MATCH REPORTS
MATCH REPORT – CBC VERSUS GENTLEMEN OF NOWRA ELEVEEN – SUNDAY 3RD MARCH, 2024
It was another magnificent day on Sunday 3rd March at Woodlands Park, Wilberforce for the match between Nowra and the CBC.
CBC captain John Granata won the toss and sent Nowra in to bat.
Rob Drummond and Michael Kench opened the bowling against a strong batting lineup on what appeared to be a good wicket.
The Nowra openers were untroubled so David Flaks was introduced into the attack in the sixth over and had immediate success, clean bowling opener Woolley for 18.
The Nowra batters continued steadily and John rotated his bowlers desperate for the breakthrough. Finally, in the 18th over, with the score at 101, the old fox, Rob Harding had Middleton caught for 7.
The next CBC success did not occur until the 27th over with the score at 157 when Michael Kench, in his second spell, had Duchie caught for 32.
No further success for the CBC team with Nowra a formidable 3/208 at the completion of their 40 overs.
The bowling figures did not make for exciting reading:
Rob Drummond 0/26 (6), Michael Kench 1/27 (6), David Flaks 1/28 (6), Darryl Semmler 1/15 (6), John Granata 0/40 (6), Ian Ross 0/32 (6) and Rob Harding 1/15 (6).
When Nowra were asked to BYO lunch their response was that “in the spirit of cricket” they should not be expected to “drive for three hours and bring their own lunch”. John’s bride of 50 years, help me Ronda, took control and on Saturday afternoon prepared a beautiful luncheon while John watched the Australia/NZ test match over a few ales. That night John slept in the spare room (again).
A great delicious lunch was had to the strains of “ Help me Rhonda”. Thanks Ronda.
The CBC team opened the batting with Arv Naidu and Steve Long, with the formidable task of chasing 209 for victory. Steve was dismissed for 15 in the 6th over (1/21).
Arv (25no) and Rob Drummond (21no) both retired having faced their 30 balls.
In the 14th over with the score at 60 David Flaks was dismissed for 7. (2/60).
Michael Cassano and Darryl Semmler now put on a strong partnership. In the 23 over the score at 100 Darryl was dismissed for 15 (3/100) and Michael Cassano retired with 22 runs.
Now, chasing runs, wickets fell regularly: Steve Allan 10 (recycled duck), Michael Kench 6, Ian Ross 15, Rob Harding 6 and John Granata 3.
Of the recyclers, Arv was dismissed for 31 while Rob D and Michael C both remained 33no.
After 40 overs the CBC were 9/187, defeated by a better team on the day.
MOTM was awarded to Arv for his steady batting and enthusiastic fielding.
The Bradman Stump was shared by Rob Drummond and Michael Cassano.
CONTROVERSIAL INCIDENT: LOL
While battling and with John Granata umpiring, Darryl Semmler, disagreeing with several decisions made by John showed dissent with verbal abuse towards the umpire and had to be physically restrained.
It has been decided that any future such incidences by Darryl, the CBC treasurer, would result in a nominated sum of money be required to be transferred from his personal bank account to the club’s account .
Our final match of the season is vs Goulburn at Goulburn on 17 March.
MATCH REPORT – CBC VERSUS SPRINGWOOD ROYALS – SUNDAY 18TH FEBRUARY, 2024.
February 18th, a hot, overcast and humid Sunday, the CBC team contested a match versus Springwood Royals at Woodlands Park, Wilberforce.
The wicket was damp from a heavy storm on the previous night and the outfield was wet. The CBC captain, Darryl Semmler won the toss and judiciously elected to bat to avoid bowling with a wet ball.
The CBC opening batters, David Flaks and Arv Naidu resisted some tight bowling and gradually accumulated runs.
In the 12th over, with the score at 32, David Flaks was bowled for 21.
Arv, who had played a true opener's role, retired (4no) having faced his allotted 30 balls.
Rob Drummond and Michael Cassano now put on an entertaining partnership, both retiring, Rob 21no. and Michael 34no.
It wasn't until the 23rd over with the score on 93 that the next wicket fell, Randel Pearce (2). CBC 2/93.
Next to go was Ben Fahim (15) in the 29th over with the score having progressed to 3/115.
In the meantime Scott Marshall retired at 23no.
John Granata, having been promoted to no.8 following about 10 years in the batting basement wilderness, relished the opportunity and put on partnerships with skipper Darryl (10) and Michael Kench (22no).
Our well respected senior, Rob Harding, scored a quick fire single before being bowled.
The CBC final score was a respectable 6/182 after their allotted 40 overs.
The pitch and outfield had dried when Springwood Royals walked out to face the ferocious bowling of Drummond and Pearce.
In his second over Rob Drummond clean bowled "Evil" for 3. SRs 1/8.
The SRs score had progressed to 1/33 and John Granata had taken over from Randel Pearce. In John's second over, the 12th of the innings, Minnard attempted to hook a vicious bouncer from John but only managed to sky the ball into the mid-wicket region. Micheal Cassano from square leg and David Flaks from mid-wicket decided to re-enact the famous Gillespie/Waugh incident in Kandy in 1999, both attempting to take the catch. The ensuing collision resulted in two bodies entangled on the ground. To the relief of John, Michael held the ball up, safely in his hand. The only injury was pride and the crowd who wanted blood were sadly disappointed. Due to the number of cameras focused on them, Michael and David settled their differences in the privacy of the dressing room. SRs now 2/33.
Michael Kench was introduced into the attack and proceeded to destroy the SRs innings, taking a liking to illuminating the stumps, hitting them in his 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th overs and taking a brilliant one handed reflex catch in his 6th over, finishing with the Boland like figures of 5/14 (6).
SRs were a spent force and stumbled to be all out for 96 in the 35th over.
Main bowling figures were: Rob Drummond 1/22 (6), Randel Pearce 0/13 (6), John Granata 1/21 (6), Michael Kench 5/14 (6), Scott Marshall 1/9 (5), Rob Harding 1/10 (3), Ben Fahim 1/4 (2) and Darryl Semmler 1/0 (0.4)..
MOTM : The MOTM committee comprising Scott Marshall and Michael Kench awarded the MOTM to Michael Kench for his 22 n.o. and 5/14.
A comfortable win for the CBC against an inferior team on the day.
The awarding of the MOTM award by Michael Kench to himself is unprecedented, unethical and a dereliction of responsibility. The CBC committee convened an urgent Zoom meeting to discuss this serious issue.
The committee has unanimously voted that because of his serious misconduct and abuse of his privileged position on the MOTM committee, that Michael Kench be banned from consideration for this position for the remainder of the season and that he be demoted to a lower batting and bowling position for his next game.
Seriously, well done Michael. A great effort.
David Flaks now has a batting average for the season of 94.00. Does that remind you of someone!!!
Our next game is vs G.O.N.E (Nowra) at Wilberforce on 3rd March.
MATCH REPORT - INTRA CLUB MATCH FOR THE JOHNNY TAYLOR MEMORIAL TROPHY - SUNDAY 4TH FEBRUARY, 2024
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On Sunday 4th February, a hot and humid day, two teams of 13, plus family and friends drove down to Bowral to the picturesque Bradman Oval
for the popular annual intra club Taylor /Massie match.
Following the official welcome by president Steve Allan and the traditional port toast, the Taylor team commenced their innings, having been sent in to bat by Davd Flaks, the captain of the Massie team.
Opening batters, Tony Adnum(7) and Randall Pearce (26no), faced the steady bowling of the two Daves, Cosgrove and Cooper. Both remained undefeated and retired, having faced their allotted 25 balls.
Michael Cassano and Steve Long now faced the bowling of Paul Brett and Rob Drummond. The score had advanced to 38 when in the 11th over a late swinging unplayable ball from Pablo smashed into Steve Long's stumps and he was dismissed for no score.
Taylor's skipper, Phil Stuart-Jones had faced only four balls for 3 runs when the irrepressible Pablo had him caught by Dave Crosgrove. 2/44.
Michael Cassano, having scored 17, was the unstoppable Pablo's third victim in the 15th over, caught by Darryl Semmler. Taylor now 3/56.
Michael Kench(13 no) and Ian Ross (14 no) now steadied the innings, both retiring.
Paul Moujalli and Scott Marshall progressed the score to 104 when Paul (8) was run out by Flaksy in the 28th over. Now 4/109.
Scott Marshall retired 18 no. Cameo contributions by Martin Dubler (1), John Granata (3), and Rob Harding (6), was followed by a quick-fire 24 by Eric (the hare ) Stuart-Jones. Steve Long 17 and Randel Pearce 26 were the not out batsmen after re-cycling.
The Taylor teams final score was 9/182.
Massie team used 8 bowlers, the wicket takers, Dave Cosgrove 1/17 (6), Paul Brett 3/26 (6), Rob Drummond1/27 (6), David Flaks 1/20 (6), Ray Price 2/20 (6).
A beautiful lunch which was prepared by the ladies was enjoyed by all. A big thank you to Linda and Steve Allan for their fantastic effort in making it happen.
Opening batters for team Massie, David Cooper and Arv Naidu, faced the opening bowling pair of Randel Pearce and the old war horse John Granata.
The bowling was extremely tight and after 7 overs with the score at 13, Coops retired having scored a Boycott-like 2 runs off his 25 balls.
Daring skipper David Flaks came to the wicket, facing John Granata who had bowled 20 consecutive dot balls. Showing scant respect for age and seniority he proceeded to smash John's first two balls for 6 and 4. With these two balls John's confidence was shattered and his career destroyed. Retirement was seriously considered but a few remedial scotches and he will be back again.
Michael Kench and Tony Adnum were introduced as first change bowlers. Micheal had success in his second over, having Arv Naidu caught behind by skipper Phil. Score 1/24 in the 9th over.
This was the last wicket to fall until the 36th over with a procession of retirees for the Massie team and ten Taylor bowlers, rotated by skipper Phil, unable to make any breakthroughs.
The retirees : David Flaks (27no), David Cosgrove (25no), Darryl Semmler (18no), Rob Drummond (37no), Steve Allan (22no), Brian Walker (8no).
In the 36th over and with the score at 1/172, Paul Brett was run out for 1 having reached 1,300 runs for the Club. Massie now 2/172. Taylor perhaps a chance!!!!
Peter Done was dismissed by skipper Phil for 4 and with the scores tied Elie Issa was sent out to hit the winning run, hitting his first ball for 4.
Main bowling figures : Randel Pearce 0/10 (4), John Granata 0/22 (6), Michael Kench 1/24 (7), Scott Marshall 0/17 (6), Phil Stuart-Jones 1/13 (3.3).
A comfortable victory for the Massie team, losing only 3 wickets and with five overs to spare.
MOTM for the Massie team was awarded to David Cosgrove and for the Taylor team to Randel Pearce.
Although the game was a little one sided, the day was enjoyed by all, bringing the club together as a family.
Thanks to all of you for making the day a great success. Back again next year.
MATCH REPORT – CBC VERSUS SRI LANKA LIONS – SUNDAY 7TH JANUARY, 2024.
Following the withdrawal of our scheduled opponents, Hawkesbury HOCS, the Sri Lanka Lions were again only too willing to challenge the CBC for the third time this season, hoping for a win following their two previous losses earlier in the season.
It was a beautiful hot and sunny day at Wilberforce as the CBC opening batsmen, captain Steve Allan and Arv Naidu strode out to face the Sri Lankan opening bowlers. Steve was quickly out for 2 in the second over, caught at point. Score, 1/8.
David Flaks joined Arv to put on a good partnership. With the score at 42 Arv was dismissed for 17.
Michael Kench, batting at no. 4 was soon dismissed for 1. David Flaks was also soon back in the pavilion having scored a solid 23. Score, 4/47 after 10 overs.
Terry (Maxwell) Hagan and Martin (Cummins) Dubler must have been watching the ODI world cup and put on an undefeated partnership, both retiring, Terry at 25no and Martin at 5no having faced 30 balls each. Terry had to be assisted from the field, no, not with cramp but with knee problems from swinging the bat to vigorously!
Between the 26 and the 38 overs the following batters came and went: Scott Marshall (2), Steve Long (14), Darryl Semmler(16 ret.), Rob Harding(1) and John Granata (3).
With two overs to go Terry Hagan hobbled out to resume his innings and on one leg, again ala Glen Maxwell, took his score to 36no. with the CBC completing their 40 overs at 7/134.
A par score on a slow and awkward wicket and good accurate bowling.
Lunch was taken well after the scheduled lunch break due to the very slow SLL over rate.
The CBC management put in an official complaint to the match referee. However it was dismissed on compassionate grounds stating that some leniency needed to be afforded the SLL team as they were fatigued, having travelled from Colombo to Wilberforce.
Michael Kench and Scott Marshall opened the bowling for the CBC, both successful in their third over, Michael having Arjuna caught by Scott for 11 and then Scott clean bowling the new batsman Kuma for a duck. Score, 2/26 in the 6th over.
In the 10th over, a brilliant return from David Flaks hit the stumps and found Thiru short, run out for 8. Score, 3/37.
John Granata, David Flaks, Martin Dubler and Darryl Semmler each took their turn at the bowling crease, each bowling very economically but without success, with the SLL having four retirees.
A stroke of genius by captain Steve, brought Rob on to bowl his mystery balls. In the 22nd over, with the score at 3/71, Rob (age shall not weary them) Harding had Nali driving a delivery to Michael Kench who was quick with the return to Rob for a second run out.
Two unplayable balls in Rob's second over saw two wickets fall and the old wizard had caused the SLL to slump to 6/77 in the 24th over.
SLL were now recycling. The game was in the balance when the SLL had reached 7/126 in the 38th over, requiring 8 runs for victory and two wickets in hand (they were one player short).
John (the finisher) Granata was introduced into the attack and clean bowled Ravi for 30 in the 38th over. Demon Dave Flaks had Lasa well caught at the wicket by El Capitano, Steve Allan for 31 in the 39th over. SLL all out for 127.
An exciting finish to a tight match, the CBC victorious by 7 runs. CBC has now recorded 5 wins and only one loss so far this season.
Bowling figures : Michael Kench 1/27 (6), Scott Marshall 1/16(6), John Granata 1/14(6), David Flaks 2/11(5.2), Martin Dubler 0/17(5), Darryl Semmler 1/16(6), Rob Harding 2/22 (4).
The SLL gave their MOM award to Terry Hagan for his 36no. and his imitation of Glen Maxwell. Also for his scoring while the rest of the CBC team slaved in the field one man short.
The CBC gave the MOM award to David Flaks for his batting (23), bowling (2/11) and sledging.
Our next match is vs the Lithgow Wildfires at Wilberforce on Sunday 21st. January.
MATCH REPORT - CBC VERSUS PORT JACKSON CRICKET CLUB – WEDNESDAY 6TH DECEMBER, 2023.
Wednesday 6th December was a beautiful sunny day for the CBC match versus Port Jackson at Kensington Oval.
