THE Pirate's A Grade hosted Pambula on day one of a two-day match last Saturday. Stand-in skipper, Dean Friskin, hesitantly sent the visitors in to bat first. However, this proved to be a master stroke as the Pirate's bowlers made use of the humidity and breeze to swing the ball and unsettle all the Pambula batsmen.
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Opening bowler, Les Roberts-Thomson (3-22 from 13 overs) set the tone of the bowling innings by taking the first two wickets with the score at 16. He was well supported by Elijah Blair (2-11) who capture the next two wickets to have Pambula in trouble at 4–36.
Pambula was unable to recover from this start as the Pirate's bowlers continued to apply pressure with well-directed bowling which was backed up by excellent fielding and catching.
Nick Mason, an experienced cricketer with Tuross and Bodalla in years gone by, made an auspicious return to top grade cricket by further damaging Pambula's innings with an inspiring spell of 10 overs which netted him 3 wickets for only 9 runs. Matt Moore (1-8 from 5 overs), showed that his off spin bowling is maturing nicely and he is very likely to play an important role in the second innings this weekend.
Pambula was bowled out before the tea break for a score of 61. Southern Eurobodalla began the run chase in shaky fashion, losing two early wickets for only 12 runs. However, Jay Preston (16), Michael Filmer-Smith (55) and Russell Thompson (69) consolidated the Pirate's innings to take the score to 8-179 at the close of play. The 123 run partnership between Michael and Russell was a mixture of quick singles and crowd pleasing big hitting. Also, it was the first century partnership for the newly formed cricket club.
The match continues this Saturday, when skipper Friskin will have to decide whether to continue batting with the three remaining, capable batsmen, or declare the first innings closed with a lead of 118 runs. An outright win is essential for the Pirates if they are to consolidate second position on the A Grade ladder.
After being so close on numerous occasions, the C Grade team finally celebrated their second win of the season against Mallacoota. The Pirates made a very competitive score of 7-184 from their 40 overs. Sam Young showed maturity beyond his years to top score with 54 while veterans Paul Frank (51) and Tim Watson (30) provided great support with their innings. In reply, Mallacoota were bowled out for 132. Skipper and usual wicket keeper, Boyd Brennan, gave up the pads to capture 3-11. The remaining wickets were shared between the other bowlers. This was a spirit lifting win for the C Grade and just reward for toiling hard all summer.
The B Grade Pirates had a bye last weekend and they are keen to get back on the park at Bodalla against Tathra. This team must win its last two matches to qualify for the semi-finals. Training and selection is on Thursday at Dalmeny Oval between 4.30pm and 6.30pm.
Once again, a huge thank you to our supportive sponsors Club Narooma, Club Dalmeny, Narooma IGA, Shell Narooma, Richard Busuttil and Michaels at Dalmeny.
Southern Eurobodalla C Grade
The Southern Eurobodalla C Grade side travelled to Bega to take on fellow cellar dwellers Mallacoota. Both sides are at both the southern and northern extremes of the Far South Coast Cricket Association.
Captain Boyd Brennan won the toss and decided to bat first and was soon in trouble as the side was reduced to 3/24 as the Mallacoota attack cleaned up the top order. Enter veteran Paul Frank and promising junior Sam Young who after a slow start were able to take to the Mallacoota attack putting on a 100 plus partnership before Frank retired for 51. Enter Tim Watson who then belted 30 off 8 balls to put the young pirate side on their way to the highly competitive total of 7/184.
The Mallacoota side got to a solid start before young Lachlan Brennan removed Indy Hodson for 24 with the score at 1/43. The Southern Eurobodalla side had to work hard for wickets as the game remained in the balance. Enter Ed Gwynne 1/6, following a sensational one handed catch which lifted the side which dismissed the dangerous Reichelt for 32 and along with skipper and usual wicket keeper, Boyd Brennan, who gave up the pads to capture 3-11 as they cleaned up the tail as Mallacoota were dismissed for 132.
The remaining wickets were shared between the other bowlers. This was a spirit lifting win for the C Grade and just reward for toiling hard all summer.
