Saturday 7th of March
Saturday 7th of March the Noa played Southbrook in very extreme conditions, high temperatures and very strong winds. Losing the toss (Zinny) we were put into bat. Then a major change before we started, the captaincy was handed over to Hayden Ryan.
Opening the batting were Sincock and Hamilton, and that was very short lived. Sincock 1 and Hamilton 9 (but a very good 9). In rocks Mr Olsen and what an outstanding display of batting with 84, poetry in motion and well supported by the man who keeps wickets Derek Scott with a frustrating 38.
Then the man who is reaching his peak in life, (with his own personal trainer) Mr Andy Pope only 9 this week but showing intense speed between the wickets. Eddie Tirikatene in at 6 and thats what he returned 6 obviously waiting for a big effort in the field.
Nathan Lang at 7 showed how to run between wickets and stay to finish the innings with a fine 16 not out. Jock McDonald ONCE AGAIN out doing brother in law Zinny with a fast 5 but a beautifully executed boundary in that fine knock. Then we had the captain who sent the ball all over the park, tremendous effort of 23 not out, this pushed the run rate well up to finish with 217 for 7.
Into the field we went and the game was won by share brilliance from the bowling attack. Every fielder challenging themselves to field better than ever before. Bad luck to Zinny as he must have been carrying some kind of injury as he was struggling to pick up the ball on the boundary and missed a sitter of a catch. With the winds and temperatures peaking in the last over, two catches were put down but this can be accepted due to the conditions, bad luck Jock.
The bowlers figures were outstanding as said.
G Olsen 8 overs,1m,1 for 27
M Hamilton 6 overs,0 for 22
P Heffernan 6 overs, 0 for 20
R Cherry 8 overs,2 for 32
N Lang 3 overs,1 for 27
M Sincock 3 overs,0 for 20
H Ryan 6 overs, 1m, 2 for 20
Southbrook 178 for 7 off the 40
Bring on the finals and all the best next week.
Colin
Match report 21st February 2009
Swannanoa v Fernside-Ashgrove at Swannanoa instead of Ashgrove.
Well this week was interesting. All week it looked like we were struggling to get a team. Some of the team are playing for valley on the P___ and didnt think they could double up (dedication boys). Finally we get it together, and then on Thursday night it begins to rain. Friday brings even more rain. Trev has taught the current management one thing, the noa boys do not ever, ever, ever give up easily.
Bloody technology. Friday night first text, cricket doesnt look likely, have we been called off yet? Saturday dawns and more rain and another text cricket off?. No! For gods sake Geoff you are bloody near 50, you shouldnt know how to text! Before the floodgates open the bulk text goes out, weather clearing, cricket may be on, just wait. 8:30am Phone call to Devlin answer machine, how do we contact Fernside-Ashgrove?
9:00am change of tact, call a fella who knows a fella who knows how to get in contact with another fella. Gudday Swannanoa Cricket here, we want to play, you guys may not be able to have a home game but how about coming to the noa? Well come back to you.
11:00am. Yep. Were keen. If we can play at yours that would be good. Another bulk text. Game on. Replies from Cherry, Hamilton and Murdoch and the old fella that somehow knows how to text, questioning our sanity. Come on you soft b*****ds! Cherry pulls out and there is a mild panic. Oh my God we only have 10. How many fellas in the team that live under a petticoat government?
12:30pm and it is absolutely bucketing down at the noa. Shit we only have 10, it is raining cats and dogs, and the opposition is as keen as mustard. What have we done? Gudday Popey, look it doesnt look like you will have Valley duties tomorrow and we are short, come on out and play. No. Bugger.
Zinny bravely accepted the mantle of captain this week, and despite the advice of 9 of his teammates he decided to bowl first and take the responsibility of wicketkeeper. Heffernan charged in with the first ball and delivered a short delivery to the opening batsman who swung hard and heaved the ball high towards the square leg fieldsman, an absolute sitter of a catch was spilled by debutante Langman. Interestingly this very fielder is the son-in-law of a Mr G Sandrey who has the distinction of only ever playing one game for Swannanoa. Nice to meet you Marcus.
The moment the ball touched the ground it gained 500grams in weight due to the soggy conditions of the field. The first 7 overs were relatively uneventful, apart from several dropped catches behind the stumps, (Derek, the second keeper, sky and then there is Zinny). Finally Olsen made the breakthrough with F-A sitting on 27 & he followed quickly with another wicket in the next over. F-A 2-33 after 10 overs.
Two new bowlers come into the attack in the form of Murdoch and Hamilton. The first ball of the 15th over is pulled away for 4 and then Murdoch strikes, taking the opening batsman for 21. The very next ball takes another scalp. F-A 4-46. The skip calls in the field and the hat-trick ball gracefully arcs past where 3 players would have easily taken it had they not been moved. In the next very next over off Hamiltons bowling Murdoch pulls off one of those once in a season catches that only leaves you wondering, what happened last night to make you so agile? The next few overs were quite boring until Murdoch and Hamilton claim a wicket apiece and the end of their spells. F-A 7-76.
Woods and Hill enter the fray and with Woods making an immediate impact with a wicket maiden. Both Bowlers chugged away for a further 8 overs until Woods claims another. F-A 101-9. Hamilton and Murdoch re-entered the battle and a rear-guard action saw F-A finally get thru to 123 all out.
Heffernan 5-0-34-0
Olsen 5-0-10-2
Murdoch 7.1-1-15-4
Hamilton 7-0-25-2
Woods 5-1-12-2
Hill 5-1-10-0
As it was theoretically a F-A home game they provide the afternoon tea. 1 dozen pink buns, a bag of Grainwaves and 1 packet of chocolate biccies. It is good to see the younger generation taking hospitality seriously.
Zinny took an educated punt and elected to let Murdoch and Hill open. Within 7 balls both were back at the pavilion. Enter Eddie T & Zinny. Both forged a useful partnership until Eddie played on leaving Swannanoa at 3-32. Woodend hero Jock fronted up and tried gyrating the odd ball away with his hips. He fell to a scorching in-swinging Yorker that just proved to be too good. 4-46. At this stage (and it took a bloody long time) we realised we actually had 11 players (and right from the start of the game). Not to sure where the holes in the field had come from. Heffernan arrived and took a no nonsense approach and swung like hell at everything. Zinny fell to a bunny shot and Heffernan fell shortly after to leave Swannanoa reeling at 6-62. Unfortunately the remaining batsmen failed to trouble the scorers and the once mighty noa crumbled to be all out for 70 odd runs.
Eddie Tirikatene 18
Extras 17
Sincock 13
Heffernan 12
Ps. Marcus just kidding, play next week and all will be forgiven.
Match report -08 February 2009 Swannanoa v Ohoka at Mandeville.
I think the only appropriate phrase is Sunday Bloody Sunday (U2)
We were greeted with another warmer than average summers afternoon which tested a couple of members who had enjoyed the refreshments the night before. Derek was made captain for the day before having the opportunity to even get out of his car. The opposition slowly arrived and it became evident very quickly there were more than a couple of ring ins, from the second grade side .The coin was provided by Popey for the toss and for the second time in 24 hours it let his side down.
