40 Over League Competition
Granada Oval 14th January 2024
An exciting day in store for the two Granada teams coming head-to-head in the 40 0ver competition. The conditions were clear and sunny with warmer temperatures than the previous week expected. With the morning dew still on the pitch Stuart Ross won the toss and decided to put Granada Vegas into bat.
Tariq and Rayan were opening the batting and an early couple of wickets from Rickie and Richie saw Granada Genil with an early advantage. With Tariq still in and Captain Aakash joining him the ship was steadied and the pair started to accumulate runs at a decent rate. Just when the partnership looked to be getting away Stuart took the important wicket of Akash for good knock of 61. In quick succession two quick wickets from Phil in an over, including Tariq who was the backbone of the innings for a magnificent 85, which pegged the rapid scoring from Granada Vegas back, if only briefly.
Ribin arrived at the crease looking to increase the scoring rate and played some expansive shots eventually scoring a quickfire 61 off 31 balls only getting out to a brilliant bit of fielding on the boundary. Richie taking a catch on the boundary saw he was going over tossed the ball up to Hashim, who had the presence of mind to run toward Richie, to make a remarkable relay catch for Ribins dismissal.
Both Sebin (15 runs) and Jamie (19 runs) made valuable runs at the end of the innings for a total of 288. Sam, making a rare start at wicket keeper, played well and took three catches during the innings. For Granada Genil, Phil kept up his good recent form with taking 2 for 52 off his 8 overs and Captain Stu took 3 for 58 off his 8 overs.
With the Sun shining Mike and Richie came to the crease to open the Granada Genil innings knowing a good opening partnership was required. The left-hand right-hand combination worked well and the opening pair accumulated runs at a steady rate seeing off the opening bowling. Both Todd and Giles produced some tight bowling never letting Granada Genil the chance to reduce the required rate.
In the final over before the drinks break, a quick run was called for but Sebin produced a quick throw back for Mike to be run out for a steady 24 runs, but Granada Genil could be satisfied with the 134 for first wicket partnership.
After drinks Phil joined Richie at the crease looking to keep the scoring rate going to put Granada Genil in a position to play more expansively to chase down the total. Aakash rotated his bowlers well and all, Sebin, Jamie, Giles, Tariq, Todd and Sid did well not to let the game get away from them. With both Phil and Richie going well and going pass 50, two quick wickets brought Granada Vegas right back into the game. Tarik took the wicket of Phil for an impressive 52 and Giles taking Richie for an excellent 77. This left Granada Genil requiring 80 runs in 9 overs with Pep and Sam coming to the crease. In a high-pressure game Pep and Sam looked to get after the bowling to bring the run rate down but, good bowling from all the Granada Vegas bowlers, never let them get away. Eventually after going for a quick run, Sam was run out for 20. With the score on 270 with 2 overs remaining and requiring 29 runs Aakash brough back on Tariq, which proved to be an inspired move as he produced a magnificent over conceding only 6 runs. With Aakash bowling the final over neither Pep or Ricki could get the required runs leaving Granada Genil short by 8 runs and Pep not out on 37.
Granada Vegas ran out deserved winners in this highly entertaining close match. Tariq is the well-deserved player of the match for his top score of 89 runs and impressive death bowling.