On a typically blustery Saturday, the stage was set for an intense day of cricket when Taita elected to bat first for only the second time this season. Knowing the importance of the occasion and fired up to embrace some feuding, the two Sam’s reigned in their usual A Dot swag to take a more measured approach at the top, respecting the unusually banterless Ricky-Bobby Joseph’s negative lines. A couple of quick wickets saw SGT Le Gros and Phil “I meant to hit it on the ground” Tunnicliffe depart, handing Valch an escape from a hat-trick of thanks-for-coming’s.
Yours truly “the better Deano” fell victim to the pre-drinks curse, handing a chance to the middle order to lick their lips at the opportunity to bat for 25 overs. Henry once again rose to the occasion, bashing a couple of big “sits’” during an impressive 57. James “Creepy” Crowley struck the ball cleanly and sensibly at the other end, joining CJ “Get!” Tait and Howie on the list of important contributions to take the score to a competitive 197. Props to Andrew “former Stream opening bat” Mills for sniffing ink at the death.
In reply, Easts came out guns blazing but did not account for the ever restricting Hamish “Hey!” Blomfield and A. Sturt combination at the top. Mutcha benefited from his mate Andy softening up Major Orton and snuck one through the gate to start the ball rolling for the Taita bowlers. Some freakish fielding from Walsh followed up by a fast, straight one from Millsy had Easts stuttering at 41/3. Despite a middle order rally, the accurate bowling of Taita’s bowlers and the enthusiastic support of their fielders, led ably by CJ’s tireless “CHAHOOING” from the boundary, the pressure told and one by one the wickets tumbled. Some incredible death bowling from specialist Tunny allowed Mark “foot on the throat” Houghton to sneak the last couple of wickets, deservedly picking up the wicket of Sammo “donut” Outtrim to lead the boys to an 11 run victory.
Special mention to the bowlers who toiled into the Kilbirnie wind, 100 shots were definitely earned. A fantastic win for the lads, however next week it’s “nil all boys” so “stay humble”. Check out the scorecard
Written by Sam Dean
Premier Reserves too yolked for Wainui
Survivor was on the minds of many, but taking on Wainui on a Michael Greene-top was enough for Zac 'I honestly lost the toss' Curtis to elect to bat first. Newly hired first officer Ben Rammel produced some masterful stroke play early on, combining nicely with Brownie putting on 69 and 50 respectively. With wickets in hand, some handy work from Bundy and late over hitting from the Dr, Swain and Summer Bays finest Pat Houghton, Taita managed 304 for 5 from their 50 overs.
With a mammoth total to chase, the Wainui openers must have also had survivor on their minds, batting the first 25 overs for 75 runs without losing a wicket. Carmel Smith managed a special double, pulling a hammy then dropping a chance at slip. Kevin McComb's anger came out when he asked the wainui batsman what part of the village he came from. After a quick drink and some hard words from exile island victim Dizzie, Brownie finally managed to wake up and forced a runout to give the much needed breakthrough. This led to Flake and Nippy picking up four wickets each. Both wanted to deprive the other of a five wicket bag, with chances being created but not taken off both bowlers' 10th over. The good boy managed to pick up the final wicket off his first ball, reiterating his skill at the bowling crease.
A big thanks must be given to Pepper, CJ, Shooter and Pat for a terrific post match Survivor. Check out the scorecard
Written by Nik Swain