Another excellent performance from our team - again only
playing with seven players (something we are becoming very good at).
The batting order was modified slightly due to a late "call of
nature" and this saw myself and Big Pete open the batting. With Col and
Tim relegated to no 3. Not withstanding they put on a steady 36. Overall all
pairs batted well - but none really shined. We were left to defend
94....something I believed we would have difficulty doing.
My belief seemed confirmed when their first pair came in and
"smacked" us for 40 runs. Our fearless leader talked the team up
before the 5th over and during the second pair "lead by example"
by capturing 4 consecutive wickets in his first over. Andrew also bowled at
this pair and picked up a couple himself. After the 8th over the opposition
were reeling at 29 (a net total of a mere -11 for the second pair). Smooth
Criminals obviously deflated succumbed to the pressure and only managed to
put on 25 in the last 8 overs.
Rob's double hat trick was an obvious highlight of the game....but....the
catch of the night had to go to Big Pete off his own bowling. The big man
put his body on the line to catch an awkward return catch that spun savagely
off the nets (...and soared over my head)....one arm fully extended, body
horizontal to the ground and the "thud" when he hit the ground -
memorable moment !!!
Andrew, playing his come-back game, put on a great display despite the
obvious nerves. His bowling as you can see came at the expense of -10 that's
minus 10. I can see that he will be a valuable team member in the future.
