Northern Force Majeure

On a mercifully sub-thirty-degree day we arrived at Davidson Oval short a couple of our biggest hitters but long on enthusiasm for another enjoyable day's cricket.

Sadly those sunny expectations were dashed, for with the exception of some determined, competent bowling, a fine run-out towards the end of the Force's innings and four fine rear-guard innings from Garvey (47), Ansell (40), Thangavelu (17) and Saunders (10) the dogs have never been a sadder pack! Your scribe reached for words capable of expressing our inability to hold catches, but the English language just laughed in his face!

Saunders gave your scribe strict instructions to include a graphic description of the comedy that was (name redacted to protect the innocent)'s first dropped catch but to do so would be to deprive the hundreds of other dropped catches their due.

The Northern Force plundered 6 for 246 off 35 overs. There was a glimmer of hope as the run rate tightened in the middle order after the power hitters were forced to retire, but most of the afternoon was spent craning our necks to watch the ball sail over the fence.

Our innings looked like starting well until, as the bowler commenced his run, our facing opener discovered he was not wearing a box! Hardly an auspicious start! Thankfully he was soon out caught, while at the other end Thangavelu grafted a valuable innings as he wore down the quicks. Soon Ansell and then Garvey arrived and the crease and gave the Dogs some semblance of respectability - both returning undefeated to the pavilion.

Later, as wickets fell all around him, Saunders held up his end for a brave captain's knock of ten. Soon after both Ansell and Garvey returned to the crease, continuing to bat with aggression until finally Garvey was run out for an impressive 47.

Tails between our legs, the Mad Dogs were all out for 155.

Thanks lads for another great day of good company, laughs, excellent sandwiches, beer and a sporting tradition like no other.