For the majority of the team that had to negotiate the harbor bridge or tunnel the trip was a nightmare as a traffic incident caused serious delays.
The CBC team was bolstered by two players from PJ to make up the twelve. David Wright (WK) and Geoff Cordner (all rounder) were excited to don the CBC jersey and keen to give it to their PJ team mates for not being selected in the PJ team.
It was decided that all 12 players could bat, the innings being completed at the fall of the 11th wicket. Retirement at 30 balls faced.
PJs won the toss and elected to bat. CBC skipper David Cooper opened with the old combination of Rob Drummond and John Granata.
The wicket was slow with variable bounce. Rob clean bowled Peris with the last ball of his third over but after seven overs with the score at 1/24, our very astute and experienced Captain Courageous Coops (CCC could be an appropriate nick name) brought Ed Cross and himself on to bowl. Very tight bowling on a difficult wicket saw PJs at 1/46 after 16 overs: CCC alias Coops 0/6(3) and Ed 0/6(5).
Geoff Cordner was brought on to vent his anger at the team mates who had abandoned him and duly took 2/13(4). PJs now 3/50 after 19 overs.
CCC now rotated his bowlers. The most successful was the wily (don't mess with me!) Ian Ross taking 2/17(6). Other contributors were Scott Marshall 1/6(4), Rob Harding) 0/9(3), Darryl Semmler 1/6(4) and Martin Dubler 1/11(4).
Brilliant fielding resulted in two runouts and PJs were dismissed for 104, a handy score on a difficult wicket.
Following lunch Arv Naidu and Rob Drummond strolled boldly out to the centre to commence the CBC run chase. Arv was dismissed for 4 in the 4th over.
Geoff Cordner came in at number 3 and was dismissed in the 9th over for 10, CBC now 2/28.
Meanwhile Rob Drummond retired at 13 having faced his allotted 30 balls. The runs accumulated gradually and further retirements followed: Darryl Semmler (12) and Ed Cross (19).
At the other end wickets were falling regularly and cheaply: David Wright(3), Ian Ross (3), Scott Marshall(2), Martin Dubler(7), John Granata(0), and Rob Harding (1).
CCC Coops, batting at 12, was run out for 13.
Our recyclers Rob Drummond (20no) and Ed Cross (24no) returned to the wicket with the CBC winning the game at 9/105 in the 38th over.
Man of the match was Ed Cross with his accurate bowling of 0/6 off 5 overs and 24no.
OUR NEXT MATCH IS VS SRI LANKA LIONS AT WILBERFORCE ON SUNDAY 7TH JANUARY.
On behalf of the CBC committee I would like to wish a happy and enjoyable Christmas and festive season to you all and your families.
John Granata.
MATCH REPORT – CBC VERSUS SRI LANKA LIONS – SUNDAY 12TH NOVEMBER, 2023.
The CBC team played a return match against the Sri Lanka Lions on Sunday the 12th November at Woodlands Park, Wilberforce.
The club welcomed three debutants for their first game with the club, Michael Kench, Byron Williams and Rob Saville.
On a hot but clear day our captain, Rob Drummond won the toss and elected to bowl.
Breaking with the decades old Drummond/Granata opening bowling partnership, Rob opened the bowling with the wily Scott (Sheriff) Marshall and himself.
Scott had immediate success when in his first over he had Lalith caught by Rob Saville for a duck.
In his fifth over Rob bowled Jit for 15, the Sri Lanka score now 2/35.
Rob brought on the old John (Giovanni) Granata and the new young firebrand Michael Kench on to bowl.
Giovanni, who had got the feeling that he was being squeezed out into the old retired cricketer's graveyard, answered in the only way possible by having Indy brilliantly stumped with his second ball by the agile Ben (Gilchrist) Fahim
and with his fifth ball dismissing Roshan, brilliantly caught and bowled. This should ensure a delay in Giovanni's retirement.
Meanwhile, at the other end, the young Michael Kench, pushing to take over Giovanni's now uncertain opening bowling spot, took two wickets in his three overs.
The opening bowling situation has now become quite a dilemma for the selectors.
The Sri Lankans had now slumped to 6/48 in the 15th over.
With an abundance of bowlers available, Our captain Rob, armed with his notebook and pencil, became quite confused and brought random regular bowling changes.
Wickets were collect by Darryl (Tex), two, Byron Williams, one, and Giovanni , the final wicket in the 40th over.
Sri Lanka was dismissed for 108.
BOWLING FIGURES: Rob Drummond 1/15(5), Scott Marshall 1/27(6), John Granata 3/16(5.1), Michael Kench 2/6(3), Randel Pearce 0/8(2), Rob Saville 0/10(6), Dave Cooper 0/2(2), Darryl Semmler 2/11(6), Byron Williams 1/11(4).
Following lunch, Steve Long and captain Rob opened the batting, chasing a moderate total. Steve was dismissed for 15 (1/44) while Rob retired for 17 having faced his 30 balls.
Scott Marshall was dismissed for one, followed by Ben Fahim for 12. 3/72 after 15 overs.
Meanwhile Michael Kench was displaying his all round ability, retiring undefeated with 23no.
Byron Williams progressed the score, being dismissed for 9.
Rob Saville (5no), and Darryl Semmler( 7no), led us to a comfortable victory, 4/109 in the 24th over.
MOM was Michael Kench with his 2/6 (3) and 23no.
THE NEXT SCHEDULED MATCH IS VS PORT JACKSON AT KENSINGTON OVAL ON WEDNESDAY 6TH DECEMBER.
MATCH REPORT – CBC VERSUS HUNTER LORD’S TAVERNERS – SUNDAY 29TH OCTOBER, 2023.
The CBC team travelled to the new Cooranbong Sports complex for the match against the Lord’s Taverners team.
Due to rain making the turf wicket at Water Board oval at Toronto unplayable the game was transferred to the synthetic wicket at the brand new complex at Cooranbong.
In fact, it was the second ever game played on the ground, the first one being the previous day.
INTERESTING HISTORY OF THE COMPLEX.
The brand new complex, comprising synthetic wicket, dressing sheds, canteen, seating, practice nets, tennis courts and ample parking was by compliments of a builder in exchange for permission to build a local development, retirement complex. Thanks council. Personally, I feel the residents would have probably preferred a hospital or bowls club. Anyway ............
On a beautiful day, the CBC skipper, Scott Marshall won the toss and elected to bat first. Steve Long and Arv Naidu opened the batting. They faced some hostile bowling from a quickish Jeff Jones and more sedate Paul Colledge.
Steve and Arv battled bravely but in the fourth over Arv was caught behind off Jones for 3 and Steve followed in the 7th over for 4, bowled by Colledge. 2 for 22. Darryl Semmler and David Flaks joined forces for an unbeaten partnership, Darryl retiring with 8 from his 30 balls and David Flaks for 33 from his 30 balls.
In the meantime Michael Cassano had joined the party and having learned from Glen Maxwell, retired with 49 runs from his 30 balls.
The score progressed rapidly. Finally Taverners had a stroke of luck when in the 19th over Phil Stuart -Jones was run out for 2 with the score now at 3 for 85.
Scott Marshall and Martin Dubler now put on a partnership, Scott retiring with 22 and Martin being dismissed facing his 29th ball, for 19. 4 for 149 in the 31st over.
Chasing runs, John Granata , 2 and Rob Harding , 0, did not trouble the scorers.
The recyclers now returned: Darryl not progressing his score, out for 8, Flaksy was also watching Maxwell and remained 84no off 50 balls, Michael Cassano dismissed for 53 and skipper Scott 28 no.
CBC 8 for 218 after their 40 overs.
Taverners used nine bowlers, all suffered at the hands of Michael and Flaksy except for Colledge1 for 11 (4) and Jones 0 for 12 (6).
A beautiful lunch of sandwiches, wraps and cakes and drinks was served by Cathie Black.
Taverners had a mountain to climb. CBC opened the bowling with John Granata and Scott Marshall.
John's first ball, a free ball "bowled" Jones and with his third ball had Jones caught at slip by Darryl Semmler. In his first over Scott had Colledge caught by the substitute fieldsman. Taverners 2 for 4 after 2 overs.
Scott got his second wicket in his third over having Chrimes caught by Rob Harding at backward point. Taverners 3 for 7.
Taverners then settled the ship and quietly played out their innings having three retirees, losing two wickets and two more retirees. After 40 overs Taverners finished at 5 for 115. Chasing 218 was always going to be beyond Taverners and they used their innings for batting practice.
CBC bowling : John Granata 1/9(6), Scott Marshall 2/11(4), David Flaks 0/4(3), Darryl Semmler 0/26(6), Rob Harding 0/19(6), Michael Cassano 1/12(4),Martin Dubler 1/20(5), Phil Stuart-Jones 0/13(6).
MOTM, David Flaks. David was also a clear winner of the “Bradman Stump” with 84 not out. This would have to be the highest individual score achieved by a CBC Golden Oldie cricketer. Congratulations David.
With CBC having a lot of their young guns playing and Taverners team consisting of older players the game was a little uncompetitive.
To be fair, I will look at this more closely when organising games next season with Veterans teams like Taverners..
Thanks all, John.
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The double wicket competition set down for Sunday 12th November, 2023 has been cancelled due to lack of numbers. We are hopeful we will be playing the Sri Lanka Lions instead.
MATCH REPORT - CBC VERSUS SRI LANKA LIONS - 15TH OCTOBER, 2023
Our second match for season 2023/24 was scheduled for 1st October, 2023 against Gentlemen Of Nowra Eleven. It was cancelled by mutual agreement due to the date clashing with the long weekend and the football grand-finals.
On 15th October, 2023 we headed to our “home” ground at Woodlands Park, Wilberforce to take on the Sri Lanka Lions.
There was a bit of toing and froing in completing our team in the week leading up to the match. In the end, the team was reduced from 12 to the minimum 11. David Flaks introduced Arv (Aravind) Naidu for his first match which enabled a full quota to take the field.
It was a very hot day with a forecast maximum temperature of 30 degrees. We had the benefit of a cool stiff breeze at various times during the day. The ground and wicket were in pretty good condition. We were amazed to find that the stumps and bails lit up and flashed just like the big boys.
David Flaks was our captain and Darryl Semmler vice-captain.
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field. We were playing our normal rules of a “free hit” and retiring after 30 balls or 30 runs. Bowlers were restricted to a maximum 6 overs.
The opening batsmen for CBC were Terry Hagan and Arv Naidu. They were facing up to Asoka and Lasantha. Both batsman were into stride from the get go.
Terry was looking like he was back to his best until he played inside a delivery from Lasantha and was bowled for 7. 1 for 19 in the 4th over.
Phillip Stuart- Jones joined Arv. His “free hit” resulted in a single off Lasantha and then a single off Asoka’s first ball of the fifth over. Three balls later and Arv drove the delivery upishly to mid-off and Roshan held the catch. Arv had added 12. 2 for 22 in the 5th over.
Captain Flaks was next in. He took advantage of his “free hit”, despatching Asoka to the boundary. He repeated the dose next ball. David and Phillip settled in and runs were coming freely. Both batsmen were having little trouble with the bowling.
Mangala and Ravi replaced the opening bowlers and then Indi and Anoj were brought into the attack. In the 14th over, bowled by Anoj, David retired on 33. 2 for 74.
Rob Harding joined Phillip. Shortly after, Phillip was our second retiree on 30. 2 for 85 in the 16th over.
Darryl Semmler strode to the wicket. Kumar replaced Indi and Thushara took over the bowling from Anoj. Kumar struck in his first over trapping Rob in front for 7. Rob was very unlucky as the ball had bounced twice and not called no-ball. 3 for 90 in the 19th over.
At the halfway mark (20 overs), the score was 3 for 97
Darryl, who had taken 14 deliveries to get off the mark was joined by David Cooper. Once Darryl got off the mark, a lovely hook shot off Kumar to the square-leg boundary, he made up for lost time. He became our third retiree on 23. 3 for 115 in the 23rd over.
Randel Pearce joined David. These two batsmen combined well as if they had played a lot of cricket together. A worthwhile partnership developed.
David was our next retiree on 18. 3 for 145 in the 30th over.
Anoj bowled two more overs and Chanukah and Kalinga had control of the Kookaburra.
Paul Moujalli replaced David. Our good fortune continued with Randel becoming another to retire. He had scored a handy 25. Still only three wickets down with the score on 159 in the 32nd over.
Scott Marshall was the next batsman. Paul and Scott defied the bowling even with the openers Asoka and Lasantha being brought back into the attack. Scott in particular was picking up some easy runs with good calling and running between the wickets. Paul and Scott were still at the crease at the end of the 40th over and had taken the score to 3 for 205. Paul was 18 not out and Scott 23 not out. A competitive total, that was well in excess of our recent efforts.
After the lunch break and team photograph, it was the turn of the Lions at the batting crease.
David Cooper was given the task of opening the attack with his short run up from the Glossodia end. Randel Pearce was his partner in crime. Lasantha and Mangala opened the batting for the Lions.
Lasantha scored two from his “free hit”. That was the scoring for the next 12 deliveries. Lasantha scored a single off the third ball of David’s second over. Next ball, Mangala attempted to drive the delivery through the off-side, got a thick edge and the ball flew high and square. Terry Hagan was looking after the point area. He was quickly into position, held a well judged catch and Mangala was on his way for 1. 1 for 3 in the 3rd over.
Indi joined Lasantha. David sent down four overs and Randel three and the score was 1 for 39. The Lions were scoring at a good rate.
Tony Adnum took over from Randel at the Cattai End. David Flaks took the ball from David Cooper. Although they did not achieve a breakthrough,Tony and David put the brakes on the scoring and after their twelve overs the Lions were 1 for 83. Both bowlers had put down difficult caught and bowled chances.
Tony actually removed two batsman during his spell. Lasantha and Indi retired on 36 and 30. Ravi also retired on 16. Chanakah and Kalinga were the new batsmen
Darryl Semmler took over from Tony and bowled the final over, the 20th, before the drinks break. He had an immediate impact cleaning up Kalinga’s off-stump with his first ball. Kalinga had only faced two balls and did not trouble the scorers. 2 for 83 in the 20th over.
After the drinks break, David Cooper bowled a further two overs, to complete his compliment of six. Both bowled from the Glossodia End where he started the innings. Seven runs resulted.
Scott Marshall took over from David to combine with Darryl. Jit was the next in joining Chanakah..
Scott was successful in his first over. Jit pulled the third delivery to backward square-leg. Scott’s bowling partner, Darryl, made no mistake and held the catch. Jit was on his way for 8. 3 for 98 in the 25th over. CBC was getting on top at this stage with the Lions run rate just over seven per over. No one really knew the exact position as we were playing without a scoreboard.
Anoj joined Chanakah. The latter retired on 15 and was replaced by Roshan.
Darryl was on target again in his fourth over. The delivery, well flighted and pitched up, got past the outside edge of Roshan’s bat and he was bowled for 3. 4 for 101 in the 26th over.