So into the field we went, with a side comprising of 10 bowlers so you would think that with those sort of resources we would do OK, and early on we did a wicket in the second over and a further 2 falling cheaply, then enter the first ring in, who it turns out was a batsmen he clearly enjoyed the slower tempo of the 3rd grade bowlers and proceeded to dispatch all bowler most notably Hill and Cherry to all parts of Mandeville sports ground, it was even said at one point that the next time the bowl was hit a packed lunch would be required to be taken on the next trip to retrieve it, as it was hit so far. Now all of this could have been avoided had a catch been taken behind the wicket when he was on forty odd ( enough said). The young ring in was finally dismissed by a sharp catch at mid wicket by Popey of the bowling of Cherry for 87..Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals with them being shared amongst the bowlers, finally finishing off the innings for 187..
Enter ring in number 2 Nigel Cherry who can bend the ball both ways in the air, so against him batting was always going to be a challenge, having said that a solid opening stand of 18 was made before Hill was caught in the gully, a second wicket fell to bowling of Cherry, Enter Popey exit Popey, yes it was that fast... today is Tuesday and he still hasnt seen the delivery, I was told he took his bat out with him, he just forgot to use it. This bought Zinny to the crease to see off the hatrick ball which he did safely. Cherry finished hi spell with the figures of 3-12, this bought to the bowling crease some guys who it would be fair to say were not regular bowlers however the only one to cash in was Zinny who top scored, with most of the rest of us self destructing and eventually were bowled out 50 runs short of the total required. So we registered the first loss of the season, I guess we are only human after all.
I have 2 further observations left to make from Sunday, once again our very own supporters club(the 3 wise men) turn up again just before beer oclock, and finally the after match speech made by Popey as Derek had gone, he made a comment about the pitch condition and how poor it was, I just wonder for someone who got a GOLEN DUCK how he had time to make this assessment.
And so to notable contributions
Bowling:
Olson- 3/6 off 4 overs
Sincock-1/24 off 3 overs (ouch)
Heffernan-1/10 off 4 overs
Cherry 4/43 off 8 overs
Batting:
Scott-23
Sincock-27 (top score)
Murdoch- 16 not out
MATCH REPORT FOR JANUARY 31 2009
This was another very hot Saturday with temperatures in the early 30s at the start of play. Oxford was the opposition for the day. Tim Fulton was volunteered as captain, and much discussion was entered into on the merits of fielding or batting first. It was eventually decided that the opposition could field first in the heat if he managed to win the toss. Out Tim went to toss he lost it, but the opposition took pity on him and decided to field first.
Following last weeks disastrous opening batting pair the order was rejigged this week, with Mike and Eddie opening the batting. After two balls had been bowled the Oxford captain decided to have a count of the number of fielders, he counted twelve. A recount was in order, and the numbers did not change so a policy of last on first off was implemented. The opening bowling was tight and difficult to get away. Eddie deciding enough was enough had a big swipe, which resulted in his stumps going over. This brought Captain Tim in. Deciding he had to get off the mark he called for a Ryan type run luckily for him Mike is a bit quicker than some others and he just made it. The runs were slowly ticking over, when Oxford decided to bowl their height challenged bowler at Tim. With at least a metre difference in height between the two, the Oxford bowler decided to bounce Tim. The ball managed to get up over Tims head, but with a hook shot to equal a Black Cap (with the new hair cut Tim looks like a Black Cap) put the ball to the boundary. Tim departed playing a stylish text book like forward defence shot, but forgot to put the bat and pads together, over went the stumps (missed a straight one). This brought in Run out Haydon to the crease. Another slow partnership followed until Mike hit a full toss straight to the fielder. Haydon soon followed playing a similar stroke, but more importantly not running anyone out. The rest of the innings followed in the same style with small partnerships, and a difficulty in scoring runs. Woodsie, last man in, managed to get himself out on the final ball of the innings. This was not one of the better batting efforts, and the score of 158 was felt to be twenty or thirty runs short. The key batting contributors were
Haydon 31
Mike 23
Al Hill 21
Tim 19
Andy 18
Following the tea break, Oxford after their bowling and fielding efforts were feeling confident on knocking over the required runs. The SCC team took to the field, mass confusion followed, the match ball came on to the field and then disappeared, then fielders and batsman were left scratching their head as to which end Captain Tim was going to open up from the decision was finally cleared up by Ant grabbing the wrong ball and opening the bowling from the wrong end. Ants opening three overs went well, and then Woodsie decided to stand up behind the stumps for the fourth. This seemed to be an invitation for Ant to try and hit Woodsie on the full, but he forgot about the batsman, who decided to put the balls to the boundary instead. Haydon then bowled the opening batsman, and a piece of fielding magic ensued when Mike chased a ball into the deep picked up and turned and delivered the ball over the stumps to Woodsie who managed to get the bails off, leaving the batsman short of his ground trying to get a tight second run. Then in the match turning event, Haydon bowled a wide shocker, which the Oxford danger man and leading run scorer, TO, slashed at, got a big edge, and Mike took a screamer of a catch in the slips. This left the score at 42 for 3, which soon became 58 for 8 as good bowling from Mike, Haydon and Phil supported by good catching (no catches dropped!!!) ended the Oxford effort. It was left to Oxford number 10 batsman to get the score into the late eighties, before Shane knocked the tail over. The key bowling efforts were
Haydon 4 for 14 off eight overs
Mike 2 for 11 off four overs
Shane 2 for 17 off five overs
Phil 2 for 19 off four overs
The game was followed by a barbecue at the refurbished clubhouse. A great job has been done by the painting gang last Sunday, and by Derek putting up the new door and floors, and to Andys mate for putting down the outside paved areas. It is looking great for next weeks festivities.
MATCH REPORT FOR SATURDAY 24 JANUARY 2009
Dear All
Well I think the best words to describe Saturdays game was HOT! Not only the air temperature though!
I thought that I would bring some knowledge to the table this week in regard to the study of geneology. I have consulted with my Kamatua and I have also spoken with the underwriters of the insurance companies in regard to hereditary and familial conditions.
Their thoughts were that a lot of what we do and the actions we take come via our genes, so most of our actions are hereditary or familial and come from our parents, so it seems Hayden, that this running out team mates may continue for some time, mate.
Well as I said the day was very hot, we were sent out to bat and after no time at all three batsmen were back in our well painted pavilion maybe they were having withdrawal symptoms being so far away from the hut!
Hayden spent a good part of our innings in the middle compiling a very well put together 80 (or perhaps he did not want to go back to the pavilion?)
Also a chanceless punishing 50 (haha) from Popey helped get the score over 170.
Others to make contributions were Geoff, Scotty, Ed, Woodsey, Pole, Shane, Mitchell, Matt and one other.
