Dogs snatch Ashes victory from the Jaws of Defeat

By Gareth Llewellyn

There could barely have been a more beautiful setting for one of the most memorable fixtures in this more than decade-long Ashes rivalry. The traditions of this fixture go back to 2003 When Giles Bourne's poms first took the field against Seamus Collins' Australians in Birchgrove and began an annual two-match battle for bragging rights. But most cannot remember an encounter more gripping and enjoyable to be part of than this one.

In a departure from the norm, not only was the venue different, but also the format. The stunning Julilee Oval in Glebe is ringed by palm trees and nestled a cricket ball's throw from the shores of Black Wattle Bay. With temperatures very quickly souring to over 35 degrees, this close proximity to a large body of water brought a mercifully cool breeze off the harbour to alleviate the effects of what would soon be searing heat.

With a hard time ceiling for some, it was agreed between the respective captains that instead of the usual double-Twenty/20 format we would revert to a more traditional single-innings 30-over match. The change meant the captains could afford longer spells with some bowlers - up to four overs each - and batsmen could take a little longer to get their eyes in and build an innings. The outcome was an enthralling contest that all who played will remember for a long time.

The Mad Dogs quickly took control of the match with opening bowlers taking quick and inexpensive wickets. In fact, Brendan Parry and Angus Hunter both took stumps out of the ground to put The Australians under early pressure. In what evolved into one of the Dogs' best ever performances in the field, not only was the bowling very effective but the fielding was tight also. When even the talismanic wicket of Michael Finn fell cheaply, Mad Dogs confidence reached new heights.

As well as great bowling, there were some sensational catches too from Sean Garvey, Bryan Fenech and Young Eddie Timpson (10 years old!). More surprising still, in a moment that further validated the theory that Giles Bourne has been kidnapped and replaced by aliens, the Mad Dogs founder himself took a heroic catch at second slip that in and of itself might have spurred the Dogs to victory. Someone was even given cause to describe the "champagne fielding" at one point and with four wickets taken on inconsequential "free hit" balls also, the Mad Dogs seemed unstoppable.

But stopped they were. While The Australians were only able to accrue an innings total of 136 - a good score in 20 overs but a meagre one in 30 - the Mad Dogs quickly found that part of their bowling success could be put down to conditions rather than skill. Conditions The Australians were also to benefit from. Two wickets fell very quickly for only 11 runs and in a complete top order collapse, the Dogs recorded the shocking score of 16 for 4 at one point. Team anchors Sean Garvey and Maruc Timpson saved the innings though by digging in and grinding out a far more respectable 60-odd by drinks at the 15th over. Nevertheless, their run rate still lagged that of the Australians who had enjoyed their drinks on 81.

As the mercury climbed, so did the pressure. It is often assumed that the Australians can cope with the heat far better than the Englishmen (or Welshmen for that matter) and hopes that Aussie bowling might falter in the sun failed to eventuate. In fact it was the Mad Dog batsmen that seemed to be struggling more, and the run chase remained arduous.

However, despite pessimism in the pavilion the match slowly began to turn. As Mr Collins began to run out of his best bowlers, the regularity of Mad Dog boundaries and big tonks increased. When Sean Garvey returned to the crease to replace the retired Marcus Timpson (who had to depart) the Dogs needed less than 20 runs from 7 overs. While certainly do-able - could he do it?

Solidly supported by an equally productive Angus Hunter, Mr Garvey set about the target with confident aggession and with a couple of overs remaining secured the winning runs with a stylish pull shot square towards the pavillion, to raptuous applause from his team mates.

Despite the tension and topsy-turvey fortunes of the day relations between the two sides were as jovial and friendly as ever. The banter and sledging of course was equally prevalent as at most Ashes fixtures, but the sense of occasion brought by the stunning setting and the equal matching of the two teams gave for an unusually affable and cordial atmosphere. Certainly one of my favourite Ashes clashes despite my own performance being quite inconsequential. Congratulations Dogs, commiserations Aussies - and here's looking forward to the second encounter of the season in the new year!

More pictures of the day can be seen here.

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