2nd XI match reports

Rd 17 vs Burwood Districts

Forced to endure without our fearless and heroic leader, the second eleven produced a satisfying win on Saturday. Several late arrivals and missing players had the stand in skipper worried early on, but his fears were quickly put to rest after a magnificent performance by the opening pair. Kaine & Pritesh got us through to drinks without the loss of a wicket, which allowed the batsmen who followed to take a more aggressive approach. We finished our innings with 204 for the loss of six wickets. Kaine & Comer retired with unbeaten fifties, Yen held things together later in the innings with solid, unbeaten 24, and Pritesh looked superb and could have made a fifty, but instead chose to walk after the inept umpire gave him not out caught behind. Such great sportsmanship by Pritesh is to be commended, and I hope Elgar Park players continue to conduct themselves in this manner.
After a stirring rev up by the stand in skipper (that some said was reminiscent of Martin Luther-King's 'I have a dream' speech), we produced a very solid performance in the field. Made all the more pleasing because of the circumstances in which it was achieved. The bowlers sometimes struggled to cope with gale force winds, and sometimes unforgiving wide calls, but we managed to keep the pressure on the batsmen. After 16 overs they were 2/60 odd, but collapsed to be five down at drinks - thanks in large part to Kaine's consecutive wickets. Unfortunately, we could not manage to get him a hat-trick. The new look George was at his magnificent best, getting 3/17 from his eight overs. Yen bowled particularly well also, following up on his batting performance by getting the last two out off consecutive balls. Congratulations to Yen on reaching 50 wickets for Elgar Park - a great reward for all the effort Yen has put into his bowling in recent years. Yen was especially pleased that he beat Blakey to 50. Burwood District were all out for 145. Kaine was best on ground, following up his fifty with three wickets.
A big thanks to all who assisted the stand in captain, Beaumont in particular. It was very pleasing to see our experienced players stand up and take on leadership roles, to cover the absence of our regular skipper. I'd also like to acknowledge the hard work of the bowlers who battled from the northern end. Many wides were bowled, but this should not be seen as a reflection of anyone's form because they were very difficult circumstances to bowl in. And lastly, the effort and enthusiasm was very very good this week. Not everyone got a bat or a bowl unfortunately, but everyone contributed to the win through their hard work.
The seconds are still alive, and still a chance to play finals. We cannot control the outcome of other games, so all we can do now is keep working hard and win our last three games.

Rd 16 vs Park Orchards

We bowled in hot conditions but an excellent start by our first 4 bowlers had them 5-45 after 12. We were almost through at 7 -110 and 9-160 but the heat and fitnes levels told as they fought back to reach 226 on a very fast ground. Lemmy with 4 wickets was best with some outstanding fielding as well. Henners, Sammi and Gus provided good support.
We batted and were in a sound postion at 2-80 off 16 but the wheels fell off and we slumped to all out 150~. Another one that got away.

Rd 15 vs Wheelers Hill

A real struggle to get a team together this week which was unfortunate given it was such a crucial match. In the end, 4 people helped us out big time. Bhumit and Pritesh played injured and Wearly and Satish agreed to fill in. All 4 performed creditably.
We batted hoping to get their new ball wet. The conditions were very difficult with many 4 shots held up by the outfield and some good swing bowling. Pritesh and Yen did their job well but the rest couldn't quite get a big partnership going. Roop and Bhumit best as we reached 9-119.
A good start to the bowling with Roop taking out their opener and Bhumit constantly beating the bat. Henners and Gus continued the pressure but the 2nd wicket proved elusive with three tough but gettable chances missed.
A final thrust after drinks saw Bhumit take 2 quick ones but they passed us rather easily in the end with 3 down and 7-8 overs to spare.
Important we focus on finishing the season properly now.

Rd 14 vs Deakin

Sent in to bat in hot conditions we were in early trouble until Jason and Pritesh batted very well. Kaine and Gus had a good partnership at the end against a handy attack leaving us at 5-201, our 2nd best score of the year.
Our bowling and fielding was good as was the endeavour. Roop was outstanding with a 4 for. They were in big trouble at 6-130 but unfortunately they had the best nos 8, 9 and 10 we've seen and they passed us in the 2nd last over.
This was an improved performance from those just before xmas and no reason we have to give up on our finals aspirations.