Kumar was the next batsman. There was more excitement in the next over bowled by Scott. Kumar drove the fourth ball towards mid-on. Terry Hagan made the interception. There was confusion between Kumar and Anoj about taking the run. In the end, Terry returned the ball, over the stumps to Scott and Kumar was run out by a couple of metres. He had added 3. 5 for 103 in the 27th over.
Thushara was the next batsman to partner Anoj. The latter was to retire on 18 which brought Kalinga back to the batting crease.
Darryl and Scott continued to keep the scoring under wraps and after 31 overs the Lions were 5 for 120. Arv Naidu bowled the next over after taking over from Darryl and Rob Harding took over from Scott at the Glossodia End.
In his second and final over, Arv tossed one up to Kalinga who played the ball high up on the bat and returned a catch which Arv accepted. A second duck. 6 for 137 in the 34th over.
Rob bowled three overs including the final one and Randel took over from Arv to bowl his final two.
Indi and then Lasantha had returned to join Thushara. The latter retired on 11.
Rob struck in his second over when he beat Indi all ends up and removed his off-stump. Indi was bowled for 35. 7 for 148 in the 38th over.
Kalinga came back to the wicket in the hope of scoring at his third attempt. Randel was bowling at a good pace and making life difficult for Kalinga and Lasantha. He got one through Lasantha’s defence and knocked back the middle stump. Lasantha had added one to his retired score and was out for 27. 8 for 152 in the 39th over.
Kalinga and Ravi scored three runs from Rob’s third and final over and the Lions innings closed on 8 for 156.
A solid win to CBC by 49 runs.
Darryl Semmler returned figures of 2 for 18 from his 6 overs. The other wicket takers were Arv Naidu 1 for 11 from 2 overs, Randel Pearce 1 for 15 from 6, Rob Harding 1 for 15 from 3, Scott Marshall 1 for 17 from 5, and David Cooper 1 for 35 from 6. Tony Adnum bowled 6 overs for 15 runs and David Flaks 6 overs for 27 runs.
Man of the match was awarded to Randel Pearce and David Flaks won the Bradman Stump with his 33 retired.
Our next match is against Hunter Lord’s Taverners at Toronto on Sunday 29th October, 2023.
MATCH REPORT – CBC VERSUS MID NORTH COAST - 17TH SEPTEMBER, 2023
Our first match for season 2023/24 was played against Mid North Coast (MNC) at Tuncurry Oval, Tuncurry. A ground the same size as the Sydney Cricket Ground. Fortunately, there was a ring of cones inside the fence to reduce the distance from wicket to boundary.
We had the assistance of Bas Everingham (No. 236) from the MNC to make it 12 a-side.
The day was hot and sunny with temperatures in the high twenties. There was a nice sea breeze blowing for most of the day.
By mutual agreement there was no toss as it was decided that CBC would bat first. The reason being that Rob Drummond had been delayed due to a shredded tyre somewhere near Bulladelah. Ian Ross was the only other one to travel on match day arrived without incident.
Steve Long was our captain with Ian Ross his deputy.
Tony Adnum and Steve Long opened the batting for CBC. A "free hit” was the order of the day with batsmen retiring if they managed to face 30 deliveries.
Both opening batsmen had little trouble with the bowling with runs coming at a steady pace.
In the ninth over, Steve cut a delivery from Dane Relf to point. Steve didn’t quite get over the ball and Peter Caldwell accepted the catch.
Steve had scored 24. To make matters worse, he was out on his 30th delivery. 1 for 31.
Darryl Semmler was next in. A great show of sportsmanship was shown by MNC to Darryl. Early in his innings he attempted to hook a delivery only to overbalance and step back on the stumps. MNC allowed him to continue on the proviso he could not re-cycle if he made it to retiring.
In the 11th over after a patient innings, Tony retired on 11. His replacement was Scott Marshall.
Darryl and Scott continued a steady scoring pace until the 19th over. Scott pulled the final delivery square where Alan Taylor was patrolling. Alan held the catch to see Scott on his way. Scott had added 9 runs. 2 for 55.
Bas Everingham joined Darryl.
In the next over, Darryl faced his 30th delivery and retired on 12. 2 for 62 after 20 overs.
Rob Drummond had arrived and was next in. Bas and Rob upped the scoring rate and put together a worthwhile partnership. Rob, in particular, took a liking to the bowling and in the 29th over retired on 32. The score was now 2 for 119. With only two out and two in the sheds, we seemed to be in a good position.
Ian Ross was next in.
Bas had managed to score at the rate of a run a ball. He took a single off Mike Bulmer’s second over, the 31st and departed on 30. 2 for 130.
Brian Walker joined Ian. The former struggled to get going. He played over a delivery in Bulmer’s next over and was bowled. He had not troubled the scorers. 3 for 131 in the 33rd over.
Next to the crease was Wayne Mason. Wayne was part of our touring party in Darwin in May, 2022.
Ian became our fifth batsman to face 30 deliveries. He retired on 16 in the 39th over with the score 3 for 148.
Rob Harding joined Wayne. At the end of the over Wayne sportingly retired on 3 after facing 15 deliveries to give John Granata a bat.
Rob and John saw out the final over. Rob had scored 1 and John 2.
CBC finished with 3 for 151 after their 40 overs.
At the break, Keryn Christie took the team photograph prior to the start of the MNC innings.
Rob Drummond and John Granata opened the bowling for CBC. Peter Beams and Denis Neilson were the MNC openers.
In Rob’s second over, Beams drove a delivery towards short mid-on and Steve Long. At one stage Beams and Neilson were almost shaking hands at the ‘keepers end. Steve collected the ball and returned it to Rob who removed the bails. Beams run out for no score. 1 for 3 in the 3rd over.
Next to the wicket was Alan Taylor.
After two overs each, Rob and John were replaced by Scott Marshall and Darryl Semmler. In Darryl’s second over, Neilson drove a delivery to cover. This time, Rob Harding was there. Rob held a good catch to send Neilson on his way. He had scored 8. 2 for 16 in the 8th over.
David Gillespie joined Taylor.
Next over, Scott’s third, Taylor drove the second delivery straight. Yes, straight back to Scott who got both hands to the ball to hold the catch. Taylor was out for 7. 3 for 17 in the 9th over. You could say that at this stage CBC were on top. Scott added to his success by making it a maiden over.
Greg Kohler was the next batsman.
Scott was at it again a couple of overs later. Gillespie played inside his fifth delivery and it cannoned into the stumps. He had scored 8. 4 for 28 in the 11th over.
David Relf joined Kohler. These two knuckled down and put together a worthwhile partnership.
Scott and Darryl were replaced at the bowling crease by Rob Harding and Ian Ross. The latter was successful in his third and last over. Relf played and returned a catch to Ian. Initially, Ian had the ball in his hands. It popped out. He fell to the ground and managed to regain control of the ball, clutching it to his chest. 5 for 59 in the 18th over.
Mick Bulmer joined Kohler who was proving a problem. A short time later Kohler became the first retiree for MNC after scoring 25.
At the drinks break (20 overs) the score was 5 for 73. The game was evenly placed. A few early wickets after the resumption was required.
Peter Caldwell had replaced Kohler. Whilst they were mainly scoring in singles it kept the scoreboard ticking over.
Bas Everingham and Wayne Mason were now in charge of the Kookaburra.
In Wayne’s second over, the last delivery got through Bulmer’s defences. Bulmer was out, bowled for 8. 6 for 82 in the 23rd over.
Grant Elliott was the next batsman.
In the next over bowled by Bas, Caldwell was deceived by a well flighted leg-break. The ball carried on into the stumps. Caldwell was out for 9. 7 for 82 in the 24th over.
Was McWilliams joined Elliott. These two started to swing the game in favour of MNC. So, Rob Drummond and John Granata took up the bowling. They sent down a further four overs each. Despite their best efforts, they could not remove McWilliams and Elliott.
Elliott retired on 17 followed shortly after by McWilliams on 13. They were replaced by Chas Viner and Chris Evans.
After Rob and John finished their second spells, the score was 7 for 122 after 33 overs. A game that could still be won. Tony Adnum and Scott Marshall took over the bowling. Vince and Evans were proving to be hard to remove.
The score was 7 for 146 after 37 overs.
Darryl Semmler came back to the bowling crease. It proved to be the final over. Viner and Evans scored the necessary runs for MNC to finish with 7 for 152 after 38 overs.
Scott Marshall did best with the ball taking 2 for 20 from his 6 overs. Other wicket takers were Bas Everingham 1 for 7 from 3 overs, Wayne Mason 1 for 15 from 3 overs, Ian Ross 1 for 22 from 3 overs, Darryl Semmler 1 for 25 from 5 overs. Rob Drummond bowled 6 overs for 15 runs, John Granata 6 overs for 19 runs, Rob Harding 4 overs for 12 runs and Tony Adnum 2 overs for 11 runs.
A closely fought game played in good spirit.
Rob Drummond was awarded Man Of The Match by CBC. He also received the Bradman Stump for his top score of 32.
MNC awarded our Man Of The Match to Brian Walker. Brian and Margaret had travelled all the way from Wagga Wagga. They had endured a horrendous drive from Sydney on the day before the match. They encountered long delays with accidents that took place in the North Connex tunnel and on the Hawkesbury River Bridge.
Our match against Gentlemen Of Nowra Eleven has been cancelled due to the date clashing with football grand-finals and the long weekend.
Our next match is against Sri Lanka Lions at Wilberforce on 15th October, 2023.
MATCH REPORT - CBC VERSUS GOULBURN EXPRESS - SUNDAY 5TH MARCH, 2023.
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This was our last match for season 2023/24. Sunday the 5th was forecast to be a very hot day in the low 30s. The forecast proved to be correct.
Our friendly curator Glen, had retired and Tom and a mate had taken over. We met up with Tom and he proved to be as obliging as Glen and the chances of us using Woodward Park next season look very promising.
The match against Goulburn Express (formerly Goulburn Trinity Tigers) was the first for four seasons.
Scott Marshall was our captain (for the first time) with Steve Long his deputy.
We were playing our normal 40 overs match. Batsmen to have a free hit and retire after 30 balls faced or 30 runs scored. Bowlers restricted to a maximum 6 overs.
There was no tea or coffee today as the local soccer club had locked us out of the canteen.
Tony Adnum had forgotten the previous match had been won by CBC and had left the Rod Mccabe Memorial Shield at home.
Goulburn Express won the toss and sent CBC into bat.
Scott Marshall and Steve Long opened the innings. The first time from memory that captain and vice-captain have filled the role. They were facing Tony Backhouse and Stuart Parsons.
Scott and Steve were in control from the start but run scoring was difficult. The outfield was in good condition but very slow.
In the ninth over, Scott had faced his 30 balls and retired with two runs in the book. The score was 22.
Rob Drummond joined Steve at the wicket. Chris Fitzgerald and Kevin Kidd had taken over the bowling. It was only a short second wicket partnership as Kidd struck with his first delivery trapping Steve in front for 19. 1 for 31 in the 13th over.
Next in was Matt Brennan making it a right/left combination. Matt’s “free hit” from Kidd was plonked over the square-leg boundary for a maximum.
Ross Copland had taken over the bowling from Fitzgerald at the Glossodia End. Rob was giving Matt good support and the scoreboard was ticking over. Not quite, as someone had turned the spindles the wrong way and some numbers had frozen.
In Kidd’s third over, Rob batted his 30th delivery back down the wicket to set off the retiring bell. Rob had contributed 21. 1 for 67 in the 17th over.
Peter Brown joined Matt. In the next over bowled by Copland, Matt became the second wicket to fall. He didn’t quite get hold of the ball and lofted a catch to Kidd at mid-on. Matt had made the same score as Rob. 2 for 68 in the 18th over.
Next in was Darryl Semmler. Run scoring again became hard with Kidd and Copland giving nothing away. At the drinks break (20 overs) the score was 2 for 69.
Steve Armstrong, bowling some nice leg-spin, unusual in our matches, replaced Kidd.
The change had immediate impact with the final delivery of his first over. Armstrong got one through Peter’s defences and bowled him for 8. 3 for 80 after 25 overs.
Ben Fahim joined Darryl. In Armstrong’s next over and, trying to increase the run rate, Ben lofted a delivery to mid-wicket where Mick Chapman was patrolling. He held the catch. Ben had added just one run. 4 for 82 in the 27th over.
Darryl’s next partner was Ian Ross. Gary Friend, in place of Copland, was operating from the Glenorie End. Shortly after, and in Armstrong’s third over, Darryl faced his 30th delivery and retired on 10. 4 for 87 in the 29th over.
Tony Adnum was next in. He was next out. In Armstrong’s fourth over, the 31st, Tony survived the first five deliveries which were pitched on or outside the off-stump. The final ball of the over was straighter and turning down leg-side. Tony’s attempted pull shot got a bottom edge and the ball cannoned into the stumps. Tony had added 2. 5 For 89.
Elie Issa was next to join Ian. Ian was next out. In the next over bowled by Gary Friend, Ian drove the second delivery upishly to mid-on where Mick Chapman was waiting to hold his second catch. Although Ian’s innings had lasted fourteen deliveries he did not trouble the scorers. 6 for 89 in the 32nd over.
John Granata joined Elie. The latter had been putting up a stubborn effort to see off Armstrong and Friend. The bowling pair being replaced by Mick Chapman and Steve Dawson.
Dawson’s second over was eventful. The third delivery was a wide. Next ball he had Elie caught in the covers by Kevin Kidd for 8 after facing 28 deliveries. 7 for 109 in the penultimate over.
Rob Harding came in and his “free hit” delivery was a non-event. Next ball from Dawson took the outside of Rob’s bat and Max Woodward, who had been doing a neat job behind the stumps, held the catch. Rob was our second duck. 8 for 109 in the 39th over.
Ian Ross returned to join John. The first ball he faced from Dawson was a no-ball. Almost like a second “free hit”. He then hit the next ball, the final one of the over to cover for two runs. Thank goodness that over is over.
Rowan Buchanan came on for Chapman from the Glenorie End to bowl the fortieth and final over of the innings. Two of his first three deliveries were two bounce no-balls. John and Ian than swapped singles. The sixth legal delivery was one bounce and straight. John was trapped in front for 9. 9 for 115 in the 40th over.
Rob Harding returned to join Ian. He managed to hit both balls he faced for two runs. In the process he managed to aggravate an Achilles tendon issue and took no further part in the match. Ian Ross in his second dig finished on three. The final score was 9 for 119.
Had we managed to emulate our first half score a more competitive score of about 140 would have resulted and given us a better chance.
After lunch we returned to the fray in 30+ degree heat.
Rob Drummond and John Granata took up the attack for CBC. Both bowlers were on the spot early and with some tidy work from our fielders, Goulburn’s openers, Fitzgerald and Woodberry were having similar trouble scoring runs as some of our batsmen.
It was the fifth delivery of Rob’s third over that Fitzgerald tried to loft back over his head. Proper contact was not made and the ball ballooned to Scott Marshall at mid-off a few metres beyond the non-strikers wicket. Scott had no trouble and held the catch. 1 for 22 in the 7th over.
