Tasmania University Cricket Club
Scores and Reports
Season 2003/04
Second Grade
Round 1 v. Clarence
Played at the University Oval, 18th./25th. October 2003.
(Toss won by : University)
Andy Matthews 39 Paul Hudson 33 James G Kingston 26 |
(DAY 1). Due to pitches not being able to be prepared the first day of all TCA Second Grade games were cancelled. This game was played on 25th. October only. (DAY 2) Pre-Game The Uni Scoobies players strolled in to the ground around the scheduled 11am, wearing cheesy, enthusiastic grins and striding ambitiously pondering whether this was their year or not. With a pre-game ceremony anticipated, the warm-up was brisk but with no lack of intensity from the youthful team of seven under19's and four over19's. Nick Bonner won the first toss of the season and quickly elected to bat on a surprisingly flat early season wicket. Pre-game introductions with the welcome of newcomers Mike Hollingsworth and James Kingston, and a pre-game strategy session over, the team distinguishingly lined up at the oval entrance to introduce themselves to the esteemed gentlemen that were to oversee the proceedings for that days play, the umpires (plus one-point). Game Openers Nick Grubb and Andy Matthews set themselves to the task of seeing off the opening bowlers, but the boys were to be separated in the fourth over with the controversial 'plumb in front' decision given to Nick Grubb. After a respectful shake of the head (minus one-point) and a sombre trudge off the ground Nick Grubb said to reporters "I wasn't out". Clarence quick Ben Puzny was to snare his first prized scalp of the season, that of talented number three James Jubb, with a vicious yorker taking off stump.  At two for not many, a consolidation was required, and with the diligent Paul Hudson at the crease with Andy Matthews, a partnership was formed. The boys saw off all comers until lunch. Credit to Andy Matthews who batted out the first session. "Yeah, it's nice to be at lunch only two down," Nick Bonner said.The lack of female talent walking past the pavilion during the morning session was duly noted by Chris Hensby. Andrew Jackett attributed this to Uni exams which were underway at the time. "Come back next week Chris," said Jackett. 
Following lunch, the team lost concentration at times, and as Andy Matthews tried to get to his fifty hitting over-the-top, he was dismissed only 11 short on 39.That brought Mike Hollingsworth out for his first bat in TCA cricket. Paul Hudson (33) soon after joined Matthews in the change room and Matty Lister joined Hollingsworth in the middle. Despite looking very solid, Matty Lister (9) was adjudged LBW and Mike Hollingsworth (7) was caught sharply at short cover. James Kingston Jnr and Remi Barley saw the team to tea. "No, it's not nice to be at tea six down," said Stan Davis. With the fall of Remi Barley (10), quickly followed by the struggling number nine Nick Bonner (8) and the solid James Kingston Jnr (26), the Uni Scoobies looked in danger of not batting out their overs. Enter Sam Perkins and Andrew Kibbey. Andrew Kibbey is credited Australia-wide as the best number 11 in TCA 2nd grade. The two kept the best Clarence 2nd grade leg spinner and the best Clarence 2nd grade third-change medium pacer at bay for a frustrating 20 minutes until rain started to fall more heavily. The umpires called off the game soon after due to the slippery wicket, which pleased the Clarence right arm leg spinner Paul Johnstone who appeared relieved not to have injured himself in delivery stride due to the damp conditions. Post-Game The two teams shook hands in the 'Spirit of the Game', and several of the Uni Scoobies embraced the Umpires for a fair days play (plus one-point). Nick Grubb continued to remonstrate amicably with Umpire Dwayne, but time got away from them so Nick will call him during the week to discuss further, maybe over dinner. The young team were happy to reach their goal of batting all day. Remi Barley told reporters "it's been a good start to the season, something we can take into next week with us." Several of the team stayed at the rooms for an hour to watch Tasmania get beaten by Queensland, no Clarence players present (duly noted). Stan Davis (club legend) put on some timely saveloys which were dutifully devoured and some beers were enjoyed. Despite some confusion over who was to phone through the match results, they made it into the paper and hopefully the guys at Bennett Constructions have been getting around young Andy Matthews for his fine 39. |
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