Friday, October 2, 2009
DRAVID IS BORING TO THE EYE!!
I've never particuarly found Rahul Dravids style of play kind on the eye. Sure alot of cricket is getting through the hard yards early but he is tiresome to watch.http://cricket24x7.blogspot.com/2009/08/dravids-selection-just-doesnt-make.html
IS THE ONE DAY FORMAT DYING
I would like to think there is a place for all formats in the game. The reality is that the crowd attendances have been down ever since the introduction of the 20/20 format. Perhaps administration could look into ways of making players go hell for leather for a full 50 overs. Does anyone have any suggestions from Cricket24x7?http://cricket24x7.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
GORDON VS. NORTHERN DISTRICTS
Once upon a time there lived the mighty Gordon 4’s
Who ventured to Asquith Oval for a worthy cause
Iqbal Ahmed lost the toss and ND’s sent us into bat
Gordon batsman waited and sat.
Kleem departed cheaplyWith runs craved so deeply
James Martin fell to a curse
His mum is apparently former Miss Universe
Crawford and Marvell departed quickly
And the scorecard looked rather sickly
Jono Wigham managed 26
Not enough to impress the chicks.
Chad Soper batted brilliantly for 74
What an excellent innings we all saw.
Iqbal Ahmed got 41 nine short of a half ton.
210 was a the total to defend
a miracle was required uymar was to send
He took 2/38The others would have to wait.
Chad Soper took 1/43
But that was all there would be
ND’S passed our score
That’s the news in grade four
Who ventured to Asquith Oval for a worthy cause
Iqbal Ahmed lost the toss and ND’s sent us into bat
Gordon batsman waited and sat.
Kleem departed cheaplyWith runs craved so deeply
James Martin fell to a curse
His mum is apparently former Miss Universe
Crawford and Marvell departed quickly
And the scorecard looked rather sickly
Jono Wigham managed 26
Not enough to impress the chicks.
Chad Soper batted brilliantly for 74
What an excellent innings we all saw.
Iqbal Ahmed got 41 nine short of a half ton.
210 was a the total to defend
a miracle was required uymar was to send
He took 2/38The others would have to wait.
Chad Soper took 1/43
But that was all there would be
ND’S passed our score
That’s the news in grade four
GORDON VS. MOSMAN By Mitchell Kleem
Greetings fellow turkeys. May I begin this report in passing comment on Higgins column titled Missy’s Mail. In this column Higgins takes great delight in making fun of Kleem’s pursuit for the perfect female companion via rsvp. I find this hilarious and only wish there were a few other people in the club like me but I am told there is no-one. He also passes judgment on the issue of haircuts. A particularly sensitive issue to both of us. Higgins was recently seen with a new lady by his side a couple of weeks ago. Higgins, I tell you when you’re batting not to chase the wide ones. This also applies off the field.
4th grade ventured to Allan Border Oval on the weekend to take on the Whales. Our inspirational leader Las Kanangara (the 10th for the year) was to keep stumps. He won the toss and elected to bowl. Las’s captaincy since being at the helm has been fantastic. He provides an environment where everyone’s opinion is welcome and this suits this team with the particular individuals we have.
While on the subject of wicketkeepers what does Michael Jackson and Ian Higgins have in common? They both where gloves for no apparent reason.
I feel this was a good decision by Las due to the fact the pitch would only get better as the day went on and there was a lot of dew in the outfield because of the early start. Unfortunately Chris Lee forgot it was a one dayer and did not arrive until 11:30. All the guys were pretty cool about it and went about there jobs as if nothing happened. The first wicket occurred in about the tenth over on about 50, but the opposition failed to have enough skill in taking advantage of the one less fielder.
Enter Alistair Fitzpatrick a former Gordon player. Very reminiscent of a young Geoffrey Boycott in his heyday managed 38 off 40 overs. Their number 7 batsman managed some hefty blows down the ground to excel the run rate. In the end they were all out for around 230.
The bowlers all chipped in with Pic, Umayr and Longhurst picking up one each and Plummer taking three.