During the game we had our usual drinks breaks that we have when we play Woodend, but this time they were much appreciated. A wee note from Trevor, he was very pleased with the number of afternoon tea plates (11) a fine effort!
Then Woodend took the field and set about the task of chasing our score back reasonably easy, then all of a sudden the drugs kicked in and Olson (or should I say Paddles) was bowling like a man possessed! His speed and direction astounding, also a good debut from Matt the Pom as well. The way he hit his first ball also showed some promise maybe a rise up the order is required.
A very good spell of bowling from Hayden and had he not run out Scotty, he could have claimed the Man of the Match.
Also good spells from Mike, Shane and especially from Ant or should I say the blind silver fox. Figures of 2 for 6 not bad for the geriatric! I even heard him say that he hoped to be brought on a bit earlier next week.
In the end another victory for the boys from the Noa.
Sorry for the lateness of this report, I was trying to make the report politically correct, then I thought bugger Ill tell it like it is!
Also thanks to the team on Sunday who helped finalise the painting of the pavilion Looks Sharp!
Cheers till next week, Popey
Swannanoa Match Report Saturday 18th January 2009 vs Southbrook at Southbrook
Swannanoa turned up in some strength at Southbrook to take on the locals. The forecast for the days play slightly inauspicious, however the only moisture that would be felt would be from the sprinkler on the adjacent pitch being forced onto the Swannanoa lads by the Wellington like gale blowing from the North.
With the opposition warming up in international like fashion, and wristbands and headbands in place, the Swannanoa boys thought they might be in for a tight encounter. Further evidence appeared of this with names emblazoned on their shirts like Prowler and Spider, leading some of us to think we might have a real match on our hands. Its not every opposition that carries with them a team supply of Fruit Jubes for the drinks break!
With Captain Mike Hamilton winning the toss, Swannanoa elected to bat to test the waters on the grass track. Derek Scott bravely took guard following his previous innings when he played a hook with his jaw, and top scored with a useful 39 before being undone by a straight full one. Dereks opening partner, Lance Ryan scored a lowly 14, putting him in grave danger of being on the bags Lance dealt with this in his own way as youll read later.
Up next were Tim Fulton and Mark Woods, both being promoted up the order. Tim scoring a very solid and elegant 23, helping set the foundation for Mark Lance Klusener Woods to stride out and hit the sh**te out of the ball from ball dot. Mark, feeling well at ease on the now drying out track, and seeing it like a beach ball, spotted a gap through point. The bowler, not obliging with deliveries to suit, Mark had to take it in his own hands and duly reverse swept, one handed through the vacant point region for 4. It was said after the match (I believe by Mr. Woods) that this may in-fact have been the best shot played by a Swannanoa batsman in its 125 year history! This miraculous shot may well have been the undoing of Klusener, as the next ball he was bowled by a loopy full toss. However the damage had been done, the pitch hitter had delivered, and Kluseners knock of 35 had raised the run rate from under 4 to nearer 5 per over.
This brought in Nathan Lang. Quietly concerned that his father-in-law Lance was umpiring, Nathan played cautiously, and quite soon was playing into some nice form. This is where he was savagely cut off in his prime. Lance, knowing he was in real danger of being bag boy, felt that one drifting down leg was straight enough to fire Nathan back to the dressing room for a paltry 6 runs thus relieving Lance of his duties. It was of no great consolation to Nathan when Lance later said he had only ever given 3 LBWs in his 28 years at Swannanoa.
All this while Andy Pope was ticking along nicely at the other end, seeing partners come and go, and collecting into his mid 30s. Pope feeling he might be in for a tidy 50 faced up to one of Southbrooks bearded wonders. The bearded wonder, bowling from 30 paces, down the now hurricane like Northerly, delivered a searing full toss. Pope played this ever so nicely with his left elbow, unfortunately not into space and didnt collect a run. The delivery, and more likely the pain, put Pope off his next delivery and he was cleaned out by the bearded wonder with a well disguised slower delivery. With 35 elegant and useful runs to his name, Pope went home a happy man with a sore elbow.
Shane Murdoch, saving himself for an important bowling spell, gathered a useful 10 runs and Richard Cherry and the captain Mike Hamilton returned 6 and 9 not out respectively. Mike chipping in with 2 well struck 4s at the end of the innings to creep the Swannanoa team over the 200 mark, finishing with 203 for 7. Jock McDonald and Geoff Olsen didnt grace the cease.
The opposition looked confident at the turn. Wristbands were replaced. Fruit Jubes were eaten. Beards were stroked. This looked a team that might give Swannanoa a run for its money!
However, the reality was a little less challenging. The openers poked and prodded their way through at about 2 an over, until the bearded wonder committed hari-kari and was out flailing at a ball from the consistently accurate Geoff The Power Olsen. The miserly Olsen going for 8 from his 5 overs. Generally, most of the batsmen threw their bat at it, mostly with their eyes closed, enabling the Swannanoa pace men to pick up some easy wickets. Mad Dog Murdoch being the most savage collecting 3 wickets off his 6 overs for just 11 runs.
The Metronome Hamilton, Lang, and Cherry all had useful spells following The Power and Mad Dog, and put the game beyond doubt.
Lance Judas Ryan lying on a hat trick from early October (as he had told us all on about 87 occasions previously) had spotted his target early on in the piece. The Prowler was to be his victim! Southbrook, 7 down, sent in their secret weapon, the wristband clad Mr. Cricket, that is The Prowler. Lance spotting his opportunity jumped up and down Captain Captain . Sir . . Captain . Can I have a bowl please?. Lance was duly given his bowl. On a hat-trick, the ball was delivered, what a let down - no wicket. The next two deliveries were flogged for runs, and it was then on the fourth ball a wicket was taken. Lance thus claiming a fourth ball Hat-trick quite an achievement!
Fulton, Jock and Pope wrapped up the tail with some quite entertaining deliveries. Pope at one stage threatening his 14 ball over, with 7 balls (3 legitimate) to take the last wicket and seal the match for the men from the Noa.
It should also be noted that 4 wise men of Swannanoa cricket (Gardiner, Findlay, Fulton and Polson) graced us with their presence and wisdom during and after the match which was great for all concerned.
All the best for next week.
Nathan Lang
Swannanoa Match Report Saturday 18th January 2009 vs Southbrook at Southbrook
Swannanoa turned up in some strength at Southbrook to take on the locals. The forecast for the days play slightly inauspicious, however the only moisture that would be felt would be from the sprinkler on the adjacent pitch being forced onto the Swannanoa lads by the Wellington like gale blowing from the North.
With the opposition warming up in international like fashion, and wristbands and headbands in place, the Swannanoa boys thought they might be in for a tight encounter. Further evidence appeared of this with names emblazoned on their shirts like Prowler and Spider, leading some of us to think we might have a real match on our hands. Its not every opposition that carries with them a team supply of Fruit Jubes for the drinks break!
