NDCC 2nd Grade - Toby English and Lachlan Dunn hold the key for a strong Butcher total in a rain shortened game at Hollymount Park on Saturday. After a wet pitch forced play to be held up until 3:30pm, Northern Districts finally got out to the middle much to the exasperation of the Red Devils Captain.
Despite losing the toss and being asked to bat on the sticky wicket, Mark Rollestone (21) and Mick Allen (22) performed admirably to negate the moving new ball. Allen was surprisingly subdued in what can only be labeled as a Captains knock while Rollestone played more freely in his 53-ball stay.
Pulling at a ball that kept far too low, Rollestone made way for Ean Martin (9) who quickly slotted into groove. Victim to some howlers in the past it was almost fitting that Martin would be recipient of another dodgy leg before decision; highlighting a trend that is rampant in the Illawarra. Umpires continually raise the finger with what appears to be a lack of understanding of the laws of LBW. This instance the ball glanced off the outside of the front pad in seamy conditions; the decision leaving players and spectators incredulous.
This unfortunately triggered a mini collapse as Allen and Rhys Marsh (0) both fell in quick succession, the later unfortunate when a ball jumped off a length and took the shoulder of the bat. Michael Doig (10) then struck some orbital shots before mis-reading a slower ball and suddenly it was 5-79 with half the team back in the "hutch".
English (22*) and 2nd Grade debutant Dunn (15*) took the Butchers to the close of play with a needed 30-run partnership, the score 5-109 with around 20 overs to bat next Saturday. Dunn was aggressive and seemed to enjoy his time in the middle while English looked uncomfortable to the spinner but remained resilient in an all-important knock.
With a few big hitters to come, the Butchers will hope to make in excess of 180 and really apply the pressure in the field. This is a match of little consequence as both teams have made the finals, but will serve as a chance for first blow should the teams both make it through the Semi's and meet each other in the Final.
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