Match Reports
Seniors Rd 12
20 December 2009
4ths Match Report Round 12
|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | TOTAL |
| BLACKBURN | 2 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 13 |
| UPWEY | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
We started the reverse journey for the season with a rematch of round 1 opponent BLACKBURN. Since the start of the year we have improved and this was an opportunity to gauge that improvement. We may have lost by a greater margin but the ORIOLES are also an improved side so the changes needed to be assessed by more than the score.
What was good to see was the discipline and application from all the players – traits that continued throughout the game and which drew deserved respect from an opponent who knew it could not relax.
It was a day for injuries. Josh was injured in the morning, Bob injured a calf muscle during infield warm up and M itch rolled an ankle in leftfield. Sam Gray was still carrying that groin strain he aggravated last week and, although there, was not risked.
Top 1. Grant started again and threw to 6 batters for 3 hits out and 2 runs scored. The bottom of the inning we accepted the challenge as Jack got the first of two hits for the day, Doug hit as did Grant. Duncan flew out to centre, JimmyP was errored on and Steve went down swinging. But we scored 3 to put the pressure back on the visitors.
Top 2. There was only 1 hit but a combination of walks and wild pitches let 5 runs over. We went back to work with the bat and Jack got hit #2 but we went down scoreless on 4 batters.
Top 3. Grant fought back and allowed 2 runs on 2 hits and a walk. He then got a hit and was scored by JimmyP’s double but we added only that run over 6 batters.
Top 4. Doug came on to throw and allowed a lead off walk to become a run but the inning ended with a F7/7-2 double play thanks to Geoff “CUZZ” Williams. WilkoJ led off with a single but we failed to score in the bottom of the inning.
Top 5. Doug continued and allowed 1 run over 5 batters. We dug deep in the bottom of the inning to score 3 runs. Duncan’s lead off double became a run on Johnno’s single. Johnno was scored on a bunt from Cuzz and JimmyP (HPB – his 3rd in 2 games on the day) crossed on a wild pitch.
Top 6. There was time to shut ‘em down and score some runs. However we allowed 2 runs on a dropped 3rd strike, 2 walks and 1 hit to leave us needing 7 to win. We tried but could not achieve this.
We are a better team than our record indicates. The proof of this must come in return matches against sides in the second half of the season. The signs are good – our defence is steady if not outstanding, having Grant to pitch is a bonus, Doug showed good signs today and we have Jack and Josh and maybe Johnno to throw also. The batting is showing discipline and an understanding of what is needed in different situations. The application to batting to what is signalled and running the bases as called is definitely improved.
We can make finals and will play to achieve this aim. However, if we do not, it will not be for lack of trying and we will shape the finals.
A MERRY CHRISTMAS and A SAFE, HEALTHY & HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!
Pete the Penman
