Karori Wildcats 237/6, P.Fernando 63 (27), B.Bradley 55 (25)
Onslow Stale Danes 118/10, K.Taylor 1-5 (2), B.Bradley 1-6 (2)
Ian Galloway Park #1
With the 4 grading games completed the Wildcats achieved the first milestone of the season being placed into Division 1 along with 11 other teams. Action kicked off early this week with a Friday change of venue and opposition – luckily for the novice captains Peter Fernando was still in his old habits of browsing CricHQ Friday mornings and alerts us to the change.
Having played against the Stale Danes a couple weeks earlier in grading the Wildcats were eager to bat first and a win of the toss ensured this. The game started slightly late as a car load of the Stale Danes were late due to a “police situation” no further explanation was provided.
Stale Danes were missing their quick bowler who featured last time which weakened their bowling attack. George and Blair opened the batting with a strong partnership of 92 (from 8 overs) before George was out caught on 46. Blair pushed through to get his fifty but was gone shortly after. Enter Peter Fernando a man who most will know as a deadly pace bowler, promoted up the order with a licence to thrill and he didn’t disappoint! Some delicate glances and bludgeoning blows rocketed Nando to 63 off 27 and he donated a few cricket balls to the Ian Galloway Bushes on the way. Ben Allan played a good supporting role racking up 38 off 26. With the score having ticked over 220 and the last few balls remaining, Crofty eager to keep the pressure on the Stale Danes went for a quick run and made superman dive onto the rock hard ground* only to wind himself and end up in heap gasping for air (run out).
With 237 on the board Dan implemented the All Blacks rotation policy giving 9 bowlers a go. The mix of bowlers and bowling ability was a tough combination for the Stale Danes as no batter was able to push on. All bowlers picked up one wicket and a sharp run out to Ben Allan wrapped up the the Stale Danes innings 119 runs short.
A good start the regular season for the Wildcats!
Chahoo
*A very dry start to Wellington summer