*GAME 1*
GCC won the toss and bowled hoping to put early pressure on CDS with a swinging ball. They batted aggressively and generally-speaking got away from us at times, without really posting a big score. Our bowling was pretty effective, and with some luck, some of the lofted changes and miss hits could have gone to fieldsman, and potentially the story could have been different.
What we learned from this game is that, despite a solid opening partnership, we need to start our innings far quicker and put their bowling under more pressure. With some luck, the result could have been different. But that is cricket! :)
Short report, sure… who want to reflect too much on a loss :) especially with what was to come.
- Todd
*Summary*
Costa del Sol 196 / 4
GCC135
CdS won by 61 runs
Brett 53 | Todd 31 | Aakash 25
Aakash 1/33 off 4 | Sammy 1/35 off 3
*GAME 2*
After losing the toss CDS decided to bat first in the second game, possibly confident in their batting based on their performance in the first game. After a tight first over from Todd, Aakash was brought into the attack and was rewarded with the early breakthrough of Ricki who was one of the top scorers in the previous game. Todd followed this up in the next over with another wicket (brilliant take from Richie) which put early pressure on CDS. The CDS dangermen, AJ and Lee, who scored well in the first match were now at the crease. Aakash was particularly effective in restricting the runs that AJ and Lee were looking to score. As a result, there were more expansive shots being attempted to try and pile on the runs, however 3 catches went down off Todd’s bowling, one off Sebin and another of someone else. This could have cost us on another day, but what happened next showed our fighting qualities and determination not to let this slip.
The introduction of James to the bowling attack brought quick dividends getting Lee out. CDS looked to continue to attack with AJ again being particularly effective. Our bowling attack kept plugging away and although there were some chances that went begging the pressure was kept on. James, Brett, and Sebin overs in the middle of their innings brought the fall of regular wickets and ensured that CDS never had a significant partnership and as a result, CDS were 8 down by the end of the 15th over with 151 on the board. With the lower order now in, Richie and Aakash were brought back into the attack and they both bowled beautifully. As a result, the runs in the last overs dried up and the remaining wickets were taken with CDS bowled out in the 19th over posting a total of 171.
Our bowlers did a fantastic job, all contributing, Richie picking up 3 wickets off his 4 overs for 27 runs, Aakash a stellar 2 wickets off his 4 over only going for 15 runs, James again, economical picking up a couple of wickets and managing to not be sick on the field, and Todd and Brett a wicket apiece.
With 172 runs to get Richie and Aakash opened the batting. Possibly with thoughts of the first game and getting behind the run rate, Aakash, went on the attack. Richie looked to play the anchor role and nudged and nurdled the to get Aakash back on strike. Aakash played some glorious strokes and the ball was flying to all areas of the field. The run rate was on or around the 10 runs an over with both Aakash and Richie at the crease. Eventually Aakash was out in the 7th over with 69 runs on the board. At that point Aakash had scored an incredible 54 runs off 25 balls, a strike rate of 216, with 6 fours and three sixes. It was some of the best clean hitting of any GCC player ever.
With James misjudging a shot to the outfield, Mr Consistent, Brett came to the crease with the score on 75. Both Richie and Brett played very sensibly, scoring and running between the wickets well (yes, including Brett!). They continued to make sure the run rate was kept high enough and perhaps the most surprising thing was how few runs Brett was getting to score with his trademark shot to the legside. The run rate required was well in check and whatever bowlers CDS put on, Richie and Brett continued to score well. After contributing 46 runs to a partnership of 96 Brett fell with the score 1 short of the total. Todd came in and the final run was made with a wide, so no one hitting the winning runs, and Richie being left on a fantastic 59 runs.
The bowling performance was stellar, and we made sure that we kept pressure on CDS with regular wickets. We still have areas to improve upon and I'm sure we would all like to take all our catches to make it easier on ourselves. The energy and enthusiasm in the field was infectious and we need to ensure we all support and encourage each other to get the best for the team and ourselves. The batting in the second game was tremendous, from the fast start to the sensibly paced run chase. Well done boys, I was buzzing after that and I hope everyone enjoyed that feeling. Let's try and make it a habit!
- Chris
*Summary*
Costa del Sol 171 / 10
GCC172 / 3
GCC won by 7 wickets
Richie 59 n.o. | Aakash 53 | Brett 46
Richie 3/27 off 4 | Aakash 2/15 off 4 | James 2/19 off 2.3