John bowled three overs and Rob four. They were replaced by Peter Brown from the Glossodia End and Matt Brennan. Max Woodward was the new batsman. Peter Brown struck with his first delivery. Woodberry was deceived with the bounce off a good length, got an edge and Ben Fahim behind the stumps made no mistake. It was a very good catch as the ball was “dying” and Ben just managed to move forward and get his gloves under the ball. 2 for 26 in the 8th over.
Steve Armstrong joined Woodward. He missed out with his “free hit” and took a single off the next ball. Peter was at it again with his next delivery. Woodward’s attempted drive spewed to point where Ian Ross accepted the chance. 3 for 27 in the 8th over. Peter had 2 for 1!!!
Mick Chapman was next in. He managed a single from his first ball. Armstrong blocked the last delivery from Peter’s first over.
Matt Brennan kept up the momentum with his second delivery. Chapman skied the ball to mid-on and Steve Long made it four out of four catches. Chapman had only scored a single. 4 for 28 in the 9th over.
Things were looking good and at this rate a win looked possible.
Gary Friend joined Armstrong who was proving a bit of a thorn in our side as he did with the ball. Peter bowled four overs and Matt three before being replaced by Tony Adnum from the Glenorie End and Scott Marshall from the Glossodia End.
Just like Peter and Matt, Tony struck in his first over. The fifth ball, pitched outside leg, had Friend playing forward and missing. Ben Fahim had to reach for the ball and threw it back onto the stumps just beating Friend getting his bat back behind the crease. Friend out for 6. 5 for 56 in the 15th over.
Ross Copland came to the wicket to join Armstrong. The former made no use of his “free hit”. In the next over bowled by Scott, Armstrong pulled the first ball square for two, defended the next two deliveries and retired on 23. 5 for 58 in the 16th over.
Goulburn had edged ahead of the required rate so wickets were a necessity.
Tony Backhouse was now batting with Copland. Scott’s third over was the twentieth after which drinks were taken. Goulburn were 5 for 78. Not a lot of runs to play with. Wickets were needed badly.
At the break Ben Fahim swapped with Tony in both ‘keeping and bowling. Darryl Semmler came on from the Glenorie End in place of Scott. Copland and Backhouse were proving as stubborn as Armstrong. Twenty runs were added from the next four overs bowled by Ben and Darryl. Goulburn were closing in on victory at 5 for 99 after 24 overs..
Ian Ross replaced Ben who, at the end of the over, went back to his former role. Peter Brown came back for two more overs from the Glossodia End. Backhouse retired on 16 during Ian’s first over. 5 for 104 in the 25th over.
Kidd was now batting with Copland who also retired after scoring 27. 5 for 107 in the 28th over.
Rowan Buchanan joined Kidd. Rob Drummond took over from Ian and Matt Brennan replaced Peter. With the final ball of his second over, the 32nd, Matt trapped Kidd in front. 6 for 118.
Steve Dawson was the new batsman. Ian Ross was handed the Kookaburra. He just needed to bowl a maiden over and take a wicket with every ball. He started off well in the maiden department with three dot balls. Buchanan took a single off the next and Dawson with the luxury of a “free hit” pulled the fifth ball through mid-wicket for four.
Goulburn had won with overs to spare. Buchanan was two not out and Dawson four not out. The final score being 6 for 123 after 32.5 overs.
Peter Brown returned 2 for 13 from his 6 overs including 2 maidens. Matt Brennan also took 2 wickets from his 5 overs conceding 16 runs. Tony Adnum finished with 1 for 9 from his 3 overs and Rob Drummond took 1 for 15 from 6 overs including 2 maidens. Other bowlers were Ben Fahim 0/8 from 2 overs, Ian Ross 0/12 from 3, Darryl Semmler 0/12 from 2, Scott Marshall 0/14 from 3 and John Granata 0/20 from 3.
Matt Brennan was awarded Man Of The Match by both teams. Steve Armstrong, from Goulburn Express, received the award from CBC.
Rob Drummond won the Bradman Stump for his 21 not out.
A big thank you to Terry Hagan for a sterling and accurate effort in scoring the whole match.
We can now all look forward to our first match for 2023/24 in September.
MATCH REPORT – CBC VERSUS SRI LANKA LIONS – SUNDAY 19TH FEBRUARY, 2023.
Sunday turned out to be a bright sunny day after a storm swept through Sydney the night before.
Unfortunately, water had got under the covers at Woodlands Park during the storm and so we played the match on the synthetic wicket.
At the request of the Lions the match was reduced to 35 overs per side. Bowlers were restricted to five overs each with a maximum spell of three overs.
Batsmen were to have a free hit and retire after thirty balls faced or thirty runs scored.
Ian Ross was our captain with Tony Adnum his assistant.
The toss was won by the Lions and CBC had first use of the wicket.
Tony Adnum and Steve Allan opened the batting for CBC. Runs were hard to come by and the slow outfield didn’t help matters. In the fourth over, Steve got one that did a bit off the wicket, got through his defence and rattled the stumps. Steve had scored 3. 1 for 10.
Rob Drummond joined Tony. There were lots of dot balls and runs continued to come at a slow rate. The Lions bowlers were not helping the stamina of the batsmen by changing from over to around the wicket and back to over on a regular basis. It was easy to see the reason they wanted to play only 35 overs with the time it took to set the field before and during each over.
In the tenth over, Rob superbly drove Anoj straight back down the wicket. Anoj got a touch to the ball with his foot and it careered on to hit the stumps. Tony, backing up, was run out for 8. 2 for 22.
Michael Cassano, playing his second match for the Club, was next in. Michael was responsible for lifting the run rate and was not having the same trouble with the bowling as the previous batsmen.
In the thirteenth over, Rob drove a delivery from Ranjan low and hard to mid-wicket. A boundary was probably going to be the result. That was until Anoj got in the way. He held a really fantastic catch diving low down to his right. Rob had contributed 8. 3 for 28.
Darryl joined Michael. This partnership proved a good one for CBC. Especially with Michael finding the boundary a few times. He became our first and only retiree after scoring 30 runs. 3 for 60 in the 17th over.
Ian Ross was next in. Darryl and Ian took the score to 77 after 23 overs. First ball of the next over, Darryl played over the delivery. The ‘keeper whipped off the bails and Darryl was on his way. Stumped for 15. 4 for 77 in the 24th over.
Scott Marshall joined Ian. Five balls later Ian departed. He attempted to hook the delivery onto Sackville Road. Missed hitting the ball. He overbalanced and cleaned up the wicket in his fall. You could say he was well and truly out hit wicket. Ian had added 10. 5 for 82 after 24 overs.
John Granata, fresh from organising the Veterans “Test” match at Coogee Oval the previous Sunday, was the next batsman. The run scoring had dried up after Michael’s dismissal. Scott and John took the score to 90 in the 28th over. Scott became the sixth wicket to fall. His attempted cover drive got a thick edge and flew high forward of point. The catch was held. He was on his way for 2.
Rob Harding joined John. Overs were running out and the score was not where it should have been. Only a couple of runs per over were being added. With the score on exactly one hundred, the ‘keeper took a smart catch off Rob standing up to the spin of Mungulla. Rob had contributed 5. 7 for 100 in the 31st over.
Elie Issa was next in. Opening bowler Lasa came back to bowl the 33rd over. First ball, John trying to force the pace, played inside the line and was bowled. He had scored 9. 8 for 103.
Last regular batsman Wayne Christie joined Elie. Try as he might, Elie could not make sound contact and after a short stay had his off-stump removed by Lasa's last delivery. He was out without troubling the scorers. 9 for 103 after the 33rd over.
Retiree Michael returned to the wicket. The hope was that he could farm the strike and add some much needed runs. It did not go to plan. However, Wayne and Michael were able to see out the remaining two overs and take the score to 9 for 111 after our 35 overs. Thank goodness David Shepherd was not umpiring.
With a rate of just over three runs per over it was going to take a huge effort in the field to stop the Lions taking out the match.
After the lunch adjournment, Rob Drummond and John Granata took up the bowling attack. Lasa and Ranjan were the batsmen for the Lions. A great start by Rob and John and only eight runs were on the board after four overs. The second ball of Rob’s third over, Lasa attempted to hook the delivery to backward square-leg. The ball flew straight up. Tony Adnum from behind the stumps called for the catch. He held the difficult chance and Lasa’s innings had ended on 6. 1 for 10 in the 5th over.
The next over bowled by John resulted in a much more spectacular catch by Scott Marshall. Ranjan made good contact with the fourth ball and it sailed high towards the mid-wicket boundary. Scott was fielding much squarer and had to run a fair distance to get to the ball. Not one CBC fielder gave him any chance. Scott had other ideas and with a last second grab at the ball over his shoulder, held the catch. A great start. Two catches and no drops. Ranjan was out for 4. 2 for 12 in the sixth over.
Indi and Nalan were now at the batting crease. Michael Cassano and Darryl Semmler took over the bowling. First ball, Michael clean bowled Nalin for 1. 3 for 13 at the start of the 7th over.
Michael was on an unofficial hat-trick as he clean bowled Paresh on his “free hit”. Things were looking good with regular wickets and runs kept to a minimum. Paresh was able to block the next delivery.
Michael and Darryl bowled their three overs each for a total of 15 runs. The score was 3 for 28 after 12 overs.
Steve Allan and Scott Marshall took control of the Kookaburra from Michael and Darryl. Scott was economical, conceding only seven runs. Steve’s third over went for 12 after only three from his first two..
The Lions started turning things around and Indi retired on 31 after facing 29 balls. He was followed by Paresh who had faced 30 balls for 7 runs. Anoj and Kalinga were the new batsmen.
After 18 overs the Lions were 3 for 50. At the drinks break, Tony handed the gloves to Steve Allan for the second half of the innings.
Rob Harding sent down two overs after the break for seven runs and Tony Adnum took over at the Cattai End. The third ball of Tony’s third over had Anoj driving back down the wicket. The ball flew above Tony’s head but he got both hands to it and held the catch. Anoj had scored 14 and was out on his 30th ball. 4 for 76 in the 24th over.
Roshan joined Kalinga. Ian Ross bowled the previous over for two runs. John Granata and Rob Drummond came back on to complete their five overs. Kalinga retired on 14 after facing his 30 balls and Arjuna was the replacement. Fifteen runs resulted from John and Rob’s four overs.
Ian Ross was ringing in the bowling changes. Tony Adnum bowled an over from the Glossodia End and handed the ball to Darryl Semmler. Michael Cassano bowled his final two overs from the Cattai End. In Michael’s first over, Roshan drove the fifth delivery to cover where Ian Ross was patrolling. Ian gladly accepted the catch. Roshan was on his way for 3. 5 for 100 in the 31st over. The match was on a knife’s edge. Four overs and one ball to bowl and 12 runs required.
Mangala came in to join Arjuna. It was in the next over bowled by Darryl that Mangala reached down the wicket to make contact with the ball. He missed. Before he could spin around and get his bat down, Steve Allan removed the bails. Mangala was out stumped without scoring. 6 for 101 in the 32nd over. No runs were scored off Darryl’s last two balls. CBC was still in it.
Prasanna was now batting with Arjuna. The latter was proving to be a bit of a thorn in the side of the CBC. These two batsmen scored five runs off Michael’s fifth and final over. 6 for 106 after 33 overs.
Arjuna finally faced 30 balls and retired on 21. Indi returned to the wicket. Ian Ross came back on for the penultimate over. His third delivery was a repeat of Darryl’s earlier effort. Prassana was deceived by the flight and Steve Allan did the rest. Prassana out stumped for 5. 7 for 109 in the 34th over.
Paresh was the next retiree to return to join Indi. He took a single off his first ball. Ian’s fourth. Next ball to Indi was a dot. There was no mistake with Ian’s final delivery. Indi pulled it through mid-wicket to the boundary. The Lions had won the match with one over spare. The final score was 7 for 114. A low scoring game and just a few more runs by CBC could have been enough for a win.
As he was with the bat, Michael Cassano was best with the ball taking 2 for 12 from his 5 overs. Ian Ross took 1 for 10 from 2, Darryl Semmler 1 for 11 from 5, Rob Drummond 1 for 13 from 5, John Granata 1 for 15 from 5 and Tony Adnum 1 for 22 from 4. Scott Marshall bowled 3 overs for 7 runs, Rob Harding 2 overs for 7 runs and Steve Allan 3 overs for 15 runs.
Michael Cassano had his arms full after the match. Sri Lanka awarded Man Of The Match to him as did CBC. He was also awarded the Bradman Stump for top score of 33. Well done Michael. A great all round performance.
Our next match and the final one for the season is against Goulburn Express at Woodlands Park, Wilberforce.
MATCH REPORT - INTRA CLUB MATCH FOR THE JOHNNY TAYLOR MEMORIAL TROPHY - 5TH FEBRUARY, 2023.
Sunday turned out to be a bright warm sunny day after the arctic conditions in Bowral on Saturday.
Twenty six players graced the field at Bradman Oval for the annual Massie versus Taylor Intra Club match for the Johnny Taylor Memorial Trophy.
At the 11th hour, David Flaks had to pull out of the Massie team due to a bad back. Ian Ross' son-in-law Josh Hurkett was a willing replacement.
David kindly offered to umpire. This gesture was very much appreciated by all players.
As both teams had 13 players the match was to be 45 overs per side with drinks each 15 overs.
Steve Allan was captain of the Massie team and Matt Brennan was in charge of the Taylor team.
Despite managing to get to toss the 1834 coin, Matt still lost the toss. Steve’s decision was to field.
After the toss, team photographs were taken and courtesy of John Granata a toast of a shot of Tawny to the CBC was partaken.
A silence was held in memory of recently departed members. Steve Allan then proceeded to advise of upcoming career milestones.
Before a ball was bowled, Randel Pearce was ruled out of the Johnny Taylor team with a back spasm that really floored him.
Tony Adnum and Phillip Stuart-Jones opened the batting for Taylor with the Kookaburra in the hands of firstly, Rob Drummond and then David Cosgrove.
Batting rules were a free hit first ball and retirement after 30 balls or 30 runs whichever came first.
Tony pulled the first ball from Rob to mid-wicket for two runs and next ball he picked up another two with a well executed square cut. Singles were then traded by Tony and Phil and Johnny Taylor was off to a good start with six on the board after the first over.
David’s first over resulted in only one run and he whistled a few deliveries down outside the off stump.
Tony and Phil were having little trouble with the opening salvo and saw off Rob (3 overs) and David (2) with some steady run scoring. The first five overs produced twenty three runs.
Paul Brett took over from David at the Pavilion End. His first delivery was just short of a length and really popped. Tony attempted to pull the delivery to mid- wicket, got it high on the bat and it lollied to Rob Drummond who held a simple catch. Tony had scored 9. 1 for 23 in the 6th over.
