LION CUBS MAUL PANTHERS IN STUNNING START TO SEASON
Round Report - Round One
Longmuir
With so much buzz around the club going into the season, a very talented and youthful side didn't disappoint in an away win over Le Page. Campbell (47) and Hugo (22) got the boys away way to a strong start. Shorty replaced Hugo and the new captain/coach kept the scoreboard ticking over, along with the very impressive Cambo, until the latter departed with the score on 89. The production line of young guns continued, with Josh carrying on from where he left off last year, top-scoring with a brilliantly compiled 61. Our gun recruits Buddhika and Malin adjusted well to their first hits on syntho and will be better for the run. A very competitive 205 was the score at the end of our 40 overs. In return, Le Page got a taste first-hand of just how important Malin (2/39) is going to be this season, with the gun leggie taking the first wicket and involved in a very crucial run out. As per usual, Hugo backed up his exploits with the bat with 3/26. Dolly was as effective as ever with 2/29, while Liam (2/16) and Buddhika 0/34 provided great support. A special shout-out to Daniel Ewart (0/9) on his first taste of 'Longy', with the rising star looking very comfortable at the top level. Knocking Le Page over for 156, the boys will be full of confidence ahead of the home clash against reigning premiers, East Sandy.
QUINEY
Speaking of defending champions, the 'twos' started their title defence by winning the toss and posting 7/257 against Le Page. Michael (9) and Harry (32) pushed the score to 53 before everyone's favourite Zaia departed. Back in the fold after several years in the 'wilderness', Max Millwood came in next and gave everyone a reminder of just how good he is. The dreadlocked dynamo dismantled the host's attack, smashing 9 fours and 4 huge sixes on his way to a blistering 100. Rory (25) also didn't disappoint in his return to the club, while P.D (45) provided his usual captain's knock. In return, the boys fought hard to restrict Le Page, but it was to no avail, with Panthers getting the runs with an over to spare. Andrew, Rob, Cameron, Gayan and skipper all did their best to restrict the runs.
THIRDS
After winning the toss and batting against East Sandy, it turned out to be a disappointing day for the boys. It was an all-Manakis assault from the start, with Pete (47) and Ethan (4) looking good early. Gill was in next and removed the rust with a well-made 18. Davo (9) Charlie (6) and Timmsy (4) did there best to lift the score at the end, but it was Ben Radlow (13) in his return from a serious knee injury that provided the lusty hitting that was required. 143 was defendable, but a solid effort with the ball and in the field was required. Ben and gun recruit Rohit were thrown the new Kookaburra, looking to make early inroads into host's top order. And didn't Rohit do that, claiming 4/12 off eight very impressive overs. Ethan (1/26) and Timmsy were the only bowlers to back Rohit up, with sleep-deprived party boys Thomas Bruce (0/10) and Charlie (0/29) needing better preparations. In the end, the Zebras got the runs with an over to spare. Plenty to think about, boys!
FOURTHS
Taking on Brighton Union at Duncan McKinnon, Skipper Dave won the toss and sent the visitors in. Dave (1/23), Swanny (1/34), Vinod (1/28), Monty (1/13) all claimed a wicket in keeping Union to 4/190. In return, Dave and Rohan got the innings underway in imposing fashion, dispatching the ball to and over the boundary. With the damage well and truly done, Rohan departed for a classy 45. And Dave did what Dave does - makes 100s for fun! An unconquered 103 steering his side to a great win to start the season.
Two wins from four games is an encouraging start to our 2019/20 campaign, so get to training each Tuesday and Thursday to help the club build on the momentum. With more players becoming available in the coming weeks, showing your wares on the track will give the selectors plenty to think about.
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