Our batting from the start showed intent with Anthony “the Shermanator” Sherman dominating early proceedings. During his brief stay at the crease he played some lusty pull shots and shots down the ground. He was out for 39 trying to play one of his favourite cut shots. Kleem took off where Pic left while Dan Rictor kept the score moving along. Eventually Kleem was out trying to hook one which skied to square leg for 48.
Five – Neil Longhurst entered the fray and looked confident from the start. The game never really looked in doubt. Stuart Slocombe managed to hold tight while Neil kept dispatching balls to the boundary. We eventually passed them down with 3 wickets.
A good day had by all and the song was sung with great gusto. We look forward to our game against the Bulldogs this week.
4th grade ventured to Allan Border Oval on the weekend to take on the Whales. Our inspirational leader Las Kanangara (the 10th for the year) was to keep stumps. He won the toss and elected to bowl. Las’s captaincy since being at the helm has been fantastic. He provides an environment where everyone’s opinion is welcome and this suits this team with the particular individuals we have.
While on the subject of wicketkeepers what does Michael Jackson and Ian Higgins have in common? They both where gloves for no apparent reason.
I feel this was a good decision by Las due to the fact the pitch would only get better as the day went on and there was a lot of dew in the outfield because of the early start. Unfortunately Chris Lee forgot it was a one dayer and did not arrive until 11:30. All the guys were pretty cool about it and went about there jobs as if nothing happened. The first wicket occurred in about the tenth over on about 50, but the opposition failed to have enough skill in taking advantage of the one less fielder.
Enter Alistair Fitzpatrick a former Gordon player. Very reminiscent of a young Geoffrey Boycott in his heyday managed 38 off 40 overs. Their number 7 batsman managed some hefty blows down the ground to excel the run rate. In the end they were all out for around 230.
The bowlers all chipped in with Pic, Umayr and Longhurst picking up one each and Plummer taking three.
Our batting from the start showed intent with Anthony “the Shermanator” Sherman dominating early proceedings. During his brief stay at the crease he played some lusty pull shots and shots down the ground. He was out for 39 trying to play one of his favourite cut shots. Kleem took off where Pic left while Dan Rictor kept the score moving along. Eventually Kleem was out trying to hook one which skied to square leg for 48.
Five – Neil Longhurst entered the fray and looked confident from the start. The game never really looked in doubt. Stuart Slocombe managed to hold tight while Neil kept dispatching balls to the boundary. We eventually passed them down with 3 wickets.
A good day had by all and the song was sung with great gusto. We look forward to our game against the Bulldogs this week.
GORDON VS. PENRITH By Mitchell Kleem
I managed to to get hold of Mike Weaver on Friday evening to arrange a lift to Cook Oval. At 6am my alarm goes off and I struggle to get out of bed. Must be the muggy weather of recent time. Although in a slight rush I manage to stop off at the local bakery and collect an assortment of wholemeal bread rolls which was to provide sufficient carbohydrate nourishment for the long day ahead.
I arrive at Weaves place and the lazy sod is still in bed. I remind him of our obligations to arrive punctual and eventually we get on Parramatta Road. Kleem is dissatisfied with Weaves alternative selection of music and decides to make the change from triple j to triple m. Weave manages to proceed between the white lines which gives Kleem confidence to observe the tags and graffiti scrawled along Parramatta Road.
Onto the M4 and along came the Mamre Road exit and we get to the ground. However, the interesting thing is there is no driveway leading to the ground. Instead you must proceed over the kerb. Surely the local council could look into providing the ground with this additional amenity as Weaves was very concerned with damaging his vehicle. There is no way B-Mac would get his bomb over it.
With a number of new players selected, due to unavailability, this day would prove to be a real test of character for those involved. John Blake was made captain and handled himself very well. He was very diplomatic and happy to listen to other people’s opinions.
Weaves and young Colley were listed to open. Colley was unlucky and tried to flick one off his legs which went sky high to mid on and the catch was taken. Colley out for a globe.
Due to the festive season Kleem went about his merry way and proceeded to hit successive boundaries while Weaver provided a solid platform at the other end. Kleem dispatched strokes through the covers, off his legs, on and off drives, Late cuts and pulls until he was dismissed a little after the drinks break for 69 trying to flick one off his legs over fine leg.
