash with Knox Boronia Churches which Josh and brother Dylan Wylde of course refused to be on time for. Surprisingly losing the toss and even more surprisingly being sent in to bat was a great opportunity to post a massive score on a quick outfield.

Lachie Stuckey was given his first chance to have a hit since November and although Santa obviously didn’t come to the party with his first ever shaver he certainly must have been practicing some big hitting beach cricket as he looked ‘on’ from ball 1. Unfortunately the same couldn’t be said for fellow opening partner ‘Skooter’ Morrison as he looked to get off the mark in trademark fashion but was caught first rock! ‘Lips’ O’Connor strode to the crease and blasted a few around before leaving the field without saying a word. Lachie followed soon after for a very impressive 58 off 38 and would have to be one of the most improved cricketers at the club. ‘Evergreen’ McLean and the super smooth Josh Wylde came together with the score at 3/80 and smacked the ball out of shape in their near 100 run partnership going at over 10 runs per over! Josh fell with a couple of overs to go after a no risk 39 trying to lift the sluggish run rate leaving older brother Dyl to slap 13 off 5. ‘Last second call up to the team’ McLean was outstanding mowing his way to 51 not out of just 35 pills to give us an imposing total of 4/192 off our allotted 20 overs.

Bringing Mclean into the side especially to wicketkeep, it was no surprise that we had to hit the field without him after he was in more distress than an overworked Apple Macintosh in the 37 degree heat after his amazing power hitting. Early wickets would be the key and we were able to take regular wickets with some great fielding and consistent bowling. After not being able to hit the side of a barn at training on Thursday we somehow managed 3 direct hit run-outs early which had the Churches praying for a miracle comeback. Sean Reid entered the game after Gerard was left looking for his own pills in an unsavoury incident involving young Stuckey’s rocket arm and a lack of awareness on his own part. Sean did what he usually does and ripped the game wide open snaring 2/10 off 2 overs and he was supported by Drew Tickets who was the pick of the bowlers with fantastic pace changes and control taking 2/13 off 4 overs. We were able to dismiss the opposition for 116 and earn not only a win but what could be some handy percentage points if we want to secure a top 4 spot.

4 wins on the trot now for us and it seems the hard nose approach I have been trying to instil in this side is finally starting to come through …….. Or we are just playing better cricket…., I’ll go with the former. With a very close division we are going to be challenged coming towards the end of the season and we are going to have to continue to step it up if we want some March action this season.

Daine