Taita Premier 66-1, def. Four Kings University 64/AO
Another rain affected week meant the season debut for Fraser No. 1 was again delayed and the Premier round was resigned to artificials. The start time was delayed by 15 mins with the preceding junior cricket contest running behind schedule. Taita’s best clubman Jacob (last name TBC) featured heavily, most notably for his untamed in-swing deliveries. When the big boys got underway, Hamish ‘pull the chain’ Blomfield was an early candidate for ‘Deita of the day’, catching the outside edge of the long-sweatered opening batsman to be grasped delicately by Sam ‘I refuse to join the Buzz crew’ Le Gros at gully. The cat friendly Andrew ‘rarest of units’ Sturt picked up the 2nd wicket in the same fashion to leave the Uni boys reeling at 2/14 when rain stopped play.
A 2 hour rain delay followed, complete with HRV Cup highlights, Anne’s delicious baked goods, assorted lollies and tinder surprises. Play resumed at 3.15pm with the allotted overs reduced to 33. Millsy knicked off Jimmy Boyle soon after the resumption to continue the Onslow-aught. Mutcha took 2 wickets in as many balls to once again give himself false hope of taking Michelle Pfeifer home. Regular wickets continued to fall, including the self-proclaimed popular dismissal of stumped Crowley, bowled O’Connor. The Uni boys were dismissed for 64 in the 31st over.
The brothers Sam began the short chase in typical fashion – fast. Sam ‘Mutcha backlift’ Dean chopped one on for 12 which brought Phil ‘double meat pie’ Tunnicliffe to the crease. True to form, Tunny didn’t muck around, heaving his first delivery to the boundary. He and Le Gros dispatched the students’ opening pair to all parts to cement 2nd place for the red and blacks, in keen pursuit of the ever-humble Easts boys.
The prestigious TFC awards for this weekend were received by Henry Walsh and Chris Tait, however both are not without notable mentions. Henry - for annoyingly repeating every word of encouragement uttered by your scribe in the field. CJ - for his never-ending booming voice from 3rd man despite the confronting winds and of course for never ceasing to storm in (much to the detriment of Grace’s sleeping patterns). Check out the scorecard
Written by James Crowley
Taita Premier Reserve 92/5, def. Four Kings University 90/7
We all love cricket!
It was a cool, grey, Saturday morning down at Fraser Park as the Taita Reserves looked to push for a top four spot in the reserve grade.
Veterans Jason Doyle, and Taita’s nicest guy and best dresser Matthew Pepper-spray were away completing the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge. This meant that Rahul “The Dr” Jayakar was called up following his great form this season.
With the rain falling all week, the game was to be played on an artificial and with rain expected throughout the day Taita were happy to be bowling first. As we all know, advantage goes to team bowling first when rain effects play.
Pat “tantastic” Smith was once again up to his old tricks and in full swing early on. Meanwhile, Kevin McCombovers new aggressive attitude towards the batsman paid dividends as the pair finished with combined figures of 12 overs, 2 for 10 runs, with one wicket apiece.
A three hour rain delay saw the game shortened to 30 overs aside and Taita came back out to restrict University in the remaining 20 overs. Some tough catches and stumping opportunities were not taken and this allowed the visitors to get to 90 after their 30 overs. Special mention has to go to Shaun Gillespie who followed on with his great form this season taking another 3 wickets. As well as Nik Swain, who’s Danny Morrison impersonations were both well practiced and entertaining.
University came out firing and took a wicket with the first ball bowled. Tim Brown then came in and steadied the ship along with Sam Bourne. The pair put on 56 for the second wicket and proved that honest cricket was the way to go, playing with straight bats. A few lusty blows saw Timothy top score with a quick fire 37 off 31 balls. Unlike Pat Smith, Tim's mid game trips to Subway are having a positive effect on his game.
A wee wobble at the end didn't make much of a difference as Taita got the win inside 21 overs, getting the valuable bonus point.
The Team have a bye this coming weekend and will most likely be putting in some much needed practice for Taita Survivor on December the 14th. Get there! Check out the scorecard
Written by Ben Rammell