Eltham CC

Match Report

Match report Eltham CC Vs Blue Star CC

The sort of day cricket was made for ??? clear blue skies, the sun beating down and temperatures of 28 degrees. After first seeing the mighty Lions tame the Wallabies down at Stadium Australia and setting the tone for Australian misery this summer, Eltham won the toss and elected to bat first.

After the Oppo had turned up with only 9 players and Eltham with 12 after a calculative mix up, the Skipper volunteered to help the opposition make up their numbers. Matt Rosenthal however suggested a game of short straws to decide who should switch sides. Needless to say Matt soon lined up for the oppo after losing his own game!

Will and Pete took to the crease and, after meeting some friendly bowling, soon took advantage to rattle up a quickfire 40 odd partnership before Pete fell to probably the only ball to keep low all afternoon. Matt and Jack then came and went in quick succession, with Will maintaining control at the other end with a chanceless half century. Will eventually fell for 71 after which Nik and Colin (after a contentious lbw decision early on was overturned following much chuntering and bat throwing) saw Eltham through to the close of their innings at 231. This total was largely thanks to yet more big hitting from Nik who ended with his first fifty for Eltham and more daylight between himself and others at the top of the six hitting league.

Both teams then sampled what was probably the biggest tea the club has ever seen with plates of sandwiches, cakes, crisps, savouries, fruit and scones. It was just a shame we were shortly to take the filed and could not enjoy the tea as fully as we may have liked.

Ricky and Pete opened the bowling which, after a slightly wayward start with two lefties at the crease, soon tightened up. A swift run out from Colin claimed the first scalp, while Pete was unlucky not to pick up a wicket after having a fairly straightforward chance spilled at gully.

Colin then claimed a couple of wickets following good work behind the stumps by Andy, before a strong fourth innings partnership brought the visitors back into contention. Pete, Jack and Will all got themselves in the wicket taking column as Eltham kept chipping away, but they could not dislodge the Blue Star No.5 who, along with Matt Rosenthal (how were the nerves those last few overs Matt?) held out to secure the visitors a draw.

The draw probably a fair reflection of a game played on a flat track made for batting. Roll on the next game and the weather to remain like this all season!

Ricklaaar