David Rudd was next to the wicket. Josh Hurkett replaced Rob at the bowling crease. In the next four and a bit overs, Phil and David doubled the score. That is where the worthwhile partnership came to an end. Paul Brett was at it again. In Paul’s third over, David attempted to drive him back down the ground. He was fooled by the guile of Mr. Brett’s bowling. The ball went through the gate and onto the stumps. David was out bowled for 7. Rebecca Rudd was heard to say that David didn’t do well when she came to watch. 2 for 46 in the 10th over.
Captain Brennan strode to the crease to join Phil. Things were looking good for the Taylor team with another worthwhile partnership developing. Phil, in particular, was in sparkling form and having little trouble with what was “thrown” at him.
Despite doing the damage, Paul Brett was taken off after four overs and was replaced by Peter Brown. Peter Done replaced Josh at the Scoreboard End after the latter had sent down three testing overs.
In the meantime, Phillip had continued his good form and after facing his 30 balls retired on 27. He was replaced by Ian Ross.
Peter Done's first delivery was despatched high and long by Matt Brennan to the mid-wicket boundary. Six runs would have resulted. Unfortunately, David Cosgrove got in the way and held a good catch over his head. Matt had contributed 9. 3 for 61 in the 13th over.
Steve Long was the next batsman. He took over from where Phil left off. He also was in sparkling form and retired on 23 after 30 balls.
Ian Ross was joined by Scott Marshall and formed a right/left combination. Scott became Peter Done's second victim when he pulled a delivery to backward square-leg. Rob Drummond collected his second catch of the morning. 4 for 113 in the 23rd over.
The 23rd over was Peter's sixth and last and he was replaced by Darryl Semmler. Peter Brown sent down five overs from the Pavilion End and was replaced by Greg Adams.
Immediately after Scott's dismissal, Ian Ross who had been batting steadily and providing good support, retired on 13 after facing 30 balls.
Ray Price and then John Granata came to the wicket. Despite suffering from a bad back which severely restricted his movement, Ray put up a good resistance. That was until the last ball of Darryl's first over. Ray pulled it high to the mid-wicket boundary where Greg Adams was patrolling. Greg made sure of the catch. Ray had scored 6. 5 for 125 after 25 overs.
Rob Harding was the next batsman. John Granata at the other end was showing some great fight and defiantly kept the ball away from his stumps. He was able to keep his mind clear of all the worry he had in organising the "Test" match between the Australian and English Veteran teams at Coogee Oval the next Sunday.
Rob on the other hand was looking to keep the scoreboard moving. However, he became Darryl's second victim when he played over a pitched up delivery and was bowled. His contribution was 7. 6 for 133 in the 29th over.
Paul Moujalli joined John. The latter retired on 3 after facing his 30 balls. Taylor now had a fair bit of insurance in the sheds. The most patient innings he has played for the Club. David Issa, John's son-in-law, was now batting with Paul. The last two batsmen before the retirees returned.
David's innings was short and sweet. He managed a single before being bowled by Greg. 7 for 135 in the 32nd over.
The first retiree, Phillip Stuart-Jones returned to join Paul. Greg was still in charge of the Kookaburra. Paul drove a ball to mid-off and set off for the run. Steve Allan was quick to gather the ball and threw down the stumps from an acute angle. Paul was short of his ground and on his way for 1. 8 for 137 after 32 overs.
Steve Long re-joined Phil. These two really turned the Taylor fortunes around and put together a possible match winning partnership. Runs were flowing well despite the efforts of Messrs Drummond and Huckett.
David Cosgrove returned to bowl the 42nd over and Paul Brett came back on at the Scoreboard End. David was successful in the second over of his second spell. Phil played over the last delivery and was bowled. A magnificent innings of 65. This turned out to be enough for Phil to be awarded the "Bradman" stump.
Ian Ross joined Steve. These two saw out the remaining overs. Ian scored a single off the only ball he faced. Steve had the majority of the strike and made the most of it taking his final score to 55. Paul Brett suffered the most with 21 scored off his two overs. The same number as his first four overs.
Ian was not out for 14 at the other end. The Taylor team had scored a reasonable 9 for 213.
It was a delicious ham, chicken and salad feast that greeted us at the break. All neatly packed in individual plastic containers. Thank you ladies. Especially Linda, Louise and Catherine.
It was now the Massie teams turn to bat. Darryl Semmler and Brian Walker were the openers. John Granata from the Pavilion End and Tony Adnum were given first use of the Kookaburra.
John was right on target from the outset and sent down six economical overs including one maiden. The second ball of his second over completely baffled Brian and cannoned into his stumps. Brian was on his way for 1. 1 for 6 in the third over. Just the start the Taylor team needed. David Cooper was Brian’s replacement.
John and Tony were keeping the run rate to around about five per over but wickets were not forthcoming. A surprise to all was the retirement of Darryl after facing 30 balls. This came in the eighth over bowled by Tony and after the 44th ball of the match. Darryl had added 16 including three boundaries.
Rob Drummond was next in. Darryl’s exit prompted a series of retirements. Scott Marshall took over from John after his six overs and Ian Ross bowled one from the Scoreboard End before being replaced by David Rudd.
Rob and David were batting steadily and keeping the score at the desired run rate. David was the next to retire in the 15th over with the score on 70. This brought David Cosgrove to the wicket to face Scott’s last ball of his second over. Drinks were taken and there was an extended delay as Tony Adnum had not gone off to put on the ‘keeping gear as arranged to take over behind the stumps from Phillip Stuart-Jones.
Rob and David just kept scoring runs. David in particular. The Johnny Taylor team could not take a wicket. In David’s second over, (there are too many Davids in this Club!) the eighteenth, Rob retired on 25. The score was now 1 for 80.
Terry Hagan was the next batsman. David Cosgrove was not hanging around. In Scott’s fifth over he drove the fifth delivery high over mid-off for six. The third in his innings and retired on 34 from 21 balls faced. 1 for 112 in the 21st over.
Terry Hagan was joined by Steve Allan. The runs for Massie just kept coming and Taylor still had trouble taking wickets.
Ray Price (somehow with his crook back) and Rob Harding sent down four and three overs respectively without adding to the wicket tally. Terry became Massie’s fifth retiree in the 27th over bowled by Ray. Terry had scored 23 from his 30 balls. The score was now 1 for 148. Ray’s over turned out to be a maiden.
Paul Brett strode to the wicket to join his captain. After Ray and Rob had completed their spells, David Rudd came back on from the Pavilion End. Success at last. Steve drove the third delivery (the 30th he had faced) to mid -on and called the run. Phillip Stuart- Jones, having a great all round match, gathered the ball and returned it to the bowler’s end. A nice bounce and David Rudd was able to knock the ball onto the stumps with his right hand. Umpire Flaks had the right index finger raised and Steve was on his way back to the pavilion for 26. 2 for 174 in the 33rd over. Peter Brown was Steve’s replacement.
Without addition to the score, and two balls later, Paul drove the delivery towards mid-off. David dived up and to his left. He got his left hand to the ball and held a great catch. Paul had added 12 to the Massie total. 3 for 174 in the 33rd over.
Peter Done joined Peter. Thank goodness not another David. The former survived for fourteen deliveries and was forced to retire hurt with a hamstring muscle problem.
Phillip Stuart-Jones, completing a great all round performance, had taken over the bowling from Rob Harding at the Scoreboard End. After David Rudd completed his second spell of three overs the score was 3 for 190 and 37 overs had been bowled. Phillip’s next over was a maiden and then Matt Brennan came back on at the Pavilion End.
Josh Hurkett had replaced Peter Done at the batting crease. Despite their best efforts, the Taylor team could not cut off the run scoring. Eventually Peter and Josh scored the winning runs. Josh was the one holding court and clipped three of the last four deliveries of Phillip’ sixth over to the leg-side boundary. Josh finished with 20 not out and Peter was on 4. After 42 overs the Massie team had won with a score of 3 for 216.
Another win for the Massie team. The fourth in a row. The result would have been closer with a fit Randel Pearce playing for Johnny Taylor.
Some welcome refreshment was the order of the day after the match.
The Man of The Match for the Massie team was David Cosgrove in a photo finish. The Taylor recipient was Phillip Stuart-Jones, a standout performance. Phillip was also the recipient of the “Bradman” stump for the highest score. Brian Walker clocks were presented to Darryl Semmler (Massie) and John Granata (Taylor) for best bowling performance. A clock was also presented to Rob Harding being the elder statesman. Finally, the Services Memorial Trophy was presented to David Rudd for the bowling average last season.
Wayne Christie thanked those who had made the day so successful. Especially Steve Allan for his great organisational skills.
Thanks Flaksy for a great job in the centre.
Our next match is against Sri Lanka Lions at Wilberforce on Sunday 19th February, 2023. Our final match for the season is against Goulburn Express also at Wilberforce on Sunday 5th March, 2023.
MATCH REPORT - CBC VERSUS PORT JACKSON CRICKET CLUB - TUESDAY 13TH DECEMBER, 2022.
This match was played on Kensington Oval, Kensington. A lovely suburban ground with good facilities. A bit of tender care is all that is needed and it would be a first class ground. Unfortunately, the wicket needs more than just tender care. All agreed, on arrival at the ground, that it was the worst wicket they had seen. Check out the photograph (taken before the match started).
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It was a lovely day for the match with lots of sunshine, a cooling breeze and temperature in the mid twenties. The retirement rule was again 30 balls faced or 30 runs scored whichever came first.
Rob Drummond was our skipper with assistance from Steve Allan. Port Jackson won the toss and understandably elected to bat.
We welcomed Michael Cassano (No. 235) for his first match with the club. Thank you Randel Pearce for the introduction. We also welcomed back Ian Ross after his recent health issue.
M. Schwartz and H. Solomons (yes Harry) were the openers for Port Jackson. Rob Drummond (Edward Ave End) and John Granata (Barker St End) opened the attack for CBC. Both bowled three tight overs and restricted the scoring. After six overs Port were 0 for 13.
Randel Pearce replaced Rob and Tony Adnum took over from John. Tony had success with the second ball of his second over. The ball was well pitched up and Harry Solomons attempted to drive it to mid-off. He got it a little high on the bat. Tony diving to his left got two hands on the ball and held a very good catch. Solomons had scored 11. 1 for 24 in the 8th over.
M. Wilson joined Schwartz. Although wickets were not being taken, run scoring was being restricted to less than three per over. Both Tony and Randel sent down three overs before handing the ball to Scott Marshall and Michael Cassano.
Both Schwartz and Wilson faced 30 balls and retired. Schwartz on 10 and Wilson on 24. They were replaced by G. Brooks and P.Jenkinson. These two had a different attitude to their predecessors and accelerated the scoring.
Scott bowled three overs and was replaced by Ian Ross. Steve Allan took over from Michael after his three overs at the Barker St End. Steve bowled the 20th over and drinks were taken. Port had reached a reasonable 1 for 89. Both Brooks and Jenkinson were approaching retirement.
After the break Ian continued the attack and then Steve bowled his second and final over and was replaced by Elie Issa. Ian bowled a third and handed the ball to John Granata for a second spell.
Brooks retired on 32 and Jenkinson on 30. J. Scarcella and M. Lucas were the new batsmen.
Elie bowled only one over and Michael Cassano came back on at the Barker St End. After 25 overs the score was 1 for 127. Wickets were a priority.
John’s second spell of three overs was economical with only eight runs resulting. He handed the ball to Tony Adnum who bowled a further two overs from the Edward Ave End.
Scarcella retired on 26 and J. Sanders joined Lucas at the crease.
Scott Marshall took over from Michael after the latter had sent down his second spell of three overs. After 34 overs the score was 1 for 171. It was starting to get away from us.
The next over was bowled from the Barker St End by Randel Pearce who took over from Tony. Scott bowled the 36th over, his third and six in all. It brought a result. Sanders faced only six balls. Scott’s second delivery had Sanders playing and missing. He was bowled for no score. 2 for 175 in the 36th over.
P. Adams was the new batsman.Rob Drummond came back into the attack to bowl out the Port innings in partnership with Randel.
Adams sportingly retired on six to give others a bat. N.Reuben was now batting with Lucas.
Randel bowled the 37th over and his second ball was a beauty. It got through the defence of Reuben and neatly removed the off bail. Reuben was out without scoring. 3 for 177.
C. Rickard was next in. C.Rickard was next out. Rob Drummond, next over, bowled a wicket maiden. His fifth delivery was much too good for Rickard and the middle stump was removed. Rickard was out for 1 and was replaced by S. Ridge. 4 for 178 in the 38th over.
Next over Randel conceded four runs. This left Rob to bowl the fortieth and final over. He was on target again and cleaned up Ridge’s wicket with the final ball of the innings. Ridge was out for 10. Lucas remained not out on 17 after facing 24 balls.
Port innings came to a close on 5 for 191.
Rob Drummond finished with 2 for 16 from his five overs including 2 maidens, Randel Pearce took 1 for 17 from 6 overs, Tony Adnum 1 for 19 from 5 overs and Scott Marshall 1 for 30 from 6 overs. Other bowlers were John Granata 6 overs for 11 runs, Steve Allan 2 overs for 12 runs, Michael Cassano 6 overs for 41 runs, Ian Ross 3 overs for 21 runs and Elie Issa 1 over for 15 runs.
After lunch David Cooper and Scott Marshall took up the challenge for CBC. S.Ridge and P.Adams were in charge of the Kookaburra for Port.
The first five overs produced nine runs. Ridge’s first two overs were maidens. In the sixth over bowled by Adams, Scott played and missed. Bowled for 7. 1 for 11.
Steve Allan joined David. Four balls later, Steve suffered the same fate as Scott without adding to the score. 2 for 11 after 6 overs.
Rob Drummond was next in. The next ball bowled by Ridge got through David’s forward defence and rattled the stumps. 3 for 11 in the 7th over . How were we going to get off this number, It was not looking good. Not to worry Ian Ross strode to the wicket to join Rob.
Rob and Ian settled in and started turning things around. They saw off Ridge and Adams who were replaced by Rickard and Brooks. They saw off Rickard as well. In Brooks’ fourth over the 16th, Ian retired on 20 after facing 30 balls. 3 for 50.
Randel Pearce was next to the wicket. M. Wilson and H. Solomons had taken over the bowling. Rob played another good innings and he was our second retiree. It was in Solomons’ first over and he had scored 21 from his 30 balls. 3 for 58 in the 18th over.
Michael Cassano joined Randel. In Solomons’ next over Randel played and missed and was bowled for 13. 4 for 72 in the 20th over. Drinks were taken.
Tony Adnum was Randel's replacement. He took a single off his second ball. In Wilson’s next over Tony was late with his shot to a pitched up delivery. He played inside the line and had his off-stump removed. Bowled for 1. Things were starting to fall apart again. 5 for 79 in the 21st over.
John Granata came to the wicket. M.Schwartz and M. Lucas were the new bowlers. Michael played a fantastic innings and retired on 33. He made the most of the last delivery he received from Schwartz despatching it to the square-leg boundary. 5 for 105 in the 25th over.