With Captain Mike Hamilton winning the toss, Swannanoa elected to bat to test the waters on the grass track. Derek Scott bravely took guard following his previous innings when he played a hook with his jaw, and top scored with a useful 39 before being undone by a straight full one. Dereks opening partner, Lance Ryan scored a lowly 14, putting him in grave danger of being on the bags Lance dealt with this in his own way as youll read later.
Up next were Tim Fulton and Mark Woods, both being promoted up the order. Tim scoring a very solid and elegant 23, helping set the foundation for Mark Lance Klusener Woods to stride out and hit the sh**te out of the ball from ball dot. Mark, feeling well at ease on the now drying out track, and seeing it like a beach ball, spotted a gap through point. The bowler, not obliging with deliveries to suit, Mark had to take it in his own hands and duly reverse swept, one handed through the vacant point region for 4. It was said after the match (I believe by Mr. Woods) that this may in-fact have been the best shot played by a Swannanoa batsman in its 125 year history! This miraculous shot may well have been the undoing of Klusener, as the next ball he was bowled by a loopy full toss. However the damage had been done, the pitch hitter had delivered, and Kluseners knock of 35 had raised the run rate from under 4 to nearer 5 per over.
This brought in Nathan Lang. Quietly concerned that his father-in-law Lance was umpiring, Nathan played cautiously, and quite soon was playing into some nice form. This is where he was savagely cut off in his prime. Lance, knowing he was in real danger of being bag boy, felt that one drifting down leg was straight enough to fire Nathan back to the dressing room for a paltry 6 runs thus relieving Lance of his duties. It was of no great consolation to Nathan when Lance later said he had only ever given 3 LBWs in his 28 years at Swannanoa.
All this while Andy Pope was ticking along nicely at the other end, seeing partners come and go, and collecting into his mid 30s. Pope feeling he might be in for a tidy 50 faced up to one of Southbrooks bearded wonders. The bearded wonder, bowling from 30 paces, down the now hurricane like Northerly, delivered a searing full toss. Pope played this ever so nicely with his left elbow, unfortunately not into space and didnt collect a run. The delivery, and more likely the pain, put Pope off his next delivery and he was cleaned out by the bearded wonder with a well disguised slower delivery. With 35 elegant and useful runs to his name, Pope went home a happy man with a sore elbow.
Shane Murdoch, saving himself for an important bowling spell, gathered a useful 10 runs and Richard Cherry and the captain Mike Hamilton returned 6 and 9 not out respectively. Mike chipping in with 2 well struck 4s at the end of the innings to creep the Swannanoa team over the 200 mark, finishing with 203 for 7. Jock McDonald and Geoff Olsen didnt grace the cease.
The opposition looked confident at the turn. Wristbands were replaced. Fruit Jubes were eaten. Beards were stroked. This looked a team that might give Swannanoa a run for its money!
However, the reality was a little less challenging. The openers poked and prodded their way through at about 2 an over, until the bearded wonder committed hari-kari and was out flailing at a ball from the consistently accurate Geoff The Power Olsen. The miserly Olsen going for 8 from his 5 overs. Generally, most of the batsmen threw their bat at it, mostly with their eyes closed, enabling the Swannanoa pace men to pick up some easy wickets. Mad Dog Murdoch being the most savage collecting 3 wickets off his 6 overs for just 11 runs.
The Metronome Hamilton, Lang, and Cherry all had useful spells following The Power and Mad Dog, and put the game beyond doubt.
Lance Judas Ryan lying on a hat trick from early October (as he had told us all on about 87 occasions previously) had spotted his target early on in the piece. The Prowler was to be his victim! Southbrook, 7 down, sent in their secret weapon, the wristband clad Mr. Cricket, that is The Prowler. Lance spotting his opportunity jumped up and down Captain Captain . Sir . . Captain . Can I have a bowl please?. Lance was duly given his bowl. On a hat-trick, the ball was delivered, what a let down - no wicket. The next two deliveries were flogged for runs, and it was then on the fourth ball a wicket was taken. Lance thus claiming a fourth ball Hat-trick quite an achievement!
Fulton, Jock and Pope wrapped up the tail with some quite entertaining deliveries. Pope at one stage threatening his 14 ball over, with 7 balls (3 legitimate) to take the last wicket and seal the match for the men from the Noa.
It should also be noted that 4 wise men of Swannanoa cricket (Gardiner, Findlay, Fulton and Polson) graced us with their presence and wisdom during and after the match which was great for all concerned.
All the best for next week.
Nathan Lang
Swannanoa v Kaiapoi, Jan 10, 2009
Swannanoa maintained its remarkable run of homes games this season with a match against Kaiapoi.
The match, originally scheduled for the Kaiapoi Rugby Club but transferred due to the requirements of the lucrative North Canterbury senior 20/20 circuit, started in ominous fashion for Swannanoa with some lusty agricultural blows from the Kaiapoi openers.
Olsen and Murdoch drew the batsmen into their shots but all too often the ball sailed through, past, over, around or simply nowhere near a Swannanoa fielder.
Relative newcomer Russell Drake learned early the peril of a dropped catch, reminded by one fielder that it was a $50 fine (must check minutes for proof of that motion). However Drake redeemed himself soon after with another skyward flyer that he snaffled over the back of the slips region.
The introduction of Mike the metronome Hamilton and Hayden Ryan applied more pressure, although Ryans frustration must have known no bounds as one catching chance after another sailed through vacant parts of the slips. A man who seemed to go by the nickname of Slack Bladder or something similar proved a torment, but he did get his comeuppance later read on.
After reaching 50 in around 7 overs Kaiapoi started to slip with catches to Fulton, and a moment of pure athleticism at mid off from Lance Ryan in which he leapt approximately 5 7 inches into the air (two inches above head height) and snared the ball in TWO hands.
Later in the innings Drake floated some tantalizing spinners up, Gordon Fulton-like to snaffle 3 wickets, matching the efforts of Hamilton and Ryan earlier. Lance again lamented being denied the chance to bowl, but after a catch like that, how could we ask him to do anything more? And besides, were saving him up for to complete that hat trick from three months ago.
Summary Kaiapoi 157 all out Bowling Mike H 3/28 from 8, Hayden 3/24 off 8, Russell Drake 3/14 off 8. And another highlight Ant Polson returns after a 12 month layoff to deliver 1/18. Captain L Ryan records that it wasnt a bad effort for the second oldest player on the field (guess who is the oldest )
Swannanoa planned to open the batting with Fulton T but he was called away on an urgent run to Rangiora to get the beer so Olsen and Drake did the honours, bunting it round nicely for a partnership of 49 till Olsen was taken out by a sharp caught and bowled.
Enter Murdoch, who with Drake conspired to bash around 87 runs in murderous fashion. Slack Bladder served up a smorgasbord of delight, which Drake took to like a frisky bull in the springtime, smearing 20 plus from the first over. Any sane captain would have called it quits for Slack B after that, but miraculously he was given another over, and our men Drake and Murdoch could hardly believe their luck. That second over will be long remembered for a colourful combination of rank awful wides, half trackers, booming fours and sixes and the shame of a bowler who wanted to leave the crease after only 2 legitimate balls. As a consequence the score rollicked along merrily; with Drake scoring so quickly that his 50 was initially missed. Finally, Kaiapoi had a very small sniff of a chance when Murdoch fell with about 25 runs to get.
