Tasmania University Cricket Club
Scores and Reports
Season 2004/05
First Grade
Round 2 v. North Hobart (Kookaburra Cup)
Played at the University Oval, 30th. October 2004.
(Toss won by : North Hobart)
Mike Graham-Smith 34 Scott Nichols 29 |
Paul Hudson 5-25 Ben Hilfenhaus 2-43 |
A ‘real challenge’ is always a good thing to have early in the season and this match certainly delivered that. The Demons’ line-up included half the state team so we knew we were up against it. However, our one-day record at the Lions’ Den is imposing and we went into this match undefeated at home in 5 seasons in the shortened version of the game. We had good reason to be confident we could give a good account of ourselves on the day. The debutants, Huddo and China (China L not China P) licked the fanny box and we welcomed them into the Pride. Brad lost the toss (just as well as he had no idea what to do) and North Hobart invited us to bat first. Bakesy and Painey opened the innings and Bakesy lost his wicket early by dragging a wide one onto his stumps. The ‘blonde bombshells’ combined for a partnership of 34 runs before Painey was caught at the wicket for 15. 4 wickets fell in quick succession culminating with the President running out the captain. Unfortunately, China made a duck on debut but we all know he has enormous potential and will bounce back strongly. Scooter and X came together with the score at 6 for 62 and grafted out 50 runs in a vital partnership. Scooter took a liking to the sweep shot but the shot didn’t take a liking to him. He decided to use his feet after missing 10 sweep shots and the change of tactics began to bear fruit. Huddo joined Scooter at the crease and another good partnership lifted the score to 141 before Huddo departed after contributing a valuable 14 runs. Scooter departed for a well-made 29 runs and the last three wickets fell for 2 runs and we were bowled out in the 50th over for 142 runs. We knew it was a reasonable score but not nearly enough given the firepower in the opposition batting line-up. No matter, we’d go out and give it a crack like we always do! We picked up Mizzen early but ‘the son-in-law-to-be’ of our esteemed coach was using his long levers to great effect. Before we knew it, the Demons were 1 for 58 in the 12th over. Lockdog was introduced to the attack with immediate results. He picked up the crucial wicket of Dakin caught at fine leg by a diving Scooter who managed to fumble the ball a few times as he was rolling and eventually clutched it to his navel using the back of his hand, his jumper, his cap and the rag he had in his pocket. Huddo deceived ‘the youngest son’ of our esteemed coach in flight and had him caught at wide mid on. Well done Huddo on your first scalp (and what a big one!) in first grade cricket. With the score on 3 for 84 we were well and truly ‘looking down the barrel’. Huddo chimed in again having Clingleffer caught at the wicket by Painey (and didn’t Painey enjoy that one!). The score passed 100 with 4 wickets down and victory for the Demons seemed like a formality. However, Huddo showed everyone that he has some ‘pig-dog’ in him by claiming the wicket of the state captain who was deceived in flight and bounce. You bloody beauty Huddo! Still we held faint hopes of victory. Three quick wickets fell. Scooter trapped Free in front, Huddo trapped Griffith in front and then followed it up next ball by knocking over Doherty’s stumps. Huddo went beresque and the boys came from all parts to congratulate him on his 5 wicket haul including 4 state players – that’s some kind of debut! 8 for 115 and now we were ‘in the hunt’. However, Dighton was looking very solid even though Guinane wasn’t! These two took the score to level and then Hilfy trapped Guinane in front. Ahhhhh, we all enjoyed that one! Pregnell survived a few balls and Dighton finished the game off in the 45th over. How should we feel after a game like that? We should be disappointed that we lost; we should be proud of our efforts, learn from our mistakes and move on to the next match with confidence after a hit-out like that. On a very positive note, the ground fielding and throwing was exceptional which is due, in no small part, to Reeks’ work in this area. |
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