Weaves at the other end managed to play some impressive strokes including a glorious off drive to the boundary and couple of pulls. He was finally dismissed for 36 trying to lift the run rate. Mike always has the team’s best interest at heart.
Stuart Slocombe managed to play the stroke of the day a smashing back foot cut through point for 4. He was finally dismissed for 28. Stuart is due for a big one but in the meantime he manages to peel off 20’s, 30’s and 40’s in good fashion.
John Blake was able to compile a useful innings of 52 while Richtor, Lawry, Lee and Mahaffey all departed cheaply. One of the stars was Emile Van Kwik (Schalkwyk) who smoked 30 odd to take the score to a respectable 245 off 59 overs.
We all knew early wickets would be the key. Chris Lee was almost unplayable, bowling deliveries which off a length seared past the batsmen’s head. Unfortunately the opening batsman who scored seventy was dropped in slips early in his innings which would prove costly - but hey these things happen. Emile Van Kwik was very impressive taking 3 wickets. John Blake managed a great caught and bowled chance and got an lbw when the batsmen was hit on the full. Elliott Richtor was unlucky not to collect a wicket bowling a yorker which hit the batsmen’s toe on the full. It’s never easy explaining or writing about a loss as the memories begin to arise.
Weaver dispatches one to the square leg fence
In hindsight there were a few chances which should have been taken. In previous matches that I have played at Gordon we usually get over them and bowl the batsmen out but we paid dearly this time. I know myself have become quite conscious this season of making an effort at training in the field. Mick Falk is only too happy to assist in giving hundreds of catches. When you think about it, catching is a difficult art. You are trying to get a tiny round red thing stuck between your hands. The application requires constant repetition and confidence. If you make an effort during the week you can be satisfied knowing you tried your best and that’s all your team mates can ask. There is enough serious talent at this club that things will start going your way and catches will stick
I arrive at Weaves place and the lazy sod is still in bed. I remind him of our obligations to arrive punctual and eventually we get on Parramatta Road. Kleem is dissatisfied with Weaves alternative selection of music and decides to make the change from triple j to triple m. Weave manages to proceed between the white lines which gives Kleem confidence to observe the tags and graffiti scrawled along Parramatta Road.
Onto the M4 and along came the Mamre Road exit and we get to the ground. However, the interesting thing is there is no driveway leading to the ground. Instead you must proceed over the kerb. Surely the local council could look into providing the ground with this additional amenity as Weaves was very concerned with damaging his vehicle. There is no way B-Mac would get his bomb over it.
With a number of new players selected, due to unavailability, this day would prove to be a real test of character for those involved. John Blake was made captain and handled himself very well. He was very diplomatic and happy to listen to other people’s opinions.
Weaves and young Colley were listed to open. Colley was unlucky and tried to flick one off his legs which went sky high to mid on and the catch was taken. Colley out for a globe.
Due to the festive season Kleem went about his merry way and proceeded to hit successive boundaries while Weaver provided a solid platform at the other end. Kleem dispatched strokes through the covers, off his legs, on and off drives, Late cuts and pulls until he was dismissed a little after the drinks break for 69 trying to flick one off his legs over fine leg.
Weaves at the other end managed to play some impressive strokes including a glorious off drive to the boundary and couple of pulls. He was finally dismissed for 36 trying to lift the run rate. Mike always has the team’s best interest at heart.
Stuart Slocombe managed to play the stroke of the day a smashing back foot cut through point for 4. He was finally dismissed for 28. Stuart is due for a big one but in the meantime he manages to peel off 20’s, 30’s and 40’s in good fashion.
John Blake was able to compile a useful innings of 52 while Richtor, Lawry, Lee and Mahaffey all departed cheaply. One of the stars was Emile Van Kwik (Schalkwyk) who smoked 30 odd to take the score to a respectable 245 off 59 overs.
We all knew early wickets would be the key. Chris Lee was almost unplayable, bowling deliveries which off a length seared past the batsmen’s head. Unfortunately the opening batsman who scored seventy was dropped in slips early in his innings which would prove costly - but hey these things happen. Emile Van Kwik was very impressive taking 3 wickets. John Blake managed a great caught and bowled chance and got an lbw when the batsmen was hit on the full. Elliott Richtor was unlucky not to collect a wicket bowling a yorker which hit the batsmen’s toe on the full. It’s never easy explaining or writing about a loss as the memories begin to arise.
