Scorecard

Greenies Ones season came to a close on Sunday with a narrow but entertaining loss toParamount at SRO.

The Greenies won the toss and elected to bat with instructions to bat aggressively in the hot conditions. The Smith/Monico opening partnership lasted about as long as the cake at a fat chicks birthday party. Smith run out first ball for 0. Scott Watson then came to the crease in what may be the former skipper’s final innings for the Ones. There would be no fairytale ending and he was out caught down the legside for 10. The luckless Ledger continued his run of LBWs, this time out for 8. 

With Hogg dismissed for 2, Walker for 0 and Ragu on debut skittled first ball, we were looking a good chance of getting to watch the Euro 2008 final.













Monico and Sellars then put together a partnership to keep the Greenies in the game and the boys out of Stingers. Monico hit one six and twelve fours in his 103 off 93 balls, the first century for the Greenies in the top grade this season. His twelfth boundary bought up his hundred and saw him promptly retire with exhaustion mid over ensuring a multitude of post match fines.

Paul Foxton then ensured the biggest cheer of the day by carting one to the fence. Sellars got a Cayman LBW for a well compiled 37, and the Greenies were all out for 180 being one batsman short and another preferring to sit in the shade with an ice pack on his head rather than resume his innings.

The Paramount opening batsman took the long handle from ball one. Ledger took up the responsibility of being the only medium pacer, bowling controlled outswing in oppressive conditions and troubling all batsman. A constant stream of runs and wickets meant that it would be anyone’s game. Greenies spinners Ahmed (2 for 44), Watson (3 for 46) and Sellars (2 for 42) all bowled well with control of the game changing as each partnership came to an end. Dangerman Jonty (62 off 63) hit a couple of enormous sixes before eventually being bowled by Sellars. If we had been able to grab any one of the numerous half chances he gave we would have got out of there a lot earlier with a pretty easy victory.

The Paramount number 11 walked to the crease with his side still requiring 24 runs. Unfortunately this coincided with our mainline bowlers running out of overs. Hogg was unlucky not to claim the final wicket with a massive lbw shout but it was not to be, Paramount limped over the line to claim the victory.

The game was played in good spirit and both teams batted and bowled in an attacking manner throughout the entire match. It was an enjoyable day out for all concerned and many thanks to all players who made themselves available, especially to Ragu, Texas and Foxton at such late notice and Steve and Nick for backing up from the Toos match the day before. Also thanks to Hector for scoring and the life saving end of match Gatorade run.

The rum and curry ting fine bottle was a beauty and the large collection of empty beer bottles a reflection of the spirited post match session.

If it is Watto’s final game for the Ones I’m sure all those who have played along side him over the years would like to thank him for the time and effort he has put into keeping the team going as well as the many runs and wickets he has contributed to the cause.

Awards from a hazy memory as follows:

MOM - Monico for century
Play of the Day - Ledger catch diving forward
COTD - Monico for not scoring another ten runs so we would have won and making the team miss the football
GOTD - Monico for retiring for no valid reason
J Michael Outlet Award - Foxton for golf style visor