Match Report : U11 Cubs Vs Sunshine Heights Otis opened the bowling. He has been working on an improved action and it bore fruit with a penetrating spell including a lovely clean bowled. Harrison and Storm kept things tight, with Storm also delivering his side a crucial wicket with a bullseye. Sonny showed what pride these boys take in their Druids cap (even if he was fielding in a Santas hat for some unexplained reason). The Sunshine Heights batsman skied a miscued on-drive high into the air; Sonny made excellent position to catch but with the glare of sunset in his eyes mistimed his clutch and the ball crashed into his jaw. A fearless and selfless attempt. Carried from the field in rotten pain, he returned soon after to bowl an excellent spell and inspire his teammates. Each Cubs game seems to generate a big improver. This week it was Josh. His bowling has been gaining in pace and accuracy all season. Tonight it all came together and he took the role of chief destroyer - he clean bowled one victim and caused another to hit his own wicket. Lachlan has a relaxed and amiable approach to the wicket, but it masks lethally fast projectiles. He is the Michael Holding of the Druids, our very own Whispering Death; the batsmen seemed to have barely effected a back-lift before Lachlans off-cutters had whizzed arrogantly past the stumps. He also finished with two excellent wickets (again one bowled, one hit-wicket) and might have had a couple more if the lbw rule was in force. Storm performed the most brilliant piece of individual fielding seen all season. Gathering the ball at deep mid-wicket, he hurled the ball with impunity at the unmanned bowlers end stumps; the ball bounced just in front of the wickets, deviated slightly (as though at Storms command) and clipped the bails. A direct hit from 30 metres almost side-on, unbelievable stuff! A freak Storm indeed. Even the Sunshine Heights batsmen had to restrain themselves from joining in the hedonistic celebrations. A lofted wedge shot landed centimetres between Phoenix and Lachlan. Amidst the despair of the missed catching chance it was Josh who showed composure and called for a run-out opportunity at the bowlers end, nearly conjuring a very intelligent dismissal. The fielding continues to defy typical Cubs standard, the boys organising themselves proficiently, calling loudly, throwing accurately, encouraging each other and generally functioning as a wholesome symbiotic organism. Phoenix, Liam and Xavier P (on debut with the big gloves) put on a polished and clinical display behind the stumps. Sunshine Heights had made 7/53, a useful score in the conditions. Last weeks pitch was hostile granite. Tonight it was green and slow, almost swamp-like, the bowling unpredictable. For some batsmen, it became a night for golf practice as they teed off at deliveries which had come to a sad end at the feet of the square-leg umpire. It was an innings where the Druids had to make their own runs, and it was an excellent performance, with plenty of fine stroke-play, loud calling, smart fast running, and not a single batsman dismissed to a foolish or wayward swipe. Lachlan and Liam played out the first act with a calm and steely resolve, both picking up clever ones and twos (Liam again the master of the opportunistic overthrow) and Lachlan striking a vicious cut shot to the rope. Harrison and Walter continued the good work. Walter glided a well-pitched ball to fine leg for his 1st ever boundary, and had to be counselled that a lap of honour would be an inappropriate way to mark the occasion. Phoenix and Sonny strode to the crease like hungry gladiators. After a watchful over they unleashed a flurry of boundaries. Phoenix punched a ball through mid-wicket for four. His elegant and controlled swing is a delight to watch. Sonny smashed two fours including an exquisite flick off his toes to square-leg - no tonic like some power hitting to comfort a bruised and swollen jaw. Josh and Xavier P used craft and placement to pick up more valuable runs, both running between wickets with confidence. The run-chase was finely balanced at this stage, and several Druids calmed ragged nerves by scaling the nearby perilous cyclone fencing. A glance at the batting order however should have obviated the need for such desperate measures, with Otis and Storm entrusted to the final overs. These two experienced campaigners coolly acquired the winning runs with well placed drives and a front-foot pull to Storms much beloved mid-wicket boundary. Finishing with 2/60 it was another fine win for the Cubs, top scorers Sonny with 11, Storm with 8, and Phoenix and Lachlan with 6 apiece. The first leg of the season has darted by, and the improvement in this team has been remarkable. Boys are growing into men before our eyes, and their confidence, skill and knowledge of the game has matured with each outing. Many victories have been enjoyed, a few narrow losses endured. We all look forward to the next chapter in the lives of these talented and entertaining cricketers.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 00:06:06 +0000
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