Cavaliers Draw with 54th O.C.A.

54th batting intentions were clear from the start – hit out. An early wicket loss (charging down the wicket in the second over) didn’t appear to have any effect on that approach but tight bowling from Chad Potter and James Appleby kept them honest and after 15 overs 54th were going at less than 3 and half an over. But wickets were in hand and no3, Calderwood, was set in and looking dangerous.

It took a magnificent run out from Chad Potter – direct hit from extra cover – to remove the Calderwood, but still 54th came out to play their shots. The risk is of course loss of wickets and we did pick them up – Toby Lelean removing no.5 Majab (who moved from 35 to 50 in four balls) and taking 2 other well deserved wickets.

Debutant Jake Holmes also bowled well, but 54th accelerated with the last 7 overs going for over 70. A declaration at 198 off 35 overs was nicely judged – we were to face about 40 overs at a required rate of about 5 an over – incentive for both teams to push for the win.

54th play limited 40 over games and until this match had won all their games this season. You can see why. Their bowling was very accurate which made it difficult to get anything away (and when we did it went straight to the fielder) and this, coupled with attacking batting is, no doubt, the winning combination. However, as you know, a time game introduces the draw.

The required run rate increased but Clive Henderson (31) dealt with the pressure and kept his wicket intact. A decent stand with Chad Potter (27) all but ensured we would not lose but victory was beyond us. We were over 80 runs short at the close.

A thank you to all the team for preparing the tea and especial thanks to Chris Burgess and Angus Imrie for clearing away and tidying up after tea.

Man of the match – for his overall contribution in bowling (although wicketless the most economical by far) in the field and with the bat – Chad Potter.
(report by Mark Boag)