News Article

   
  SENIOR B1 Report 23/01/10
   
  26/01/2010  
 
   
  Turning up on a Saturday morning after much overnight rain the already dodgey Vic Park number 3 wicket was soaked and so play was moved onto the artificial much to the delight of the batsmen. Grafton won the toss and elected to bat with the top order firing in a timely fashion. Grant constructing a solid 49 and Toppa a classy 58. Scoring a competitive 197 then in the first innings Grafton were in a moderately strong position whilst still needing to bowl well in what were batting friendly conditions.

Hibiscus Coast came out to bat in baffling fashion apparently deciding that the ball must either be blocked or it must be bashed. This made for exciting cricket with many wickets falling and only a dot or a 4 needing to be entered by our stellar scorer/ Matt Topp's laundry technician Sue Robertson. With many shots played Hibiscus Coast were bowled out for 121 with only two batsmen getting past double figures. Outstanding figures of the innings belonged to new import Ben who took 5-35, twice being on a hattrick. Also a typically Burg-esque performance from Mark Burgess in support taking 3-42 having claimed the area on the pitch back of a length as his own.

Moving onto the second day there was a frantic morning both on and off the field. Grafton struggled to get enough players to the ground whilst some players looked worse for wear backing up from Saturday (night). Batting again with a 75 lead Grafton were tetering at 26-5 before Tosca and Parth "Funnel" Patel turned things around putting on 70 for the 6th wicket. When Tosca fell to the quality pre-pubesant legspinner this brought M.Burgess to the wicket with all spectators firmly gripped to the action. Using his trademark leave and some stellar pullshots Burg managed a season best 15 not out as the tail wagged somewhat setting a total of 205 needed off the last 3 hours of the day.

Having taken wickets at regular intervals Grafton then hit a rough patch as the game seemed to be slipping away when Buckets came up with a memorable catch running around the boundary to remove the danger man on 51. This was the only memorable moment of the match involving Buckets and catching in what proved to be a great catching performance all-round. Having Hibiscus 9 down with two overs to go made for an exciting finish but following some great bowling "Golden Arm" Patel was unfortunately unable to pick up the last wicket in the last over. A noteable mention also to Tom Heywood picking up 4-58.

A great two days cricket for the resurgent 3's team who will be looking to continue their winning form for coach Subu who was seen cartwheeling through Newmarket Sunday evening upon hearing news of the result.
 
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