Elie Issa joined John. In Schwartz’s next and final over, Ellie drove a delivery towards the covers. A quick single was taken. Not quite. Brooks fielded the ball and his return was a direct hit. Elie was just short of his ground. Run out for 1. 6 for 110 in the 27th over.
Brooks took over from Schwartz and after four overs Lucas was replaced by N Reuben.
Wayne Christie was our final regular batsman before the recyclers returned. Shortly after Wayne’s arrival John departed having faced 30 balls. He had scored 9 and was our fourth insurance policy.
Ian Ross replaced John. Wayne put up some resistance but in Reuben’s second over he was beaten by a good delivery and was bowled. He had not troubled the scorers. 7 for 119 in the 32nd over. Wayne and Steve Allan had qualified to return to the crease if required, if the regular retirees were dismissed. At this stage 73 runs were still needed.
Rob Drummond was next to return. Rob and Ian continued as before. That was until Rob drove a ball from Reuben to mid-wicket and called a quick single. Ian responded but barely made it halfway down the wicket before the ‘keeper had the bails off. Usain Bolt would not have made it.
Ian was run out for a final total of 23. 8 for 125 in the 34th over.
Michael Cassano returned. The break had not hurt him as he was scoring runs off every ball. The opening bowlers Ridge and Adams took over for the last four overs. The second delivery bowled by Adams was too good for Rob who was bowled for a total of 36. 9 for 145 in the 38th over.
Our last retiree, John Granata (apart from the two ducks), made his way to the wicket. Although the bowling was fast and furious on a very crumbling wicket, Michael and John were still there after the forty overs were bowled. Michael finished not out 49 and John was on 18. The final score was 9 for 161.
Maybe with 350 plus runs scored, the wicket was not so bad after all.
Michael Cassano was awarded Man Of The Match by CBC. Tony Adnum received the award from Port and CBC voted G.Brooks as the Port Man Of The Match.
Our next match is scheduled for 8th January, 2023 against Western Wildfires who are struggling to field a team.
Don’t forget the Intra Club match at Bradman Oval, Bowral on 5th February, 2023. We already have the two teams filled with others waiting for any dropouts. Thank you to John and Steve.
MATCHREPORT - CBC VERSUS HAWKESBURY H.O.C.S. - SUNDAY 27TH NOVEMBER, 2022.
After initially having 16 available, numbers reduced over the final few days before this match to 11. David Cooper put up his hand and we had 12 to play.
Fortunately there was a good cloud covering at McQuade Park, Windsor on the morning of the match and the forecast temperature of 34 degrees was not reached. However, the clouds cleared somewhat in the afternoon and it was hot and humid for CBC in the field.
Elie Issa was playing his second match for the Club. Steve Allan was our Captain supported by Terry Hagan.
The toss was won by Hawkesbury H.O.C.S. and CBC was sent into bat. Our openers were Matt Brennan and Rob Drummond. The retirement rule for this match was 30 runs or 30 balls faced.
The groundsman had been a bit heavy handed with the hose at both ends of the wicket and the areas were a bit spongy.
Matt and Rob were facing up to Tony Brown and John Hayes. They were handling the conditions pretty well and a good opening partnership was developing. That was until the fourth over, when Matt spooned a delivery back to Hayes and he accepted the return catch. Matt had contributed 13 of the 19 on the board.
David Cooper was next to the wicket. The scoring rate was dropping. Trying to add some quick runs, David skied a ball to Mal Wilson at point who held the catch. Again it was Hayes who did the damage. 2 for 21 in the 6th over.
Next in was Terry Hagan. Mike Power and Greg Corcoran replaced Brown and Hayes at the bowling crease after eight overs.
Just when the run scoring was starting to improve, Terry got a thick edge off Corcoran’s bowling and Tony Brown, patrolling in the gully, held a good catch. 3 for 31 after the first ball of the 10th over.
Peter Brown joined Rob. Two overs later, Rob had faced his 30 deliveries and retired on 10. Tony Adnum was the replacement. Peter and Tony saw off Power and Corcoran who sent down four overs each. John Peachman and Wayne Duclos were the replacement bowlers.
Peachman’s first delivery was a wayward full toss down the leg-side. Peter made good contact and pulled the ball high and l square. Unfortunately John Hayes was in the way in the deep and held a good low down catch. Peter had scored 7. 4 for 44 at the start of the 17th over.
Steve Allan joined Tony. Steve was intent on getting some runs on the board and took advantage of any loose deliveries. He quickly reached 15 when he drove a ball from Duclos to Corcoran at mid-wicket. He was hesitant with the run call and eventually decided the run was on. He was very unlucky that Corcoran’s return to the bowler was a direct hit. 5 for 63 in the 24th over.
A few balls later and Tony had faced his 30 deliveries and retired on 6. John Granata and Rob Harding were now at the batting crease. Mick Wilson and Peter Noble were in charge of the Kookaburra. John was struggling to get off the mark and had his leg stump removed by Wilson without troubling the scorers. 6 for 64 in the 25th over.
John’s dismissal brought Elie Issa to the crease. In Noble’s first over, Rob played and missed the final delivery and had his castle dismantled. Another duck. 7 for 64 in the 28th over.
Paul Moujalli joined Ellie. In the same over Elie, who had faced 10 deliveries, drove Noble straight back down the wicket and Noble held the catch. The third duck. 8 for 64 in the 28th over.
Wayne Christie was the next batsman. In Wilson’s next over, Wayne played and missed the 5th delivery and was bowled to become our fourth duck. 9 for 65 in the 29th over.
The four ducks were to recycle first. This brought John Granata back to the crease. Peter Noble was back in the action. He had Paul driving to mid-on. There was too much loft in the drive and Duclos held a good catch. Paul had recorded 1 run. 10 for 65 in the 32nd over.
Rob Harding returned to join John at the crease. They put up a bit of a resistance but in the 36th over Rob lofted a drive to mid-on off Peter Noble. Ray Saville was in position to take the catch but the ball went straight through his hands. Rob had resigned himself to be out, caught. When he saw the dropped catch he called John for a quick single. Saville had other ideas and threw the wicket down at the bowler’s end with Rob just short of his ground. 11 for 77 in the 36th over.
Ellie Issa returned to the batting crease. Peter Noble struck immediately. First ball Ellie was out for a second time without scoring. This time bowled. 12 for 77 in the 36th over.
Ray Saville and Mick Wilson were at the bowling crease when Wayne Christie strode to the wicket for a second time. Not first ball, as was Ellie, but Wilson got through Wayne’s defences and knocked back his off-stump for a second duck. 13 for 78 in the 37th over.
This brought Rob Drummond back in. Vaughan Humphreys had replaced Wilson to bowl the 38th and 40th overs. John Granata had really knuckled down and played every ball on its merits. His concentration levels were at an extremely high level until the first ball of Saville’s last over. He drove the delivery upishly to mid-off and Mick Wilson held the catch. John had made a valuable 8 in his second dig. 14 for 79 in the 39th over.
Tony Adnum joined Rob with 11 legitimate balls to go. Tony managed to add two runs to his score. The very last ball of the innings Vaughan Humphreys’ delivery passed outside Tony’s defensive push and crashed into the stumps. Tony was out bowled for 8. Rob remained not out on 11.
CBC all out (15 wickets) for 82 runs from 40 overs. A score that the strong HOCS side would have no trouble in passing.
After lunch and the team photograph, John Granata and Rob Drummond took up the challenge to remove as many HOCS batsmen as possible. Greg Corcoran and John Hayes were the opening batsmen for the HOCS. John opened the bowling and sent down three economical overs for nine runs. Rob bowled four. In his third over he had Corcoran driving at a well pitched up delivery. He did not make contact and was bowled for 25. 1 for 31 in the 6th over.
Rob Harding replaced John and then Tony Adnum replaced Rob. Ray Saville was the new batsman. Tony struck with his first delivery. The ball was well pitched up, turned from just outside off, went between bat and pad and took out the middle stump. Saville was the unfortunate batsman bowled for 5. 2 for 45 in the 10th over.
Rob was replaced by Paul Moujalli after he had sent down two overs without success. Wayne Duclos was next in. Soon after John Hayes retired on 24. Steve Winters joined Duclos.
Tony sent down four overs and Paul two. With his last ball, Paul had Duclos well caught by Steve Allan in the covers for 10. 3 for 66 after 13 overs. The HOCS were closing in on victory.
Mick Wilson joined Winters. Elie Issa replaced Paul and a couple of overs later Peter Brown replaced Tony. Elie sent down three overs and with his last ball he beat Wilson all ends up. Wilson was bowled for 4. 4 for 82 after 19 overs. The scores were level!
Mike Power joined Duclos. Peter Brown bowled what was to be the last over. Duclos took a single from the second delivery. Power could not handle Peter’s fifth delivery and suffered the same fate as Wilson. Power became the only HOCS batsman not to trouble the scorers. After 19.5 overs, the HOCS were 5 for 83.
Peter Brown finished with 1 for 4 from his 1.5 overs. Three bowlers finished with 1 for 11. Tony Adnum from 4 overs, Elie Issa from 3 and Paul Moujalli from 2. Rod Drummond was the other wicket taker conceding 23 runs from his 4 overs. John Granata had 9 runs taken off his 3 overs and Rob Harding bowled 2 overs for 12 runs.
A convincing victory for the HOCS. CBC has always struggled against this strong HOCS team so the result was no surprise. A comment was made after the match that it was like men playing boys!
Peter Brown was awarded the Personality Of The Match (MOTM) Award. Duck socks were presented to Elie Issa and Rob Harding. As supplies had run out, the other two who had previously received a pair missed out. The Ray Single Memorial Trophy for batting average was presented to Rob Drummond for the 2021-22 season. This trophy was first presented in 1920-21.
Our next match is against Port Jackson Cricket Club at Kensington on TUESDAY 13th December, 2022.
DON’T FORGET the Intra Club match at Bradman Oval, Bowral on Sunday 5th February, 2023. We would like a minimum of 22 players to be available. The Club will again subsidise the cost.
MATCH REPORT- CBC VERSUS MID COAST GOLDEN OLDIES - SUNDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER, 2022
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This game was played in Forster. Both teams travelled to Forster and some stayed to enjoy the surroundings. Due to rain on the Friday before the game the match was transferred from a turf wicket to a local synthetic wicket. Upon arrival we found the ground in very good condition and the synthetic wicket being only recently laid was of good quality. The weather was beautiful and both sides were eager to get underway in the first match of the season.
Our team for this match included some players who had played with us in Darwin namely Wayne Mason, Vaughan Humphreys, Chris Smith and Richard Warren. Both teams agreed to bat 12 players
The toss was won by CBCGO Captain Matthew Brennan who sent the opposition into bat. Rob Drummond and Richard Warren took up the attack with the ball. Both bowlers were very excellent and at the first change of bowlers MNC were 0 for 17 after 8 overs. Both openers shortly after retired having faced the 30 deliveries each which was a rule for this game. Bowling from then, throughout the innings, remained consistent and our opposition finished their 40 overs with only 99 runs. Terrific bowling by all. Figures were Rob Drummond 1-18 (6overs), Richard Warren 0-9 (4overs), Paul Brett 2-17 (6 overs), Matt Brennan 0-19 (6 overs), Darryl Semmler 3-15 (6 overs), Rob Harding 1-7 (6 Overs) and Vaughan Humphreys 0-9 (6 Overs). Fielding also was very good with some terrific catches and a couple of runouts.
Following the lunch break CBCGO opened the batting with Darryl Semmler and Brian Walker. Both players retired after their allotted deliveries with the score at 0- 21. Matthew Brennan and Rob Drummond then batted strongly to get the scoring going. Matthew was dismissed for 14 runs and Rob retired on 21 runs. The rest of the run chase was slowed however we reached the score in the 37th over thanks to good batting by Steve Long (10 runs) and Vern Humphries (16 runs no) with the loss of only 3 wickets. MOTM was awarded to Darryl Semmler.
Players enjoyed some drinks provided by MNC and then some attended a dinner arranged by MNC’s Peter Robinson at a local hotel.
MATCH REPORT – CBC (BUFFALOES) VERSUS TOADS IN DARWIN – TUESDAY 17TH MAY, 2022.
Match report precursor….
On Monday afternoon, another email was received from Derek Braidner with the following extract:
TO ALL CAPTAINS & MANAGERS
The Tracy Village ground has become unavailable. The Brolgas V Lorikeets game has been CANCELLED on Tuesday 17th
To ensure that everyone gets a game I am seeking the co,operation of all Captains. Fit players from this game have been re allocated to all other teams as follows.
The following LORIKEETS players have been reallocated as follows
Hammet and Hancock to the BUFFALOES
Braidner and Dangerfield to the TOADS
Tuesday 17th May in Darwin was yet another 34-degree day and our scheduled venue was moved to Marrarra Oval No 1 (TIO Stadium), a truly magnificent pitch and outfield.
This was our last day on tour as the Closing function will be held tonight at Mindil Beach Casino, starting at 5.30pm, so finishing the game by about 4pm or so would get us on the bus back to Mantra Esplanade in time for a freshen-up before heading out again.
We started the day on the back foot with news that David Rudd was suffering from heat-stroke and wouldn’t be with us today… There has been an outbreak of Covid throughout the festival and David thought it prudent to stay away from fellow team-mates in case he tested positive. So, with Ruddy out, Steve Long having gone home on the weekend, Tony Dickie unable to play due to illness, we had 11 players able to put on a CBC shirt today plus the 2 Lorikeet boys Brian Hancock and Ian Hammett (who we played on Tuesday 10th May – our second game). Of note is that Steve Allan has been playing each game with a ruptured ligament in his left ankle; since last Wednesday’s day/night game, Brenno’s quads have acted like they belong to an 80-year-old; and his shoulder is giving him some bother (can’t run or bowl today was a comment early in the day). We also have John Granata and Graham Doust backing up from last night’s 20/20 loss (Allied composite team) to the Victorians.
Nonetheless, we were optimistic today! We had a win yesterday against the Victorian Cockatoos, were playing on the best ground Darwin has to offer, had lost 3 coin-tosses out of 3 so far, so captain Brenno just knew things were going to go well. Well, our captain kept our good form and lost the toss (4 out of 4 now), BUT in a surprise move, captain of the Toads (Phil Van Der Klay) elected to bat first, so with some delight we took to the field with the hope that no afternoon breeze presented.
Today’s game reverted to 40 overs with bowlers permitted a maximum of 5. Again, the first 20 overs from on end, then the next 20 from the other. Drinks after every 10 overs. Batsman can score a maximum of 25 runs in their first dig from a maximum of 20 balls. On their recycle, a further 20 balls can be faced with a maximum of 40 runs being scored. Ducks recycle AFTER retirees have their 2nd innings. No free ball.
