Taronga GW2 v Chatswood Premier at OH Reid

Our second game of the season and a struggle for players saw us turn out with only 8 – injuries, illness and horses depleting all the teams.

Fortunately, I won the toss and naturally batted ! “Let’s be sensible, nothing silly, see if we can bat the overs and give them something to chase”. “Nothing silly ……”   However, as last week Big Show was run out early and this time he only had himself to blame …. Hitting one straight to midwicket and calling Sharpy for a quick single.  NOOOOOO – was the response and Big Show was run out by half the pitch.

Sharpy and Jess then batted well, until Jess (22) after playing a forward defensive shot pulled up in pain, clutching his hamstring.  As a physio he immediately knew he was in trouble and had to retire. (Down to 7 players…..). Yogesh joined Sharpy but was unable to repeat last week’s performance holing out to square leg. AB and Sharpy then put on 60odd with AB (16) scoring in singles (naturally) and Sharpy in 4s and 6s. After AB was out, Romo (11no) shared another 60 run partnership with Sharpy, who by this point was hitting boundaries for fun on his way to a well deserved 100, and in the process really, really winding the opposition up …!    Sharpy hit 24 off the last over, to take his score to 135no (5 x6, 15 x 4) and our score to 213-3.   A very decent total, although one that would still be difficult to defend with 7 players.

Boosted by the arrival of the Little Show we took the field with 8, and surprisingly took control of the game with wickets for AB (3-25) and Raj (4-45) putting us with a big shout with Chatswood 8 down for 93 just after drinks.  But unfortunately, with 2 bowlers down (Maxi having also succumbed to the sniper in the trees) we couldn’t maintain the pressure, and despite reinforcement in the field with the arrival of some of the D Grade players (thanks Charlie), Chatswood passed our score with an over to spare – their captain batting very well for his own 100.

A disappointing ending, having had them on the ropes but a fantastic effort by our depleted side nonetheless.