Weaver dispatches one to the square leg fence
In hindsight there were a few chances which should have been taken. In previous matches that I have played at Gordon we usually get over them and bowl the batsmen out but we paid dearly this time. I know myself have become quite conscious this season of making an effort at training in the field. Mick Falk is only too happy to assist in giving hundreds of catches. When you think about it, catching is a difficult art. You are trying to get a tiny round red thing stuck between your hands. The application requires constant repetition and confidence. If you make an effort during the week you can be satisfied knowing you tried your best and that’s all your team mates can ask. There is enough serious talent at this club that things will start going your way and catches will stick
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
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
GORDON VS. SUTHERLAND By Mitchell Kleem
Punctuality to the game was an issue of concern the previous week. Under the guidance and tutelage of our new skipper Will Sweeney we all made it on time. The Sherminator (Anthony Sherman) was heard mumbling in the background '' You’re all on time for Wilbur you cockroaches''. Geoff Hickman tried to coax Mitch to own up who was late but Mitch being the team man, he refused to say. [Editor’s Note: If the tardiness of this report is anything to go by, Mitch would have been unable to tell Geoff who was late as he would have been last there!]
A mild workout began and a sense of new found inspiration was sought with the return of Damon Livermore. Damon's grandparents grew up next door to where I grew up in Cremorne. We would often run into Damon's uncle Reg Livermore and soon become interested in his outrageous live performances act. Damon's cousins were often heard singing too, practising for their next recital. The Livermores were often responsible for teeing off golf balls on the neighbours below while I just spray painted the park down the road.
The Shermanator and Anthony (Please wax my back) Cubbage opened the batting. Shermsy captures the imagination of the Australian people (people of Australia - or if Mark Taylor (Stralya ) with some gorgeous strokeplay. One particular shot was a superb drive through extra cover on the rise. You just had to be there. Anthony was dismissed for 28.
Our star with the ball Adam Cubbage was dismissed early in his innings off the gloves to the wicketkeeper. Adam will soon decide soon whether or not whether the opening position is for him. In fact while I screen through the team sheets I notice the selectors have made that decision for him. The opening batsman is usually the most nervous and selfish person in the side because he knows he has to bat straight away or he has to bat for 2 overs at the end of the day. However I read that nerves are there to motivate you. Kleem joined Livermore and the two set about building some sort of partnership. With the score on 110, Kleem skied one off the edge of the bat to midwicket for 48. Enter Will Sweeney who came to the crease to support Livermore. These two once again stabilised the innings but Wilbur was dismissed in the late thirties which was a very handy knock.
Our new South African recruit Tjaard Tait coming off some useful contributions in recent weeks made a concerted effort not to lose his wicket early. He made a useful twenty adding to his ever - growing bag of wickets. Fitness guru and personal trainer Shayne Lin entered the fray but was there only briefly. Young Justin Avendano (the frozen one) looked a million bucks. After three balls at the crease Justin asked for the scoreboard to be updated. Justin has impressed us all with his can do attitude, work ethic and is not frightened of anyone. We eventually ended at 278 with a day to play.
On day 2 we resumed batting with two wickets in hand however Avendano fell sick the day before and was unable to bat. We lasted one over. The Sutherland opeing batsman had only three overs to prepare and we eagerly anticipated a flurry of wickets. Pat Effeney made an early breakthrough dismissing one of their openers. However progress was not to come with two left handers at the crease taking proceedings to tea with the score a hundred or so. It was a break we needed to recharge the batteries. Soon after tea the boys worked hard on shining one side of the ball and Dan Lake began to move a few around. Tjaard Tait dismissed one of the lefties with the ball going away.
Timmy Fulton delivers a beautiful outswinger for his skipper
After this, they were no match for Cubbage, who began drifting in and spinning away from the right handers. Cubby ended with 5 for and Tjaard 4. A great example of how things can quickly change. They were dismissed for 140 odd.
Sydney University this week and as usual they will have a couple of older heads around guiding their team. We will have to be switched on.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