So, with some excitement in fielding first for a change, John Granata grabbed the new ball, overcoming his previous disappointed that no-one joined him as he jogged around the boundary of the magnificent Marrarra ground. This is the same guy who played yesterday, and again last night (so annoying!!!)
John quickly found his line and completed a steady over conceding 4 runs. Richard Warren again partnered John with the new ball and was on-line early conceding 3 runs. Batsmen DeJong & Grimmer were cautious, but steadily turning over the strike. From the 3rd over, DeJong had his eye in and first driving a good-length ball from John for 4 and following suit in the next from Richard. DeJohn was the first to retire on 15 in the 7th over (1 in the bank for the Toads). New batsmen Peter Tonkin. Peter was the TOAD we gave away yesterday, scoring an unbeaten 26 from 40 deliveries (whoops) and it seemed he still had his eye in, scoring a single and 2 from John’s last 2 balls of the over. Two dot balls from Richard’s 4th over and Grimmer followed DeJong’s lead and retired on 9 (2 in the bank now !!). Grimmer’s retirement brought Murray Wise to the crease, determined to have a good look at Warren’s bowling, but this wasn’t to be as Richard bowled a pearler which struck Wise low down and plumb in front (no free ball in this game) and Wise was gone for as Golden Duck!! A single from new batsman Dangerfield saw the Toads at 1-34 after 8 overs with 2 retirees.
Dangerfield (who NEVER stops talking, be it behind the stumps or while batting) took a quick single to bring Tonkin back on strike and bang, another strong cut for 2 (looking dangerous). Johnny Granata’s next ball was just short of a length, and popped a little off the pitch, causing Tonkin to mis-hit and gently push a ball towards the square-leg umpire. Woody was patrolling the on-side and “had limped-in with the bowler”, but on seeing the batsman’s error, sprinted (rather ungainly, but still a sprint) and dived forward to take a smart catch from John’s penultimate ball. A single from new batsmen Luxton and the Toads were 2-38 after 9. Richard Warren was obviously buoyed by the wicket in his last over and bowled his 5th and final over with great line and zero luck. A couple of near-misses by Luxton, 2 singles, 3 very-quickly run byes, an enormous amount of chat from Dangerfield, and the Toads are 2-43 after the first 10 overs. Drinks…
First-change bowler after the break was Graham Doust. Backing up from yesterday’s game AND the 20/20 match last night and the miserly Doust wasn’t quite on song, conceding a rare 12 runs from his first over. Pablo was brought on to replace Warren and Dangerfield immediately struck a 4, then a single from the first 2 balls. Luxton had moved to 13 from 10 balls and cut Pablo savagely on the 3rd ball of the over only to see Brenno throw out his huge right mit and the ball stuck! A terrific catch, unlikely to have been taken by anyone else in the field today. Coming to the crease was our ex-mate Keith Brigden. After watching a couple of balls, Brigden and the ever-talking Dangerfield ran 3 bringing the Toads to 3-63 after 12 overs. Graham’s 2nd over was much more on-song, conceding a single to Brigden and an annoying 2 to Dangerfield. Pablo’s 2nd over saw Brigden called through for a single on the first ball. On the second, Dangerfield tucked the ball to leg and Woody took great delight, taking a couple more steps and lunging forward to take a smart catch. Dangerfield’s last words of “Oh, shit” were like absolute music to the team. Ian World joined Brigden at the crease and we had the Toads 4-69 after 14 – we were feeling pretty good. Brigden was the Toads 3rd retiree with 6 runs after 15 overs.
Graham Doust had 3 overs remaining (0-15 after 2), with these being saved for later in the innings. One of our Lorikeets, Brian Hancock was brought on to bowl and gave up 2 wides with his first ball. Let’s put that one down to stage-fright as he only conceded 1 more run in the over. Ken McGrogan joined World and, in the 18th, over World became the 4th Toad to retire with 14 runs from his 20 balls. Gary Davis joined McGrogan at the crease and scored a single from Hancock’s first ball of his 3rd. No one is really sure what happened next ball, the least of whom was McGrogan, clean bowled by Hancock for 10. Captain of the Toads, Phil Van der Klay approached the crease with one over before drinks and a change of ends. After 20 overs, the Toads were 5-97 with 4 retirees. WE were looking at a big run-chase if this continued in the second 20.
A change of ends with Phantom assuming keeper-duties for the next segment of play. Chris (love-bite) Smith had done an excellent job for the first 20, but in 34 degree heat, it’s an onerous task. Our bowlers were Hancock and Semmler, both of whom bowled steadily, Hancock completing his allotment with the handsome figures of 1-19 (5). A breakthrough in Tex’s 2nd with Davis playing all over a pearler. Phantom whipped the bails off in a flash, bringing Greg Shearer to the crease. Toads were now 6-117 after 24. With the absence of Rudd & Dickie, Brenno’s bowling stocks were depleted, leaving him little choice but to bring himself on for an over or two, regardless of shoulder discomfort. Not a happy move for Matt, with a very unconventional over comprising 3 byes, 3 no balls, and 7 runs from the bat. Tex’s next over saw Phil VanderKlay (19 runs) become the Toads 5th retiree, bringing Derek Braidner to the crease. Brenno had one more (with little joy) and with Tex’s 4th, the Toads had yet another retiree, their 6th, with Shearer (24 from 20), bringing back opening bat, Keith DeJong.
Time for Graham Doust to re-enter the fray with a very tidy over (3 singles), followed by Tex’s final over (2 singles). Toads were 6-164 after 30 overs and were now looking at a BIG run-chase. With a 5-minute drink break completed and another 10 overs to bowl, Woody took the pill and sent down a very tidy over, conceding a wide and a single. Graham Doust sent down the next over, bowling Derek Braidner with his 4th delivery, bringing opener Grimmer back to the crease. Another tidy over by Woody (3 singles and a bye) followed by Dousty’s final over. 7-181 after 34 and a little bit of excitement in the next over with Grimmer run out for 13 following an excellent piece of fielding by someone in the team (sorry, can not remember this at all, but it must have been good!!). Grimmer out, ex-mate Brigden back in and Brian Hamment reluctantly agrees to bowl a couple of overs. Great idea with 13 taken off his first and the Toads are 8-200 after 36 with DeJong retiring (again) having made 36 runs from his 40 balls. Brigden is joined by World and these two are keen to pile on as many runs as possible in the last 4 overs.
Woody concedes 6 runs and 2 byes in his 4th, Hammond concedes 7 plus a wide and the batsmen are seeing basketballs… Woody’s 5th and final over gives up 8 runs plus a bye and captain Brenno takes the final 8-ball over with a couple of wides and 10 off the bat. The TOADS finish with 237 runs and its going to be some chase….
Another special lunch of sandwiches, cold meats & fruit was provided and the ground-staff at each match have been very accommodating with their refreshments.
Steve again opened the batting, this time with a fresh partner in Wayne Mason. The decision was made to bring Richard Warren in a little later this game and see if he could finally get some runs on the board. Wayne elected to take the first over from Shearer and cautiously defended six dot balls, totally ignoring the wide. Our chase had begun. Steve faced up to Davis, dispatching his 4th ball to the boundary in typical style. In the 5th over, Steve attempted to lift the scoring rate and played over a full-length ball, bowled by Shearer for 7. Tex strode purposefully to the crease, determined to carry his bat. After 7 overs, Mason became our first retiree, having scored 4 from his 20 balls. Brenno arrived at the crease to partner Tex. In typical fashion, Brenno took a ball to get his eye in, then unloaded with a 4 a 2 and a single in his first over faced. Tex played his role and saw out the next over with 6 dot balls. Brenno back on strike to bowler Davis’ delight and bang, a first ball 6 over mid-on, followed by a single. A couple of balls later and Tex became our 2nd retiree, having faced 20 balls for 3 runs. Enter Richard Warren. Prior to Brenno’s arrival at the crease, Davis had impressive figures of 0-5 after 3 and now had 0-20 after 5.
Toad captain Phil VanderKay replaced Shearer and Matt took 3 runs from this over. Richard started tentatively, seeing out the rest of the over. Keith DeJong replaced Davis, throwing down a wide on his first delivery. Matt liked what he saw, but mis-timed DeJong’s 2nd legal delivery, skying the ball straight into the hands of Ken McGrogan for 17. CBC Buffalos were 2-33 after 12 with Hamment joining Warren at the crease. A single to Richard from VanderKay’s next oval, then 7 from DeJong’s next and FINALLY, the Richard Warren run-machine had clicked into gear. Ian Hamment started cautiously, but regular singles and Richard seeing the ball well saw the score move along nicely to 2-75 after 18 overs with Richard becoming our 3rd retiree on 26 runs from 20 balls – his last 3 scoring shots being 3 boundaries. John Granata joined Ian Hamment and found his good bat again, gliding his 3rd delivery behind square for 4 runs. In the 20th over, Ian had faced his 20 balls, having scored 9 runs and becoming our 4th retiree. Enter Graham Doust, fresh off achieving his 500th run for the club and an unbeaten 17 runs. Graham faced a dot ball, then came off the ground for a well-earned drinks break. CBC Buffalos were 2-82 at the halfway mark compared to the Toads who were 5-97 at the same juncture.
Ex-mate Keith Brigden took the ball for the 21st over and proceeded to bowl a maiden to Graham. Johnny was up next and taking the ball for the 22nd was Ian World. Unfortunately for John, World bowled a cracker first up, skittling John stumps and followed up with 5 dot balls to new batsman Brian Walker. John hadn’t improved on his 9 runs from the drinks break and we were 3-82 after 21. Dousty managed to convince Phantom to run 2 on the final ball of the over. Brian tickled one to leg, taking a quick single then Graham again convinced Phantom to run another 2. Graham stretched the friendship a little far when he called an exhausted Brian through for an easy single. Alas, a quick throw to the stumps and the Rock, Phantom was run out for 1 (even seen someone “look daggers”?) 4-87 after 24. Pablo enters the fray and watches a couple closely. Dousty becomes our 5th retiree with an unbeaten 4 from his 20 balls.
Our second Lorikeet, Brian Hancock joins Pablo at the crease and these boys bat carefully through to the 29th over, when Pablo retires (our 6th) with an unbeaten 14, including 2 x glorious boundaries off Ian World. Wayne Christie has recovered from his ankle injury and strides to the crease to partner Hancock (I think he might have been involved in that run-out earlier??). At the drinks break, we are 4-102 with 10 overs remaining to score another 136 for victory. This could be close !!!!
A change of bowlers sees Tonkin and Wise bowling in tandem. Hancock scores 3 from Tonkin and faces up to Wise in the 32nd only to be Caught World, Bowled Wise for 4. Enter Chris Smith for a cameo innings. Wise has a wicket-maiden and we are 5-106 after 32. Chris (love-bite) Smith begins his cameo with a glorious 4 from Tonkin, followed by 3 dots and a dubious LBW decision sees Smith out for 4 and a return of first retiree, Wayne Mason. 7-112 after 35 and the chase is somewhat difficult now. Wise bowls a second maiden to Crystal. Tonkin bowls his third and Mason takes a single, then excitement plus, so does Crystal. 5 overs to go and we are 6-105.
Wise bowls his 3rd over and Crystal cautiously sees out 5 dot balls before hitting uppishly on the final ball to be caught by Luxton for 1. Wise has bowled 3 overs, taken 2 wickets and not conceded a run!? Tex comes to the wicket to replace Crystal. Meanwhile Mason has been accumulating singles and is looking solid. Tex adds a single to his retirement score and is given out LBW yet again (to Luxton) on the 2nd last over. Richard Warren picks up where he left off, scoring a single. Mason follows suit on the last ball of the over, then dabs another on the first ball of the final over. Warren on strike: dot, 4,1 Mason gets a single to provide Richard with the last ball of the match. Visions of a 6 sailing over the boundary ropes are dashed when the ball skies directly to Ken Luxton. Warren falls for 32 on the last ball of the day and the CBC Buffalos have accumulated 9-124 from their allotted 40 overs. Wayne Mason remained unbeaten with 10 runs from 36 balls faced.
This was a sound thrashing in every sense of the word.
Celebratory drinks were had in the adjoining licensed clubhouse and post-match acknowledgements held. We gave our Man of the Match award to the Qld Toad member who batted for one ball, scoring a golden duck, but then bowled 3 overs, took 2 wickets and conceded zero runs, Murray Wise.
The Toads justifiably awarded their Man of the Match award to Richard Warren, who was involved in every facet of today’s match. Richard opened the bowling and returned figures of 1-17 from his 5 overs (including 5 extras from wides ); he kept wickets for the 3rd session (overs 21-30); then batted exceptionally well for 32 runs from 25 balls faced. For a big guy, Richard throws himself around the field and throughout the festival, saved a huge number of runs. A well-deserved award today.
Throughout the festival, we had four team debutants and it would be remiss of me if I didn’t send out a huge thank you to you guys for blending in so well. I am, of course, referring to Chris Smith, Richard Warren, and Tony Dickie from Hawkesbury HOCS, and to Wayne Mason, a good mate of Graham & Wendy Doust. Chris, Richard, Tony & Wayne were accompanied by Annette, Wendy, Adele and Merilyn, whose company was fantastic. WE hope to see each of you get some future use from those green and gold shirts each of you own – you look magnificent in them.
Report prepared by Woody
MATCH REPORT – CBC (BUFFALOES) VERSUS VICTORIAN COCKATOOS IN DARWIN – MONDAY 16TH MAY, 2022.
Our 3rd game of the tour was scheduled for Monday 16th May. And it was obvious that quite a few of the cricketers on tour were suffering from injury or illness, including an outbreak of Covid at each of the hotels. Bob Ducie from GONE was one of the first to put his hand up and start his mandatory 7-day isolation, thereby precluding him from any future games.
On Sunday morning, Steve Allan received a phone call from Cockatoos captain, Peter Hockey effectively confirming the above. Peter advised that the Cockatoos would have only 8 players available for Monday’s game and as we had so many players (14 listed), could we make up the
difference? While we did NOT have 14 fit and available players, Peter was assured that all fit players would get a game. Peter was one of the players unavailable, so Cockatoos captain for the day would be Wayne Hartley.
Later the same Sunday morning, an email was received from Derek Braidner, an extract of which follows:
Due to a variety of reasons ...............The Brolgas V Toads game at Tracy Village on Monday 16th has been CANCELLED.
To ensure that everyone gets a game, I am seeking the co-operation of all Captains. Fit players from this game have been re allocated to all other teams...as follows:
The following TOAD players have been reallocated as follows:
TONKIN & BRIGDEN to the BUFFALOES
DAVIS & DE JONG to the COCKATOOS
So, a new week had dawned in Darwin and with it renewed hope for our first victory on tour! Unfortunately, Wayne Christie’s ankle injury (suffered while magnificently saving 4 runs during last Tuesday’s game) had not improved and Tony Dickie was confined to his room (not Covid, just very
unwell). So, with Steve Long deserting us on Saturday, we had 11 available PLUS the 2 Buffalo boys?
