NDCC 1st Grade - We arrived at Hollymount to a wet deck and outfield, but the wind had picked up and it looked like we would be right to get underway at the usual start time. After a brief discussion with the umpires, the two captains were happy to play and Northern Districts won an important toss and sent Bally in on a green deck that as Charlie would say would have sent Salakas into the fetal position. Everyone was very keen to get stuck into these guys and avenge our outright loss earlier in the season.
The opening bowlers bowled beautifully, with Jamal (2-17 off 8.4) having the measure of the opening batsman, both HPU specialists. He bowled 7 overs in his first spell, and although he only managed one wicket he kept the runs down and built pressure well, going for only 12 runs. At the other end, newly promoted youngster Eric Denhartog (2-25 off 10) stepped up to the plate and delivered a wonderful spell of fast bowling. Using the conditions and the deck he swung and cut the ball all over the shop, having one chance grassed by skipper Murphy and one pierce the gap between keeper and first slip. Very unlucky not to have a wicket in his first spell, but kept it very tight.
Rollo (1-19 off 8) came on and attacked the young number 3 and after going for a few runs, eventually got his man caught and bowled following a mistimed pull-shot. JR (3-18 off 10) came on and put on a magnificent display of swing bowling. Keeping things tight and the pressure building on the batsman to up the scoring rate he had the dangerous Longhurst caught in the covers. This brought two new batsman in and with Bally reeling at 3-46 off around 25 overs, we needed to break the partnership which had recently formed. Eric was recalled to the attack in an aggressive move to take the wicket to break this partnership. Once again, the lanky quick did not us down, firstly having the big hitting Sheppard caught well by the Salad at short cover and then in form Berwick cuddled in trademark fashion by Beckett at first slip. Two big wickets which swung the momentum further in the Butchers favour.
The lower order showed a little bit of resistance with a few big shots, but the bowlers and fielders remained patient, with Neil (2-39 off 10) taking 2 lower order scalps to improve his figures. JR and Jamal took the last three wickets to clean up the rest of the tail, Bally all out for 124 off 44.4 overs. A brilliant effort by the bowlers, and everyone in the field to restrict second placed Bally to a low score, even taking into consideration the slow outfield and green top.
Heading out to bat we knew that we had to be patient and that it was going to be hard work chasing down those runs. After losing Cottom (1) early, Salakas (11) and Crawford (26) set about rebuilding the innings. Crawford looked sensational and was in control his whole innings. Salakas fell and this brought Beckett (10) to the crease. Crawford was next to be dismissed in bizarre circumstances. Attempting a cut shot at a wide ball, he seemingly played and missed when the umpire signaled a wide. But then the opposition appealed confidently for a caught behind he raised his finger to give him out!
This brought Murphy (16) to the crease and he looked to up the tempo, with Beckett at the other end trying to lay bat to ball on 14 attempted cut shots in a row. Murphy was dropped 3 times on his way to 4 runs, then blasted two zacs in a row from off spinner Fleming before being dismissed the next ball caught behind. With the score then at 4-75 Robinson (0) came and went quickly. The game was in the balance and we needed to continue to be patient and not lose quick wickets. After a short rain delay the target was reduced to 120 from 48 overs, something which benefited us in the end. Colmer (30*) came to the crease and demonstrated his class with a brilliant match winning knock which was a combination of nudging singles, some beautiful strokeplay through the gaps and a couple of lusty blows over the top. He held the lower order together as Beckett departed, Ryan (5) came and went, before Denhartog (8*) was sent in with 21 runs to win to have a lash at the part time bowlers and try and quickly reduce the runs required.
He did just this, belting a huge six to ultimately take the game away from the opposition, much to the delight of an enthused Butcher crowd, and much to relief of one M Salakas who appeared to bite his nails off as he muttered away to himself nervously in the final overs. Colmer responsibly staved off a late attack from the Bally opener, allowing Denhartog to hit the winning runs with a push on the offside, and the cheers ensued as the Butchers brought up their second win of the season!
A celebration was had in the sheds with the mighty roar of the Butchers song being heard from across the ground at HPW. Well done Butchers on a wonderful victory. Especially well done to our young guns today who led the way great performances, Eric and Jamal with the ball and Geordie with the bat. The future is looking bright! Looking forward to a clash with top of the table Dapto next week!!
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