4th Grade opening pair Nathan Alterator and Spiderman Neilson had their heads in the clouds on Saturday afternoon after a huge partnership against the Balgownie Magpies. The pair chased down Bally's testing total of 229 in just 29 overs at Dalton South, on a spongy Hollymount-like out field, where boundaries needed to have some heat on them to roll past the markers. But let’s start at the beginning. Suspicions were aroused when the Magpies used a specialist coin tosser to start proceedings. Their captain was conveniently positioning the markers, and used the fill in coin flipper to see who had the right to decide on proceedings.
Needless to say, we lost the toss and it was Bally electing to take on our bowling to start what was to be an interesting game. The magpies got off to a steady start before the first wicket fell in the 6th over, with a ball from the great Joubert finding the reliable hands of Matty Van Wijk at mid off. Another man made the long walk back to the shed after "snowboards" Burton took yet another catch for the year at his usual position at point, off the consistent Dan Van Wijk. That brought the Butchers nemesis to the crease in one M Bubb, the man who cashed in against the White team with a massive 181 earlier this year. After being dropped on 12, and again later, the Bubster thrashed the bowling to all parts, with 14 boundaries and 5 zacs to amass 137, before falling to a good catch at cow corner by Scott "the wild man" Perkiss, after chasing late runs. Joubeeerrrrrt again taking the wicket. A run out by the other Van Wijk, Adam, in the last over had Bally out after 44.3 overs. Joubert 2/18, and speedster "Dicko" Dickson 2/31, ehh eh, the main bowlers.
During the tea break the sky boys dined with the men from Gold, who were playing on Dalton Middle. With the self-depreciating Goldies in their usual good form, providing a few laughs, a good mood was set. With a fine spread on offer, tasty sandwiches, muffins etc were wolfed down at a great rate, ‘till we ate ourselves to a standstill, a good time had by all.
After the break, "Natho" Alterator and the Spiderman strode the long walk to the wicket, planning what was to be a rare and intense attack on the Bally bowlers. Carefully planned strategies were in place, and the first over had us with 11 on the board, a good indication of what was about to unfold. With both batsmen seeing the ball like a watermelon, the runs flowed at an amazing rate with at least one four coming off nearly every over, the runs quickly piled up. The Bally boys had no answer to this vicious assault on their bowling, scurrying around the field like mice in an unsuccessful attempt to stem the flow.
The brutal and punishing attack continued through to the drinks break. By this time the more dominant Natho had hammered the bowling to all parts, bringing up a well deserved ton with his first huge six, the much sought after milestone was reached in the best possible way. With 15 fours to his credit and 108 on the board, the Alterator strutted towards the shed for drinks elated with his performance. The slightly more sedate Spider, in his solid support role, was on 66. 0/171 at drinks. An awesome score from just 22 overs, at a rate of more than 7 per over.
It was then was back to business. With 59 needed for victory, the opening pair carried on their relentless attack, the bowlers having no answer to the stroke making on offer. Despite the selfless attempts by "the Alterator', the ageing, tiring Spiderman opted to continue in his support role. With some hard hit pull shots and text book strokes, the strike was left mainly in the hands of the man on fire, smashing 4x4s and his second six for the day in what turned out to be the last over of the game.
The boys were totally chuffed with their efforts, in what was a great chase. 0/232 off 29 at 8 an over, a score not to be sneezed at. With Natho amassing 20 boundaries and 2 zacs, off only 97 balls in compiling 144 not out. Spider with 8 fours, off 74 balls to finish on 83*. Truly a partnership for the ages, a career high stand for both openers.
After a much deserved icy cold beer or two with the Golden boys this memorable day finally wound down.
Aa crushing victory by Sky, and a great knock by the two. This leaves the Sky team in a good spot on the ladder, and looking forward to going on with it after the X-mas break. A special mention to the wonderful Jenifer Doig, for providing such a great lunch spread for both teams to enjoy, which was truly appreciated by all. Thanks Jen for your efforts, and Merry Christmas to the butchers and their families. Have a great break from our beloved game, and all the best for the New Year, a year for the club to continue our on field efforts.
This article has been viewed 271 times!