Rd 11 vs Blackburn Sth

We were sent in and a 50 run opening partnership was handy against good bowling. Unfortunately, the middle order didn't capitalise with Paul looking best for his 20 odd. Afrim reached an excellent 50 as Andrew, Suman and Yen helped us to 169.
They batted and ran well early reaching 1-80 off 14 but again we came back with Gus, Henners, Yen and Pritesh very tight. They still needed 4 runs off the last over but we couldn't quite hold them off as they passed us 8 down.
Overall it's clear we are competitive at this level but to take the next step to be a contender, we need to bowl less wides (31 was poor), field better (we took some rippers but too many routine ones went down) and get more runs from the middle order. Our fitness could be better. Good to see the numbers joining the 45 minute warm up on Saturday but also push yourselves to practice outfield catching at training.
We'll have a 25 over intra club match at Elgar Park on Sunday Jan 10 from 12.30 to have us ready for first game after xmas (teams Afrims Also Rans v Simon's Superstars).

Rd 10 vs Wheelers Hill

We batted first against one of the better attacks we have faced. Roop made a nice 30 odd but we were soon in big trouble at 4-48 after 10 overs. A good fightback followed with Beauy, Simon and Kotsa putting on 124 for the 5th wicket. Some late runs to Henners left us at 187.
They came out with some big hitting but the opening bowlers tightened towards the end of their spells. Gus and Henners at first change bowled excellently and they were 3-90 odd at drinks with Andrew taking a nice outfield catch. Yen and Pritesh now came on and bowled 16 tight overs in tandem taking 5 wickets between them for few runs. An outfield catch by Pritesh was a highlight as was Kotsa's keeping. They needed 27 off the last 3 and then 11 off the last. A few things went wrong in the last over and when the last ball came they needed one to tie and two to win. The 10 batsmen was hitting very well, we have a terrible percentage so the decision was made that a tie was almost as good as a win and we kept the field out. Unfortunately there was confusion where the ball was hit with presumably the guys feeling we had lost on the first run and the ball was not picked up and walked in for a routine run out and tie. 
A very tough loss as we had played well nearly all day.

Rd 9  v Burwood Districts

Batting first we scored quickly but 3 wickets fell in first 10 overs to leave us 3-64. It was important we reached the 20 over mark without losing more and Roop and Kaine delivered with a partnership of 50 against 2 excellent spinners. The scene was set for Mo and Halby who both batted well with Gus and the tail getting us through to 9-208 with team oriented batting.
Our score looked good until their no.1 blasted 50 in 6 overs. At 2-134 off 22 overs we were in big trouble but Yen was getting going with a great spell of 4-26 and was well backed by Halby 2-26. They fell just short with 191.
A top comeback and a vital win for our season. We dropped a few catches but that will happen from time to time at our level. What was pleasing was the positive encouragement when that happened. Well done guys.

Rd 8  v Koonung Heights

Met the top side for the 2nd time in 3 weeks and we were determined to put in a better effort.
The batting began well with a 43 openining partnership but another crash to 6-88 had us on the back foot. This time the crash was due more to good bowling. The tail again supported our last batsmen in Blakey who batted very well. Pritesh also made a stylish high 20s score. In the end 165 gave us a chance.
Our bowling was exceptionally tight from our first 4 against quality opposition batting. The only blemish was too many wides which can be easily rectified with more net work (hint - hint). Took a long time to get a breakthrough but pleasing we kept at it in the field. They were near 1-80 as drinks approached and in came Andrew M with 2 huge wickets to get us in with a chance. Yen was now bowling very tightly and looked a chance to run through them. We had them 6-130 odd as Pritesh kept hauling in catches in the outfield. Then the rain began. Not quite hard enough to go off but turned the ball to soap. Yen and G battled hard in the difficult conditions but they snuck past us with a few overs to spare.
Disappointing to go down but a positive we can be competitive with the top side. Plenty of areas we can improve on if we work at it to catch up to them.
Thanks again to Tuba and Wearls who support us each week off field. Also to the ones for coming down to support us, Roop for a good attitude on rotation and great effort by Kaine and Pritesh to take on key outfield positions on top of their bowling stints (their fitness is a great example for us all).

