Review Rd 14 v Richmond

In the second last encounter of the home and away season, the bombers took on famous old rivals Richmond in season defining games for all four elevens.
 
The firsts were fighting to keep their finals aspirations alive and won the toss and batted first, and lost Reynolds early on. Fletcher and Bryant then formed a solid partnership of a tick over a 100, before Scooter fell for a typically dashing 40. Fletch carried on to post yet another half-century (68) in what has been a brilliant season, while Bergs chipped in with 20. Paul Gloury continued to consolidate his position in the strong ones batting line up with 60 not out, while the tail, apart from Reidy, provided little support in the total of 237. The following week it was the bowlers turn and despite bowling reasonably well, couldn't unfortunately make the required breakthroughs. While generating a few chances that were dropped by the fielders, the Tigers batsman passed us comfortably, only losing 5 wickets in the process. Of the bowlers, Smith and Buhagiar each picked up 2 wickets apiece, while Slevison got one. Overall, a slightly disappointing game considering what was on the line, but nevertheless, the effort could not be faulted. While the ones remain a mathematical chance to make the finals, that remains unlikely in what has been a frustrating season compounded by last ball losses and unfortunate washouts.
 
The seconds were under the leadership of John Patton for the first time, and were under immense pressure early, with Rory Collins trying to drive the first ball of the game for four and nicking up, and JP following shortly after to leave us reeling at 2-8. Ben MacRae and James Dickinson then joined forces to form a partnership of 227, a club record in the 2nd XI for the third wicket. Benny Mac eventually fell for a well compiled 155, while Dicko departed for 84. We then looked to accelerate and did so virtue of Lucas Kennedy's hitting, smashing 83 off just 82 balls. Eventually we finished on 8/380, and we were quietly confident of getting the points. The bowlers did a splendid job all day on day 2, with Richmond declaring 200 runs short in the 1st innings, courtesy of Andrews (3/18). We then had a 3 over slog and D.Mckay smashed 30 not out, and let everyone know about his batting prowess. We bowled again and romped home, with Huss picking up 4, and Wilson and myself 2 apiece. All in all a comprehensive victory which sees us rocket to 7th place on the ladder.
 
In the threes, Colonel Sanders made his long awaited comeback Ben Cousins style, but unfortunately the boys didn't celebrate his comeback as well as they should have. Batting first, we were rolled for 115, with only Carton (34), Hunichen (27*), Mayne (18) and Sanders (14) passing double figures. Richmond passed us very comfortably, with future superstar Zaheer Hussain grabbing 5 wickets with his finger-clicking leggies. The Tigers sent us back in a nd we were rolled again, this time though we were dismissed for only 65. Incredibly disappointing, with only Abs getting double figures. That said, we still remain 3rd on the ladder, and this just may prove the wake-up call that we needed.
 
The fours, lead by captaincy debutant Stu Rixon, bowled first and proved expensive, conceding 316 off Richmond's allotted 80 overs. Of the bowlers, no one was spectacular but everyone was steady, with the wickets being shared. With the blade, we were attacking, scoring at more than 4 per over, but the last man was dismissed in the 60th over, which may indicate that we weren't quite patient enough and weren't prepared to bat time. One of the real highlights was Jimmy "Mrs" Palmer, who posted his first 100 for the ECC, an innings which included five 6's. All said and done, that wasn't enough as we fell approximately 60 runs short. The fourths remain an outisde chance to make it, but will need to win comfortably and rely on results to scrape in.
 
Next we take on Footscary Edgewater in the last home and away game of the season.
 
Till next time,
 
MJ

Past Reviews

Rd 13 Vs Melbourne Uni

Rd 12 Vs Prahran

Rd 11 Vs Ringwood

Rd 10 Vs Melbourne

Rd 9 Vs Northcote

Rd 8 vs Geelong