Enter Ant Polson for his comeback match, heaving mightily and nudging happily around the park as Drake continued to torment the Kaiapoi attack.
As you might have guessed it all ended pretty quickly, with Drake finishing 80 not out and putting himself on the selectors hitlist for the rest of the season. If there was a quirky highlight for the day it was Roz Winter not only fielding for the full match, but at one point removing an undergarment at square leg when she thought no one was looking. It looked suspiciously like a bra but Roz swore it wasnt what a relief that was because she had earlier told us she was wearing virtually all of Woodsies usual cricket gear.
Next week at Southbrook
Confirmed to date
Tim, Nathan, Lance, Geoff, Shane M, Jock, Mike
Drop Tim, Woodsie or Shane a line if youre keen and available
*Pavillion working bee (the pavilion paint job) is Sunday Jan 18, starts 8am all welcome)
Saturday 13th December
Swannanoa vs Rangiora
A day of controversy descended on the Noa last Saturday as Swannannoa took on the depleted, yet efficient men (and a boy...and a couple of
girls...no..I mean girls...really!!) from Rangiora. Bowling first and led by the maniacal veteran Adolf Ryan, with the lithe and svelte figure of Popey crouched behind the wicket, the Swannanoa openers (Olsen and Murdoch) reminisced back to their single sex school days and were SPANKED!!!!!! by Bos. While Olsen could only claim a gammy wrist, Murdoch's excuses are numerous and can be found at CLICK HERE While Murdoch couldn't find a spot he liked, he did find about six that Bos really liked. It wasn't until Cherry took the ball that the breakthrough was made after Bos chanced his arm one to many times and was caught in the deep, ironically by Murdoch. With Bos' departure, the run rate inevitably slowed with Henderson (21) and the remaining batsmen toiling away to the 130ish mark. Highlights included Dugdale's close in fielding being exposed by a 10 year old prompting his exile to Siberia behind point, Eddie's 2 for 14 of 6 overs, Mike's 1 for 11 off 6 and Nathan's 1 for 5 off 3. Cherry's 8 overs on the trot gave up a miserly 19 runs and took the vital wicket of Bos, although a hard lesson was learned regarding hurling yourself like a man possessed onto the deck on the now rather solid Noa out field.
Then the first controversy of the day. With Rangiora being a couple of batsmen short, Captain Ryan decided to test the loyalty of the non-playing Fulton and Woods who jumped at the opportunity to finish off the batting for Rangiora. While Fulton was diplomatic in getting to a well compiled 1 not out, Woods took to his task with gusto. Years of frustration with dodgy LBW calls and runouts by his team mates, and that f$%^&* gear bag were finally unleashed as he quickly scored 21, including 14 off Zinny's one and only over. Arrangements are currently being made for Woodsy to be able to pay his fine in installments. With Woodsy's onslaught, Rangiora reached a defendable 158.
Sincock and Olsen opened the Swannanoa batting in solid fashion before Zinny (8) was given out LBW by bro-in-law Jock. A risky move for sure given Zinny was driving. The relatively chilling nor easterly was not as frosty as the look Zinny gave to Jock after one of the finest displays of umpiring seen on the Noa this year. Even square leg thought it was plumb! Zinny got his revenge by firing Murdoch (a solid 2) LBW with no hesitation after the crappiest shot in all crap shottery. While most got starts (Olsen 35, Eddie
23, Mike 24, Lang 29), wickets tumbled regularly to the point where Rangiora started to look interested and roped in some extra pediatric fielders to plug the gaps. Finally it was left to skipper Ryan and the ever youthful Pope to close on the total and complete the victory in a relatively close game given the lack of Rangiora (grown up) players. Snags and bevies post match ended the day.
2Match Report Swannanoa vs Ohoka
December 6th 2008
By Peter Roebuck
The start of the game was delayed while a ceremonial concrete plaque was laid at each end of the pitch in memory of fallen comrades, and also as a gesture to acknowledge the fine work of club stalwart Trevor Findlay.
Swannanoa lost the toss and a depleted Ohoka side full of young tear-aways elected to bat with a team of 7 players. They were soon reduced to 67 all out off 16.2 overs, Shane Murdoch knocking the top over with 2-16 off 4 overs, and Nathan Lang, a recent purchase from London justifying his pre-match hype by producing the fine figures off 3-8 off four overs.
The other match highlight was a fine catch by Andy Im not a God Pope who doubled back from gully at a pace similar to Ben Johnson, twisted like Nadia Comaneci, eyes straight into the sun and held the ball in a vice like grip that Linda Lovelace would be proud of. A catch that will be repeated around the hollow halls of the Brook Hotel, Red Lion and Aranui Tavern for weeks.
The older Ryan remains unutilised and still on a hat trick from the first match in October - obviously on a long term rotation policy and being saved for the Fernside-Ashgrove game.
The Swannanoa run chase got off to a cracking start, when a lively opening bowler felled Derek Scott off the first ball. Derek, in a poor attempt to hook a sharp rising delivery, was stuck on the side of the face shattering his jaw. As he was carried from the field in a pool of blood and a batch of broken teeth, concerned team members asked the questions; who will open the batting?, who will collect Annes afternoon tea next week? (always rates), and what about the renovations contract on the club pavilion that was to be completed by Christmas? A more caring, considerate bunch of cricketers could not be found.
It was decided after the game as a mark of respect; Dereks teeth will be placed under the concrete plaque at the end he fell.
A lively opening pair of bowlers saw a record number of Swannanoa players seeking to field for the opposition and then to bat at 8, 9 and 10.
Tim Fulton starved of runs all year, kept his head down and jaw behind the bat to see off the demon fast bowlers. Rosco Aikman showed amazing batting composure while his 7 year old daughter started his truck and appeared ready from the home trip while Dad was still batting. Daughters Ally and Brooke will be an interesting pair on the sideline this season.
Fulton was joined by Ryan, his batting nemesis, and after a couple of firm NOs saw the light at last on how to bat with a hypo jack-in-the-box.
Following the match conclusion, Ohoka sportingly remained behind to join the team in a scene reminiscent from the hotel in Once Were Warriors.
The club wishes Derek Scott a speedy recovering so that the club house repairs can be completed by the 20th December deadline.
The team remains unbeaten and looks forward to the next two matches of complete contrast an aged and wise old Holmwood Colts team, followed by the young bucks with the flashy bats from Fernside-Ashgrove.
2/11/2008 Tim Fulton
The hotly contested local derby v Oxford at Pearson Park started with young captain Fulton opting to field first. By the time the fielders took their place under a menacing northerly sky Derek Scott had been appointed leader (experience, wisdom etc) and because Fulton clearly couldnt be trusted. He did after all neglect to call either heads or tails during the coin toss. (perhaps a first in all forms of cricket) Still, the day started well with a sharp catch at mid off by Terry Hockley off the second delivery. The following 12 overs saw about 22 runs, highlighted by a six, a couple of fours and an awful lot of dot balls.
