Taronga Sat 13 Dec v Hornsby at Ron Payne

Saturday saw us up against Hornsby in a 2^nd v 3^rd clash.

We were short of a few key players but managed to get 11 – drawing on young and old reserves.   Bharani made a comeback, young Angad played his first game for the club and long time Iggie, Maca was brought out of retirement to help his old mates.

Hornsby batted first and our opening bowling pair (Raj & Big Show) bowled tightly.  But the outfield was quick, and with some luck Hornsby progressed without losing too many wickets – one of their opening batsman somehow making 50.  Angad (lovely off spin) and Bharani bowled well, and with Maca turning back the clock with a fine spell of 5 overs 1-18, we managed to contain Hornsby to 180.   Not a bad effort given the fast outfield and our lack of front line bowlers.

Maca and Cagey had a good opening partnership of 40, Cagey looking stylish for his 30 (including a trademark Victor Trumper punch over cover for 6).  But the bowling was good and we were never really in the chase, only when Yogesh was batting were hopes raised. After Yogesh was stumped for 34, the result was never really in doubt.   Also not in doubt was how poor sportsmen the Hornsby players are – with their ridiculous appealing and lack of knowledge of the laws (and spirit) of the game.  TBH it was not the most pleasant afternoon’s cricket.

Hornsby now leap frog us into second and we move on to the next game