The Village Greenies Toos took on Team DTA at JPO on Saturday.  With seven changes from the week before due to the long weekend there were significant opportunities for those players who haven't had too much game time this year.  In particular for the bowlers as 4 of the 5 bowlers from the week before were unavailable.  After winning the toss and controversially deciding to field, in typical Toos fashion we had a few troubles early on, with me forgetting my green dreams, Dave Raj turning up as we were entering the field and Richie Allen being a no-show which left us with 10 players for the first 10 or so overs.  Jolly Roger was involved in the Friday night game preparations for three of us however.

We started well however, with Troskie and debutant Larry Gomes bowling tightly and troubling both batsmen frequently. After giving very few runs away and taking a couple of wickets, including a horrendous runout of their no. 3 batsmen, Jimmy and Faisal came on as their batsmen tried to consolidate and get a few runs on the board.  Jimmy was bowling very tight and Faisal bowled well considering their best batsmen took to him a bit.  After 15 overs and drinks we were in a good position, although Jimmy looked like he had run a marathon and the Jolly Roger claimed another victim as he had to duck off for a pretty hearty spew session. Jerry then came onto bowl and bowled a great, tight spell, with a great catch off his own bowling running back with the flight of the ball.  Faisal also took a great catch to dismiss their best batsmen for 60-odd and by now we were well and truly on top. Some great bowling at the end by Jimmy, Larry and Troskie as well as a sensational one handed catch by Faisal meant we ended up with DTA out for 193 off 38 overs.

Bowlers figures - Troskie took 4 for 33, Larry 1 for about 25, Jimmy 2 for 35, Jerry 2 for 31. Faisal was a bit unlucky for 0 for 52.

The batting started out with me realising about 20 minutes before our innings that I had left all the lavers at home. Thankfully Tommy was able to drive back and get them just in time before our innings.  Faisal and I opened and started out cautiously with me taking 15 balls to get off the mark.  Once we had seen off the new ball however runs began to flow and by drinks (15 overs) we had about 70 on the board.  After drinks we took to their bowlers a bit more and both brought up 50s. Whilst we were both completely buggered the runs were flowing at a steady rate. When I eventually skied one to square leg on 71 we lost our first wicket on 177 and victory was inevitable. Not sure whether some of the stalwarts could confirm, but that may be a record opening partnership for the Greenies. Faisal was able to bat through the innings and made a sensational 84 not out, with Porter chipping in with 8 not out to get us over the line off 33 overs.  Special mention to Paully for being Faisal's runner and being out there for about 60 runs.

All in all it was a sensational win and can be attributed to the depth the side has, especially shown by the tight bowling performance, considering we only had 10 players and there were a few guys who came in on short notice.  Not sure where this leaves us on the table, I would imagine either 4th or 5th spot.

Paully made his first fine bottle and it was an interesting one, with most keeping it down, except for Jimmy whose face went the colour of a Digicel chair and he must of nearly popped every blood vessel when he lost his rice and beans from lunch.

Awards
Man of the Match - Faisal
Play of the Day - Faisal for his one handed catch
COTD - Me, for forgetting my greens and the bats