Rd 6  v Blackburn Sth

We batted in hot conditions and a good start considering one of the bowlers was from a much higher grade. Kaine batted well again and we had reached 1-26 when he was bowled by a good one. A middle order slump followed as we were too agressive against a good lefty falling to 5-52 after 12 overs. 
A tall order for the 2nd half to get us back in with a small chance but again we battled hard with Yen and Sri supporting Simon as we reached 9-136 against one of the better attacks we have faced this year.
When we bowled it was vital we fielded and bowled well. Gus got us off to a great start with an early wicket and then J took a beauty in slips. Roop and Sri bowled very well and on another day could have had many wickets. Yen came on and took a key wicket with the practice paying off. Tried a few options but in the end came up with G and Mo to finish. Both bowled superbly. They need 2 an over off the last 12 with 6 wickets in hand but we didn't give up and nearly pulled off an impossible comeback but they just passed us with 7 down and 6 balls left.
Good to see our best bowling performance this season and the fielding was solid. We looked after the ball better and talk was good when we had genuine run out chances. The batting let us down though and the top order needs to put more value on our wickets if we are to be genuine contenders this year.

Rd 5  v Koonung Heights

A long time since the 2s have been in a top of the table clash. We won the toss and batted but not the start we wanted as the first 5 fell in 13 overs. The tail had serious work to do and pleased with the way they battled through to 37 overs and 138 to give us a rough chance. Kaine best of the batsman with a hard fought innings and Sri looked good as well.
When we bowled, we didn't quite have the breaks to get the key early wickets with Sri & Gus very dangerous. Roop pulled out a beauty but we couldn't get past the first 5 batsman as they passed us with 2 down.
Undoubtedly we were unlucky with some decisions but have to move on better when this happens. More competition for spots coming very soon so work hard on training and fitness to show me you want your spot. We'll train from 12.00 at Surrey Park next Saturday if you can't make Monday or Wednesday and it is open to all not just that days team.

Rd 4 v Park Orchards

They sent us in and we began well with Aff in excellent form for 49 and an opening 82 run partnership with Simon(42). Another 82 run partnership followed with Roop making an exceptional 70*. J, Gus & Prashanshath played nice cameos and again guys were prepared to take risks for the team as we scored 9-248.
A good opening to the bowling by Suman, Henners, Roop and Gus had them well behind the run rate. However 3 hard chances went down which regained their momentum. At times they threatened but Andrew M and J pulled out big wickets at the right time as we bowled them out for around 178 with Little Aff passing Big Aff in the all time wicket stakes.
An outstanding match by Roop but everyone contributing again was good to see. We can improve in fitness and touch so get to training Monday and/or Wednesday. Thanks to Wearls for scoring all day - a huge help.

Rd 3 vs Wheelers Hill

Another good performance as we batted well with the top 4 doing the damage. G chipped in at the end with a nice cameo and pleasing to see guys prepared to give their wickets away in pursuit of quick runs at the end. Aff top scored with 52 and J 48 as we made 233.
Started solidly in the bowling but were against against 2 very good batsmen. Roop and Lemmy came on 1st and 2nd change and got the key breakthroughs with 4 in a row bowled. Gus made a good comeback and some special fielding by Lemmy & J Furner gained further wickets. In the end we were home by 50~ runs.
Going forward, our aim is to get a squad of 14-15 for the 2s. This will require rotating players some of the time. This will be a change from prior years but is necessary to become part of a regular competitive/ winning side.

Rd 2 vs Mulgrave CC

Always good to win with a real team effort and this was certainly that.
On the Friday night we were 7-8 players and a big thanks to Wearls, Armie and Johnny who agreed to help us out to even get on the field. It was also good to see those guys contribute well with John making quick runs, Armie 2 great catches plus some good tips and Wearly the key final stumping.
On the batting front, we had to battle hard with a very slow outfield. Aff was a big loss early to a good one, but good partnerships with the 2-8 batsmen all chipping in solidly. New player Dj showed guts to stay out there after a nasty blow. A score of 153 was handy - probably worth 240 at Surrey Park.
The bowling and fielding was good too. Suman was on fire with 4 wickets and a run out in the first 5. J & Bumit bowled well without luck so it was left to Roop and G Force to do the damage. Had them 8-70 but couldn't quite get the last 2 wickets until another good catch by J and the G composure / Wearly magic sealed the day by 4 runs. Well done guys.