The pace gradually quickened however, until Fultons T and G took catches the latter being a screamer just inches from the turf.
The Oxford innings meandered on, punctuated by a regular fall of wickets, and highlighted by some very tight bowling from Hamilton, Ryan H and newcomer Logan Power. Meanwhile Al Waters made a welcome return and now it remains to be seen if his enthusiastic bowling and fielding will see him filling in an ACC form on Monday.
The fielding was not flawless however. Fulton T proved late in the innings he makes a better outfielder than close in catcher.
So, Oxford 126 and Scott and Hamilton strode to the crease. Both took time to get a few sighters in, with Hamilton the more aggressive early on. With 29 on the board Hamilton is caught and Fulton T comes to the wicket, expressing thanks that Ryan the elder wont keep him from getting off the mark today (runout incident earlier in the season, all is forgiven, really) But alas, Fulton shapes up for first ball this time, lobs one to short mid wicket and is caught to a screamer. Packing up the gear bag again Tirikatene does better with 13, but Ryan H also fails to trouble the men with the pens. Were in trouble at 54 for 4 until Hockley does a very good job in support of Scott, who starts to crank up the momentum with some powerful bludgeons and tricky little flicks and nurdles around the park. The expectations are high for this man, so much so that the team fails to give him a clap at the 50 mark. (Were tough at Swannanoa) Oxford are flagging by this stage and just when it seems Scott has played a faultless innings he dollies up a catch to square leg that signaled all over Rover for the opener. He didnt count on Willies hands though and somehow the ball made it through his mitts to let Scott survive another day.
Game over at 128 for four with Scott 70 not out and Hockley a handy 17 not out. This week were at Woodend so drop Woodsie a line early in the piece if youre available (and if youre not). Meantime if you can buy me a run, Id be really grateful for one.
Match Report 15/11/2008
Another Win!! Well this weeks game was really one of two halves.
8am Monday. 3 players
9am Tuesday. 4 players. 19 unavailable for selection 1 decided to head overeas for 6 months and 5 weren't polite enough to say yay or nay (I'm guessing they were nos , but please drop us a line it makes it a bit easier at this end).
5pm Wedenesday. I think we've got 5. Prozac just starting to work. Two gins and a half G and we'll hit the phone at 7pm.
Thursday 9 am. The team is looking better. We have the back-up from the Swannanoa school under 11's who will bolster the ranks if required. I heard one score 20 last week, yeehaa at least we've got one batsman.
Thursday 4pm. 8ish players and a cunning plan to play the shortest under 11's in order to get a few no ball runs.
Thursday 10pm. Go out spotlighting and shoot 23 bunnies and 1 cat. Still thinking about team. Still haven't heard back from the 5 neither yay or nayes but thanks you improved my shooting no end.
Friday 5.30pm. Finally have a brilliant and full team lined up to play including ex representative players, has-beens, wannabes and ring-ins.
Mental note bring back Trev.
Friday 7ish. Opposition defaults, couldn't get a team together apparently.
They quite suprised we had a squad given it is a long weekend.
Player of the day goes to Geoff Olsen for finding 3 players.
Saturday 8th Novemeber
On a beautiful day Rangiora opened the batting at the 'noa. The decision to use a new ball for the game looked to be disastrous as the opening bowlers were initially pummelled to all parts of the ground by the opening pair batsmen. This threatening partnership was finally broken by Hamilton in the 7th over. Rangiora again began to threaten before Sincock got the break through wicket of Sail(40) with the score sitting on 59. Zinny continued to take wickets in his next 2 overs as H Ryan effectively ground the run rate to a standstill at the other end. Rangiora never managed to gain momentum again and were eventually bowled out for 110. Swannanoas' fielding effort was punctuated by some fine wicket keeping (play some more games Scotty) and some remarkable catches, Murdoch took two pearlers at mid-off and what surely suprised many was that L Ryan claimed a nice catch at little personal cost (injury).
Hamilton 5-0-13-1
Aikman 3-0-19-0
Ryan H 8-3-12-0
Woods 6-2-15-2
Murdoch 4-0-13-0
Sincock 8-1-19-4
Tirikatene 3-0-6-2
Fenwick 3-0-9-0
Byes 5 (most we've had for a few weeks, need some work on this)
The run chase kicked off nicely with the opening pair of Zinny and Scott ticking along at 5 runs an over until Zinny was caught for 19 in the 6th (31). Scott was in agressive form and began to find the boundary at regular intervals and made sure he fed the strike. This pair pushed the score through to 84 (18th over) before Aikman was bowled by the scotsman Banks. By now the result was assured and the fall of McDonalds wicket at 97, caught, was probably due to the lack of pressure. Scott finished at 66 no and Swannanoa acheived the chase in the 22nd over.
NOVEMBER 1 MATCH REPORT - Mark Woods
After losing the toss Swannanoa entered their home field against a youthful & energetic Fernside Ashgrove squad and with the threat of rain hovering in the south. An agressive approach from the batsmen saw them 17 runs up after 3 overs before Dugdale stemmed the flow with his first wicket in the 4th over. Olsen chipped in during the 5th to see F-A 2-19. Dugdale feasted on the F-A batsmen in his next 3 overs, collecting a wicket in each to see the opposition reeling after 10 overs at 5-28. The batting side needed some consolidation which they acheived through their 6 & 7 batsmen whoc scored 33no and 30 (topscores) respectively and the next wicket didn't fall until the 25th over (6-66). However the F-A batsmen never waivered from their agressive approach and were finally all out after 35 overs for 114 with all wickets being caught in the field. The Swannanoa fielding effort was impressive and was in some part inspired by the athleticism of the fill-in wicket keeper.
Swannanoa had a slow but thoughtful approach to the run chase with Fulton blocking the first 6 balls but looking altogether quite comfortable with the
task at hand. His fellow opening batsman L Ryan rained on that parade and claimed yet another victim in his long career of suicidal run-outs in the
second over (1-0). This brought Dugdale to the crease and probably with his ears still ringing from the advice from the shed not to trust Ryans running
judgements he proceeded to try and pummel the ball to no great effect early in his innings. By the 4th over (2-5) Ryan was gone caught and the run chase was not looking quite so comfortable. Hamilton came into bat and he and Dugdale proceeded to steady the innings with the latter beginning to strike the ball nicely. The pair took Swannanoa through to 45-3 before Hamilton was
run out by some sharp F-A fielding. Murdoch came to the crease and went (enough said) before the junior Ryan came to bat. Dugdale (64) was caught
after taking a swipe at a juicy delivery and Hill and Ryan guided the home side to victory.