The Cockatoos would have 8 PLUS their 2 Buffalo boys, so it was an easy option to toss a coin and determine which of our allotment stayed with us. One was described as an opening bat/keeper and the other, a steady middle-order batsman who could bowl, but was suffering a groin strain. We didn’t know which was which at the time? As it transpired, we had the pleasure of welcoming Keith Brigden into our side for the day and looked forward to seeing what he had to offer.
On a pleasing note, the facial injury to Chris Smith (last Tuesday v Lorikeets) was superficial with no broken bones – he does however, still look as though he has received a huge love-bite.
Whilst the venue and our opponents had changed there was no change in the weather (33 and hot!) and to our collective dismay, alas, no change in our luck with the coin toss. And so, on a somewhat tacky and greenish wicket at Palmerston Oval, 30 minutes out of Darwin Central, the Victorian Cockatoos elected to field first (surprise, surprise). A tactic that had been proving successful for most teams in the heat this tour.
To ensure we accommodated some scheduling challenges later in the day, including backing up in a 20/20 representative night game for John Granata and Graham Doust, and an evening cruise for others a few tweaks to the rules were agreed by the Captains, (Wayne Hartley and Steve Allan), - 35 overs a side and 20 balls or 25 runs the 1st retiring mark and 40 balls 40 runs the 2nd retiring mark. Meanwhile, our seasoned tour openers Steve Allan and Richard Warren padded up and walked out to bat. Steve played the first over confidently but cautiously, taking a single off the 5th ball and our innings was underway.
Steve turned over the strike and after Richard dispatched his first ball for 4, we all anticipated a noteworthy innings today, but it was not to be, bowled (Gara) for 5 by one that held up in the wicket. 1 down for 13 at the end of the 4th over. This brought Chocolates to the crease (aka Ruddy,
you’ll have to ask Brenno about that one - something to do with 1.5 pints). Another calming word or two from Captain Woody had him steeled to contribute some much-needed runs for the team today.
Steve has struck the ball nicely all tour and spectating from the non-strikers end today was no exception. In the 5th over (having worked the ball confidently for ones and twos to this point) Steve felt he now had the measure of their opening bowler, Fisher, striking him first square for 4, followed by an exquisite on drive for 4 the very next ball. Sadly though, a touch of hubris got the better of him and an expansive swipe across the line - looking for 3 straight boundaries, saw him through the shot a fraction early (on a sticky-ish wicket) and his stumps rattled for a well compiled 14 runs. 2 for 21 in the 4th .
Brenno, our master blaster, joined Ruddy at the crease and was encouraged to play straight and to “wait for it”. He did, playing a solid front foot defensive shot from his first ball, which was enough to get his timing in order hitting his second ball superbly behind square for 4. The two kept the scoreboard ticking over briskly with a mix of singles, 4s and the odd 6 from both batsmen as the score moved from 2 for 21 in the 4th to 2 for 70 in the 11th . Ruddy struck his 20th ball for 6 retiring at 21 after his first 20 deliveries.
Brenno, followed shortly after retiring on 27 (a nice wagon wheel) from his first 20 balls but not before he had the pleasure of partnering Graham Doust to record his much anticipated 500th run for CBC with a stylish push into the covers. Never has one run proved so elusive in the history of cricket! No ducks today and a warm round of claps and cheers from the team. Well done, Graham!
Tex replaced Brenno and after striking an early boundary was looking in good touch on 5, but once again, Tex was on the wrong end of a tough call, adjudged LBW (McNamara) from one he appeared to have edged onto the pad. 3 for 84 after 15.
Chris Smith and Graham kept the score ticking over, regularly rotating the strike with well-placed singles with Smithy the aggressor, striking two trademark boundaries clipped off his legs. Both retired, with Graham scoring a solid 8 from his 20 deliveries with Smith not out on 11. Paul Brett
replaced the outgoing retiree and faced 2 balls before a dubious LBW ruling saw him return a rare donut. Our guest Queenslander (Keith Brigden) joined Chris at the wicket and quickly showed he was no slouch with the bat, scoring steadily. Chris’ retirement (our 4th retiree) on 14 runs after 20 balls saw a return of the Rock (Brian Walker) to the crease. Brian picked up where he left off last week and was impenetrable while Keith managed to accumulate 15 runs before becoming our 5th retiree after facing 20 balls.
John Granata obviously picked up the wrong bat for this innings, scoring 1 on his first delivery and then falling LBW on his 3rd and the last of the over. At 5-124 after 27 overs, our 12th batsman Wayne Mason strode to the crease, scoring a nice single off his 4th ball. Meanwhile, Brian had been steadily defending his wicket and became our 6th retiree, scoring another undefeated 1 from his 20 balls. Brian’s retirement at the end of the 28th over saw the score at 5-127 and the return of our first retiree, David Rudd (unbeaten on 21 after his first dig).
David took one ball to get his eye back in, then dispatched the bowler for a handsome 6 over mid-on before a couple of dot balls and a single to bring Mason back on strike. Wayne must have been inspired by Ruddy’s contempt of the bowler but misjudged and was clean bowled. At 6-134 after 29 overs, our 2nd retiree (Brenno) joined Ruddy at the crease and this flourishing bromance brought the crowd to life as some free-flow scoring saw Ruddy retire at 42 at the end of the 31st over (6-152). Graham Doust was on a high, having achieved his 500th club run and proceeded to partner Brenno through to the final over, where Brenno was compelled to retire on an unbeaten 41 with one ball on the innings remaining. Chris Smith was clinical in dispatching the final ball of the innings for a single, finishing unbeaten on 15 runs. At the other end, Graham Doust was undefeated on 17 with our total score on 6-174 after the allotted 35 overs.
After a magnificent lunch spread put on by our Palmerston Club host, we headed out into the heat with a definite strategy on how to contain the Cockatoos runs. A solid fielding display and some judicious bowling selections were the key.
With a strategy in mind, John Granata took the new ball full of confidence, having secured his 100th scalp for the club during last Tuesday’s match. Unfortunately, a wide and 5 runs off the bat wasn’t exactly what John had in mind. Richard Warren was our other opening bowler and with a few looseners and a couple of fours, the Cockatoos were on 17 without loss after the 2nd . John & Richard persevered and bowled 5 overs each in some challenging heat, finishing their spells with 0-25 (John) and 0-27 (Richard). The Cockatoos first retiree was Hartley, having scored 24 from his allotted 20 balls and their 2nd was Green, having scored 9 from his allotment. After 10 overs, the Victorians were 0-57 in comparison to our 2-60, so we were neck and neck at this stage.
Captain Woody felt it was time to turn the screws and brought Pablo and Tex into the attack and it had an immediate impact. After 2 overs, Paul had conceded just 2 runs and in Tex’s 2nd , he had batsman Haley well caught by Brenno for 2; our first wicket coming in the 14th over. Meanwhile, everyone in the field had maintained focus (despite the heat), and we were fielding like men half our age – runs were hard to come by and the batsmen were feeling the pressure; well evidenced when batsman McNamara was totally bamboozled by a Pablo floater and trapped LBW for a donut. 2-78 after 17 and at this point Graham Doust was brought on to replace Tex, who had bowled exceptionally well for figures of 1-13 from 3. Graham’s first over yielded immediate success with batsman Fisher skying a ball directly to John Granata at mid-off – never in doubt with the Granata “crocodile-snap” firmly grasping the pill. 3-80 after 18 and we are on-song. Pablo bowled the 19th over with another success – batsman Keith was desperate to increase his sides run-rate and tried to meet Paul’s delivery on the full, only to hear keeper Smith tickling the woodwork in a flash to have him stumped for a duck. 4-81 after 19 with one over to go before drinks and a change of bowling ends. Graham Doust proceeded to bowl a wicket-maiden, trapping batsman Gary in front for 1. We now had the Cockatoos at 5-81 after 20 overs, having taken 5-22 in the second 10-over stint. Well bowled Pablo, Tex & Dousty; match-winning performances!!
We weren’t to know, but this was the last Cockatoo wicket to fall; but we had a mindset now to bowl frugally and this continued for the balance of the match. Our TOAD substitute (no, not T.O. ADnum, but Keith Brigden) showed himself to be an accomplished all-rounder, bowling 5 of the last 15 overs, conceding only 13 runs. Steve Allan brought himself on for a rare 2 overs, conceding 8 runs, and at the end of 26 overs (10 overs to play), the Cockatoos were 5-94 with 4 retirees itching to get back into the action. These last 10 overs were bowled out by Brigden, Doust, and Rudd, who capped off an outstanding all-round performance for the team today.
A GREAT win for the CBC Buffalos (6-174) with the Victorian Cockatoos only managing 5-138 after their allotted 35 overs. Bowling figures for the innings were Granata: 0-25 (5); Warren: 0-27 (5); Brett: 2-10 (6); Semmler: 1-13 (3); Doust: 2-18 (5); Brigden: 0-13 (5); Allan: 0-8 (2); Rudd: 0-17 (4). The rationale behind reducing overs to 35 was to accommodate those players from each team who were to back-up and play a 20-20 game that evening (Allies v Victorians) where CBC was represented by John Granata and Graham Doust. Needless to say that once the match concluded, there was only time for a quick beer, acknowledgement of our hosts, scorers, and umpire before we had to jump on the bus and motor back to Darwin.
Our Man of the Match (as selected by the Cockatoos) was Graham Doust for his contribution of 17 runs (unbeaten) and his frugal bowling effort. The Cockatoos MOM was awarded to captain Hartley for an unbeaten knock of 40 and his geniality throughout the day.
On this note, it is timely to recognize a couple of player milestones achieved to date on this tour:
Graham Doust has finally achieved his 500th run for the Club.
Matt Brennan has (today) played his 50th match, scored his 1000th run and taken his 30th wicket.
Darryl Semmler has taken 60 wickets and scored 2300 runs to date.
John Granata has become the first player to take 100 wickets for the Club.
Congratulations to all and thanks to everyone for a terrific WIN today….
Report commenced by Cruddy and completed by Woody.
MATCH REPORT – CBC (BUFFALOES) VERSUS CURLEWS IN DARWIN - MONDAY 9TH MAY, 2022
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A good number of the team arrived on the same plane around lunchtime Sunday and travelled together to our Hotel in a shuttle bus. We all noticed this fantastic cricket oval out the window as we were driving through Darwin and were thrilled to realise it was the Gardens Oval, where we would be playing our first game. A wonderful start.
Everyone was on the bus around 9am for a short trip to the ground, which was just as impressive up close. A beautiful outfield, however a very large AFL dual-purpose oval, and the first order of business was the captains agreeing to move the boundary cones into a distance not equivalent of the MCG.
With a very hot day ahead of us and a pitch that looked like it would be a bit “sticky” early, our Captain Matt Brennan was keen to win the toss and bowl, however it was not to be, as we lost the toss and were sent in to bat.
Matt negotiated introduction of the free hit first ball approach, although not without controversy with one the Curlews bowlers getting a bit upset at this opportunity for the batter to hit a six off him with no risk. (He was pretty safe).
Our openers were Steve Allan and one of our special guest players Richard Warren. Whilst Richard showed what he was capable of with a quick boundary, he was bowled early for 5, and we were 1 for 9. This brought David Rudd out to join Steve.
Steve was looking in great touch, and with David off to a strong start, including a consecutive 6 and 4, we raced to 30. After hitting a great 6, Steve danced down the wicket only to be bowled for 10.
With Matt Brennan joining David at the crease, we had a strong combination on the field, and our best batting period unfolded. This included David hitting 2 consecutive sixes off full tosses, the second which went over the fence of the ground and would have been a six anywhere. David raced to 30 and was our first retiree at a respectable 2 for 52 off only 8 overs.
Graeme Doust then came the crease, however playing for the spin, he was bowled by a “nude” ball for a duck, leaving him still 1 run short of his next CBC run milestone.
At the other end Matt was moving ahead nicely, as Darryl Semmler then joined him. After pushing 4 singles, Darryl was then given out LBW by a ball that hit him up near the groin, so was unlucky at best. A young local cricketer had arrived after about 5-overs to take over as umpire, and as we were to learn, he was very quick on the trigger for LBW.
Steve Long then came to the crease. Retiring was at 30 runs or 25 balls, and then Matt Brennan become our second retiree with a well-constructed 25 runs
Paul (Pablo) Brett then joined Steve at the crease, however with Steve and Pablo both falling cheaply, our strong start was not being capitalised on.
Paul fell LBW for 2, with another lightening fast decision by the umpire, and Steve was run out for 5, taking a quick single. In our game a one-handed pick up by the fielder and throw in one motion that is a direct hit on middle stump is about as rare as a unicorn, so Steve was rightly feeling a bit unlucky.
Another of our special guests Chris Smith then came to the crease and got us back on track with a solid 17 runs, before getting out caught trying to push the runs along. John Granata then strode to the crease to keep us moving forward with 10 runs, looking so good you would have thought he was using his expensive bat.
Wayne Mason got off the mark, but was caught for 1, thus bringing in our last batter before retirees to the crease Tony Dickie, when we were 115 and had nearly 10 overs left. The rule was that 10-wickets was the end of the innings, so we were desperate to give David and Matt an opportunity to add to their total, and Tony did an amazing job batting for 24 balls before getting out on his last ball before he would have retired on 10 runs. “All padded up with nowhere to go”, unfortunately David and Matt did not get any more time at the crease, and we were all out for 125 in the 33rd over.
With a small total to bowl at we would need to bowl and field well, and we started strongly.
John Granata and David Rudd opened the bowling, and whilst we did not get any immediate wickets, their strong openers were contained before John Granata got the breakthrough in the 7th over snaring their leading opener for 18 runs, with a sharp catch by Matt Brennan. John then backed this up on his following over trapping the other opener LBW, and suddenly we were back at 2-34.
Graeme Doust then joined the attack having quick success with a wicket in his second over, a good catch of a skyed ball by Pablo and they are 3-40.
Graeme and Pablo were both bowling exceptionally, with Matt Brennan in support and over the next 7 overs, we captured 4 wickets to have them at 7 for 65 in the 21st over.
An LBW and a bowled to Graeme who was bowling very tightly, and catches were being held, with Matt Brennan taking another catch this time off Pablo, and Steve Allan also holding a catch for Pablo.
At 7-65 we rightly felt we were back in the game, and if anything on top.
Unfortunately, after the second drinks break, with the heat increasing signs of fatigue were setting in, and with Steve Long dropping a very catchable outfield catch, followed soon after by Graeme Doust in closer, the momentum started to swing away from us.
We could not stem the runs or get the vital wickets, and they were 113 before David Rudd got our last wicket. We were in it right up until the last ball and were very unlucky to not be given a run-out by their square leg umpire with only a few overs to go, however they run down our modest total in the 35th over with 2-wickets in hand.
We were unlucky not to get our retires back in to push our total up to closer to 150, and whilst 125 was arguably never going to be enough, we were on top at 7-65 and had every chance to win from there.
Curlews awarded our Man of the Match award to David Rudd, who batted very strongly.
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