Maddogs Vs. Bronte Stingers

The spirit of fair play is very much alive and in rude health for the Maddogs, typified by Keith’s heroic action to call a Bronte Stinger back to the crease after a plum lbw delivery. Maddogs put in their best fielding performance of the season to win by five wickets.

Morning Glory

A fine bright morning was in stark contrast to the dusty shapes of Marcus, GB, and new boy Andrew M, suffering from the night before. However, the sight of the hallowed turf was a tonic and a remedy for both suffering dogs and gents from Bronte alike. JP and Andrew M opened the batting, and got off to a solid start. The extended boundary deprived JP of a boundary in the second over, who then whipped the ball through the off-side for four. ‘Calypso cricket’? We’d soon get the answer.

The Stingers bowling attack went to work. Andrew fell to a good catch with fifteen on the board. GB off the mark by clipping two off his legs. The bowling attack continued to swing it with pace and menace. JP fell for nine, to an accurate fast delivery taken by the keeper. Next up was Marcus, who’s first off-side shot deserved four. But the long boundary frustrates the batsman and rewards the chasing fielder. Marcus hit back with a lusty drive over the close field for another couple of runs. The batting pair take on the field, and closely avoid the run-outs. Ten overs down, and 39 runs on the board.

GB continued to clip off his legs for two. He followed this up by hitting over the bowler’s head for more runs. Marcus takes inspiration, however an accurate delivery undoes him and disturbs the stumps. Garvey arrived on cue. Power and timing yielded boundaries and further runs. A highly valuable 22 from GB and 27 (no) from Garvey cements the middle order. Reza is in and out quickly. A superb partnership between Keith and Ed at the end results in swift runs (thank you runners) and mighty fours. The first innings ends with a respectable 140.

Premature ending

It was the Stingers turn to come to the crease, but it became quickly apparent they are much less happy with the bat than the ball. A succession of quick wickets resulted from excellent bowling by JP, Garvey, Brenden, Keith and others. Stingers do end their first innings with a significant boost from their big lad. 76 all out.

We all like a bit of rough

Rough luck or fair play? In a twist, Stingers sportingly go back out to give the Dogs a total to chase down. It is at this point that the event occurred, the event that those who witnessed it will tell their children. Keith practically drags a stinger batsman back to the crease and overrules the umpire, who stands finger aloft, declaring lbw. Successive shouts go unrewarded after fine bowling from Garvey and JP. A very creditable final ten overs, with fours and sixes on display, lifts the Stingers combined total to 183. This sets the Dogs a total of 56 to win. Special mentions must go to Andy, who takes a galloping one-handed catch in the deep , and to Reza who gets his first wicket in ten years. All in all, an impressive day in the field from the Maddogs.

Happy ending

The dogs set off at a fine pace. A high drive from Brenden unluckily results in a catch in the deep. Further wickets quickly follow, however Harvey hits a cracking 26 and carries his bat. Garvey smashes a massive six before coming back in. A few minutes later the winning four edges past the long boundary, and the game is won. Well done Maddogs.

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