October 25th 2008
Now let Woodsie take you through the latest 3rd grade game, at home against Kaiapoi. As is traditional in October we had a few nervous moments getting a team together but as it turned out, Swannanoa had nothing to fear, except perhaps a recurring backlash from substitute fielder Roz Winters sledging
Swannanoa lost the toss and were shitting themselves as they headed into the field with 8 players. Tom Bierne bowled the 1st over which ended at 1-1 as the second new ball bowler arrived and made the field in record time. The second over was a tad more expensisve at 1-5. The next 3 overs saw the loss of 1 wicket an over at 5-14. Specialist fielder Roz did her part in slowing the scoring rate by sledging the batters on box rubbing, country wees, and arse types. Kaiapoi then dug deep as Swannanoa had to wait a further 8 overs before another wicket fell (6-46). Kaiapoi were eventually all out, after a brief explosive innings from their no#6 batsman(24), for 72 from 23 overs.
Bowling:
Tom Bierne 3-12
Geoff Olsen 2-14
Dugdale 1-4
Aikman 3-32
Hamilton 1-3
Batting was somewhat subdued with Swannanoa getting thru to 74-3 after 14 overs. Tom Bierne shone with an innings of 38 n/o and Ross Aikman in a supporting roll with 15 n/o, with extras the next top scorer.
Saturday 7th of March the Noa played Southbrook in very extreme conditions, high temperatures and very strong winds. Losing the toss (Zinny) we were put into bat. Then a major change before we started, the captaincy was handed over to Hayden Ryan.
Opening the batting were Sincock and Hamilton, and that was very short lived. Sincock 1 and Hamilton 9 (but a very good 9). In rocks Mr Olsen and what an outstanding display of batting with 84, poetry in motion and well supported by the man who keeps wickets Derek Scott with a frustrating 38.
Then the man who is reaching his peak in life, (with his own personal trainer) Mr Andy Pope only 9 this week but showing intense speed between the wickets. Eddie Tirikatene in at 6 and thats what he returned 6 obviously waiting for a big effort in the field.
Nathan Lang at 7 showed how to run between wickets and stay to finish the innings with a fine 16 not out. Jock McDonald ONCE AGAIN out doing brother in law Zinny with a fast 5 but a beautifully executed boundary in that fine knock. Then we had the captain who sent the ball all over the park, tremendous effort of 23 not out, this pushed the run rate well up to finish with 217 for 7.
Into the field we went and the game was won by share brilliance from the bowling attack. Every fielder challenging themselves to field better than ever before. Bad luck to Zinny as he must have been carrying some kind of injury as he was struggling to pick up the ball on the boundary and missed a sitter of a catch. With the winds and temperatures peaking in the last over, two catches were put down but this can be accepted due to the conditions, bad luck Jock.
The bowlers figures were outstanding as said.
G Olsen 8 overs,1m,1 for 27
M Hamilton 6 overs,0 for 22
P Heffernan 6 overs, 0 for 20
R Cherry 8 overs,2 for 32
N Lang 3 overs,1 for 27
M Sincock 3 overs,0 for 20
H Ryan 6 overs, 1m, 2 for 20
Southbrook 178 for 7 off the 40
Bring on the finals and all the best next week.
Colin
Match report 21st February 2009
Swannanoa v Fernside-Ashgrove at Swannanoa instead of Ashgrove.
Well this week was interesting. All week it looked like we were struggling to get a team. Some of the team are playing for valley on the P___ and didnt think they could double up (dedication boys). Finally we get it together, and then on Thursday night it begins to rain. Friday brings even more rain. Trev has taught the current management one thing, the noa boys do not ever, ever, ever give up easily.
Bloody technology. Friday night first text, cricket doesnt look likely, have we been called off yet? Saturday dawns and more rain and another text cricket off?. No! For gods sake Geoff you are bloody near 50, you shouldnt know how to text! Before the floodgates open the bulk text goes out, weather clearing, cricket may be on, just wait. 8:30am Phone call to Devlin answer machine, how do we contact Fernside-Ashgrove?
9:00am change of tact, call a fella who knows a fella who knows how to get in contact with another fella. Gudday Swannanoa Cricket here, we want to play, you guys may not be able to have a home game but how about coming to the noa? Well come back to you.
11:00am. Yep. Were keen. If we can play at yours that would be good. Another bulk text. Game on. Replies from Cherry, Hamilton and Murdoch and the old fella that somehow knows how to text, questioning our sanity. Come on you soft b*****ds! Cherry pulls out and there is a mild panic. Oh my God we only have 10. How many fellas in the team that live under a petticoat government?
12:30pm and it is absolutely bucketing down at the noa. Shit we only have 10, it is raining cats and dogs, and the opposition is as keen as mustard. What have we done? Gudday Popey, look it doesnt look like you will have Valley duties tomorrow and we are short, come on out and play. No. Bugger.
Zinny bravely accepted the mantle of captain this week, and despite the advice of 9 of his teammates he decided to bowl first and take the responsibility of wicketkeeper. Heffernan charged in with the first ball and delivered a short delivery to the opening batsman who swung hard and heaved the ball high towards the square leg fieldsman, an absolute sitter of a catch was spilled by debutante Langman. Interestingly this very fielder is the son-in-law of a Mr G Sandrey who has the distinction of only ever playing one game for Swannanoa. Nice to meet you Marcus.
The moment the ball touched the ground it gained 500grams in weight due to the soggy conditions of the field. The first 7 overs were relatively uneventful, apart from several dropped catches behind the stumps, (Derek, the second keeper, sky and then there is Zinny). Finally Olsen made the breakthrough with F-A sitting on 27 & he followed quickly with another wicket in the next over. F-A 2-33 after 10 overs.
Two new bowlers come into the attack in the form of Murdoch and Hamilton. The first ball of the 15th over is pulled away for 4 and then Murdoch strikes, taking the opening batsman for 21. The very next ball takes another scalp. F-A 4-46. The skip calls in the field and the hat-trick ball gracefully arcs past where 3 players would have easily taken it had they not been moved. In the next very next over off Hamiltons bowling Murdoch pulls off one of those once in a season catches that only leaves you wondering, what happened last night to make you so agile? The next few overs were quite boring until Murdoch and Hamilton claim a wicket apiece and the end of their spells. F-A 7-76.
Woods and Hill enter the fray and with Woods making an immediate impact with a wicket maiden. Both Bowlers chugged away for a further 8 overs until Woods claims another. F-A 101-9. Hamilton and Murdoch re-entered the battle and a rear-guard action saw F-A finally get thru to 123 all out.
Heffernan 5-0-34-0
Olsen 5-0-10-2
Murdoch 7.1-1-15-4
Hamilton 7-0-25-2
Woods 5-1-12-2
Hill 5-1-10-0
As it was theoretically a F-A home game they provide the afternoon tea. 1 dozen pink buns, a bag of Grainwaves and 1 packet of chocolate biccies. It is good to see the younger generation taking hospitality seriously.
