GORDON VS. NORTH SYDNEY By Mitchell Kleem

Not since bygone days has this writer had the opportunity to write a 5th grade report. In fact it maybe before Justin Avendano was born. First of all, one of my new features in this issue is LOST AND FOUND. Found at Chatswood Oval just recently 1 bottle of Loreal Paris dermo expertise sublime bronze, self–tanning milk + smoothing effect with AHA, even, natural–looking tan, 12 hours hydration 150 ml face and body. If lost please phone Tony (040-FAKE-TAN).
As it turned out Millar lost the toss, things don’t change, and surprisingly we were sent in on what looked like a hardish even deck with a good cover of grass. North Sydney can never be accused of a lacklustre effort with their grounds. Their grounds people definitely earn their keep. Credit must be given where credit is due.
There was a little life in the wicket early with balls seeming around a little and bouncing. Plenty of swing early too. Don’t tell Justin how to play, he’’ll tell you how to play. Justin cruised his way to a brisk 25 before trying to noodle one through the mid – wicket area and moving well across his stumps. He was adjudged LBW.
Kris Colley (Kris Kros) arrived at the crease fresh faced and bouncing with enthusiasm. Up until date Kris’s results have been modest, but today there was a feel of self assurance. I only wish I had started playing this young. Kleem made it to 39 before looking to break the shackles trying to loft one over mid on. Kleem looked calm and collected while at the crease but looked for that trigger to really set the innings on fire. It was not to be - however both “special Ks” contributed a good partnership to the team’s cause
Cam Brown has been impressive this season with a string of handy scores. Unfortunately it was not his day and he was dismissed lbw early. Henry Carmichael came to the crease and, with Colley, were watchful and contented early on taking what runs were on offer . We went to the tea interval at about 3/100 with the rest of the afternoon to bat. During the break it was found out Justin Avendano “Googles” his own name approximately 2-to-56 times per day. According to him there around 200 pages of articles relating to the great man himself. Most are the resultsvault pages, but it is good to be popular nonetheless.
Kris Colley punches one down the ground on his way to 101
Sometimes when bored I’ll often “Google” people I know just to see what they have been up to. Just recently I typed Anthony Sherman and found all kinds of articles relating to his exciting escapades in the Northern hemisphere. I then decided to type in Tony Wilson – SHEEP but for legal reasons I am not permitted any further.
What took place after lunch was extraordinary Kris Colley and Henry Carmichael took apart the North Sydney bowling attack apart. I t was relentless. In particular Carmichael was devastating. Kris Colley was eventually dismissed for 101. This was a partnership of 208, the highest ever 4th wicket partnership in all grades. A total of 4/321 was realised at the end of the day.
I can’t comment about the warm-up on day 2, I was stuck in the terrible traffic between Cammery and ... well… Cammery. However, I do note that on day 2 we were presented with very similar conditions. Pat Effeney broke through early and eventually achieved the figures of 4/50. The spin twins Justin Avendano and Iqbal Ahmed tightened the screws. Justin ended up with the very impressive figures of 3/13 while Iqbal was very unlucky claiming just the 1 wicket for 55. I have played plenty of cricket with Iqbal and 5th grade are extremely lucky to have his services. At some clubs he’d be playing as high as 2nd grade. It should also be noted David Millar chimed in with 2/24. They were dismissed for about 180.
An excellent win by the boys and 5th grade will be looking to improve on their position against well placed Northern Districts. Until next time stay tune