The result may have been another defeat, but the effort and application of Rosaneri could not be faulted from all 11 players.
The Botany Bay team was mega strong with two 1st team players, a majority of 2nd team players, and a couple of 3rd team players. The Pinks had a good time in the field and the bowling was excellent. Against a proper 3rd XI, we have bowled them out for under a 100.
One of their 1st team batsmen carried his bat and ended unbeaten on 116. However, it could have been so different but for the width of a cigarette paper. In the 3rd over Mat bowled a beauty that actually clipped the stump, but didn’t dislodge the bails.
At the end of their innings a total of only 192 was a magnificent effort from Rosaneri against 1st and 2nd XI club batsmen.
The Rosaneri batting was much better than last week, but Shells untimely snick to the wicket keeper in the 2nd over left the team with a mountain to climb. But every player came in and set about their task with the right attitude.
A partnership between Freeman and Downing of 66 for the 7th wicket put Rosaneri in a respectable position, but the tail were blown away by a fast and accurate opening bowler. It wasn’t to be, but it would have been interesting to see the tail against the spinners as I fancy they would have added another 20 or 30 between them.
Player notebook –
Alfieri – Not his usual sharp self in the field, but didn’t make any mistakes. Batted well until he was bowled off his pads for the second week running.
Leigh – Bowled a cameo over very well and will offer the Captain another option for the future. However, will be very disappointed with his batting and ended up with his first ever Rosaneri duck.
Downing – Bowled a nice 8 over spell at a crucial period of the game, but his batting was the major contribution. Came in to steady the ship at 3 and carried his bat to end on a solid 30 not out.
S.Underwood – Brilliant bowling spell that was very economical and held a great catch. Batted with the right approach and was unlucky to snick one to the keeper.
M.Cox – Took a lovely diving catch while fielding and saved numerous boundaries with good ground fielding. Never got going with the bat.
Tona – Great attitude in the field and very solid. Started to look the part with the bat and hit a beautiful 4 before getting out going for a repeat.
Tyrrell – Kept wicket slightly below his usual standard, but did take two top class stumpings. Failed again with the bat, but did show great sportsmanship and walked when he got the most delicate of touches to the keeper. His firm umpiring was also a good show on behalf of the club.
Freeman – Bowled with great economy as has become expected, but his batting stole the show. Came in with the team in crisis and batted by example like a Captain should do to hit a career best 35. Played some lovely shots and gave the pinks some respectability against top draw oppo.
Ni.Shewring – Bowled his best spell for the club ever. On the money from the first ball and managed to contain classy batsmen. Against weaker opposition, he would have picked up a fivefer in this form. However, he had to learn a valuable lesson while batting as he was stumped for a Golden Duck.
Rose – Opened the bowling with a nice little spell against premier batsmen. Took a wicket and returned nice figures.
Shuttlewood – Really came of age with the ball and bowled a solid spell of 5 overs. Got the wicket of their 1st XI captain for nought, and if he can cut out the occasional rouge ball will have a great season next year.