An incredible opening partnership including an unbeaten century from Dave Joinking has secured NDCC 3rd Grade 1st innings points after day 1 of their clash against Wollongong.
Joinking (104*) was near faultless in his superb opening stand with fellow opener Ryan Davidson (64*) as they chased down Wollongong's meager total of 109 with consummate ease to have the Butchers in complete control at the end of the day at 181 without the loss of a wicket. Joinking and Davidson started the innings steadily making sure to see off the Wollongong opening bowlers, a job made easier when both bowlers broke down. As the innings progressed, so did the confidence from both batsmen, as the Wollongong attack had no answers to either man. Joinking followed up his half century last week by playing a near faultless innings, punishing anything loose from the bowlers.
With Joinking getting a call up to 2nd Grade for week two of the match under the rep rule and 1st Innings points secured, the message was sent out that Joinking had 15 mins of play remaining and was still 26 runs shorts of triple figures. Team mates were unsure if Joinking would play safe and secure a valuable not out or chase glory, but those questions were soon answered as DJ smashed the next 3 balls to the boundary. The following ball was sent sky high as DJ gave his only chance of the innings, but the Wollongong fielder was not up the task as the ball popped from his grasp. Joinking then smashed his 15th boundary to bring up his century and cheers were heard from both 3rd Grade and 1st Grade team mates. Joinking celebrated with both arms raised and his SS Jumbo flung high into the air in one of the best Century celebrations seen in many years.
In a post match interview, an exhausted Joinking was quick to ensure his batting partner received a lot of the praise for his innings, "I'm telling you bloke, I wouldn't have got than ton if it wasn't for Ryano, he's the one that got me over the line."
Indeed, Joinking's heroics should not over shadow the fantastic efforts from Davidson, who made the most of his call up on his way to his highest individual score. With his family in attendance, Davidson showed a combination of great patience, fantastic shot selection and some power hitting including 2 shots that went all the way beyond the markers. Davidson had plenty to say (for him) after the match when receiving praise from his captain, "Yeah, thanks." Close to the longest speech given by the young man. He will continue his innings next week as he will look to build an even bigger lead for the Butchers.
Earlier in the day, Wollongong won the toss and elected to bat, a decision they would soon regret as Adam Anderson made the most of his recall to 3s with match best figures of 3/8. Anderson and Pete Cleaves (1/16) were consistently too good for the Lighthouse keepers as they were soon in trouble at 3/21. Ryan Davidson started what would become a great day for him bowling with great accuracy as he picked up 3 valuable wickets. Even the woodwork was not safe as a bail succumbed to the ferocious velocity of a Ryan Davidson delivery as it smashed in half. Matt Benstead (1/15) showed his fitness in returning to full strength and Jason Wilson also got amongst the wickets on his way to 2/20. The great bowling and fielding display set up what would be a fantastic day for the team. They will no doubt be chasing an outright win next week as confidence in the team is high.
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