Zinny took an educated punt and elected to let Murdoch and Hill open. Within 7 balls both were back at the pavilion. Enter Eddie T & Zinny. Both forged a useful partnership until Eddie played on leaving Swannanoa at 3-32. Woodend hero Jock fronted up and tried gyrating the odd ball away with his hips. He fell to a scorching in-swinging Yorker that just proved to be too good. 4-46. At this stage (and it took a bloody long time) we realised we actually had 11 players (and right from the start of the game). Not to sure where the holes in the field had come from. Heffernan arrived and took a no nonsense approach and swung like hell at everything. Zinny fell to a bunny shot and Heffernan fell shortly after to leave Swannanoa reeling at 6-62. Unfortunately the remaining batsmen failed to trouble the scorers and the once mighty noa crumbled to be all out for 70 odd runs.
Eddie Tirikatene 18
Extras 17
Sincock 13
Heffernan 12
Ps. Marcus just kidding, play next week and all will be forgiven.
Match report -08 February 2009 Swannanoa v Ohoka at Mandeville.
I think the only appropriate phrase is Sunday Bloody Sunday (U2)
We were greeted with another warmer than average summers afternoon which tested a couple of members who had enjoyed the refreshments the night before. Derek was made captain for the day before having the opportunity to even get out of his car. The opposition slowly arrived and it became evident very quickly there were more than a couple of ring ins, from the second grade side .The coin was provided by Popey for the toss and for the second time in 24 hours it let his side down.
So into the field we went, with a side comprising of 10 bowlers so you would think that with those sort of resources we would do OK, and early on we did a wicket in the second over and a further 2 falling cheaply, then enter the first ring in, who it turns out was a batsmen he clearly enjoyed the slower tempo of the 3rd grade bowlers and proceeded to dispatch all bowler most notably Hill and Cherry to all parts of Mandeville sports ground, it was even said at one point that the next time the bowl was hit a packed lunch would be required to be taken on the next trip to retrieve it, as it was hit so far. Now all of this could have been avoided had a catch been taken behind the wicket when he was on forty odd ( enough said). The young ring in was finally dismissed by a sharp catch at mid wicket by Popey of the bowling of Cherry for 87..Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals with them being shared amongst the bowlers, finally finishing off the innings for 187..
Enter ring in number 2 Nigel Cherry who can bend the ball both ways in the air, so against him batting was always going to be a challenge, having said that a solid opening stand of 18 was made before Hill was caught in the gully, a second wicket fell to bowling of Cherry, Enter Popey exit Popey, yes it was that fast... today is Tuesday and he still hasnt seen the delivery, I was told he took his bat out with him, he just forgot to use it. This bought Zinny to the crease to see off the hatrick ball which he did safely. Cherry finished hi spell with the figures of 3-12, this bought to the bowling crease some guys who it would be fair to say were not regular bowlers however the only one to cash in was Zinny who top scored, with most of the rest of us self destructing and eventually were bowled out 50 runs short of the total required. So we registered the first loss of the season, I guess we are only human after all.
I have 2 further observations left to make from Sunday, once again our very own supporters club(the 3 wise men) turn up again just before beer oclock, and finally the after match speech made by Popey as Derek had gone, he made a comment about the pitch condition and how poor it was, I just wonder for someone who got a GOLEN DUCK how he had time to make this assessment.
And so to notable contributions
Bowling:
Olson- 3/6 off 4 overs
Sincock-1/24 off 3 overs (ouch)
Heffernan-1/10 off 4 overs
Cherry 4/43 off 8 overs
Batting:
Scott-23
Sincock-27 (top score)
Murdoch- 16 not out
MATCH REPORT FOR JANUARY 31 2009
This was another very hot Saturday with temperatures in the early 30s at the start of play. Oxford was the opposition for the day. Tim Fulton was volunteered as captain, and much discussion was entered into on the merits of fielding or batting first. It was eventually decided that the opposition could field first in the heat if he managed to win the toss. Out Tim went to toss he lost it, but the opposition took pity on him and decided to field first.
Following last weeks disastrous opening batting pair the order was rejigged this week, with Mike and Eddie opening the batting. After two balls had been bowled the Oxford captain decided to have a count of the number of fielders, he counted twelve. A recount was in order, and the numbers did not change so a policy of last on first off was implemented. The opening bowling was tight and difficult to get away. Eddie deciding enough was enough had a big swipe, which resulted in his stumps going over. This brought Captain Tim in. Deciding he had to get off the mark he called for a Ryan type run luckily for him Mike is a bit quicker than some others and he just made it. The runs were slowly ticking over, when Oxford decided to bowl their height challenged bowler at Tim. With at least a metre difference in height between the two, the Oxford bowler decided to bounce Tim. The ball managed to get up over Tims head, but with a hook shot to equal a Black Cap (with the new hair cut Tim looks like a Black Cap) put the ball to the boundary. Tim departed playing a stylish text book like forward defence shot, but forgot to put the bat and pads together, over went the stumps (missed a straight one). This brought in Run out Haydon to the crease. Another slow partnership followed until Mike hit a full toss straight to the fielder. Haydon soon followed playing a similar stroke, but more importantly not running anyone out. The rest of the innings followed in the same style with small partnerships, and a difficulty in scoring runs. Woodsie, last man in, managed to get himself out on the final ball of the innings. This was not one of the better batting efforts, and the score of 158 was felt to be twenty or thirty runs short. The key batting contributors were
Haydon 31
Mike 23
Al Hill 21
Tim 19
Andy 18
Following the tea break, Oxford after their bowling and fielding efforts were feeling confident on knocking over the required runs. The SCC team took to the field, mass confusion followed, the match ball came on to the field and then disappeared, then fielders and batsman were left scratching their head as to which end Captain Tim was going to open up from the decision was finally cleared up by Ant grabbing the wrong ball and opening the bowling from the wrong end. Ants opening three overs went well, and then Woodsie decided to stand up behind the stumps for the fourth. This seemed to be an invitation for Ant to try and hit Woodsie on the full, but he forgot about the batsman, who decided to put the balls to the boundary instead. Haydon then bowled the opening batsman, and a piece of fielding magic ensued when Mike chased a ball into the deep picked up and turned and delivered the ball over the stumps to Woodsie who managed to get the bails off, leaving the batsman short of his ground trying to get a tight second run. Then in the match turning event, Haydon bowled a wide shocker, which the Oxford danger man and leading run scorer, TO, slashed at, got a big edge, and Mike took a screamer of a catch in the slips. This left the score at 42 for 3, which soon became 58 for 8 as good bowling from Mike, Haydon and Phil supported by good catching (no catches dropped!!!) ended the Oxford effort. It was left to Oxford number 10 batsman to get the score into the late eighties, before Shane knocked the tail over. The key bowling efforts were
Haydon 4 for 14 off eight overs
Mike 2 for 11 off four overs
Shane 2 for 17 off five overs
Phil 2 for 19 off four overs
The game was followed by a barbecue at the refurbished clubhouse. A great job has been done by the painting gang last Sunday, and by Derek putting up the new door and floors, and to Andys mate for putting down the outside paved areas. It is looking great for next weeks festivities.
MATCH REPORT FOR SATURDAY 24 JANUARY 2009
Dear All
Well I think the best words to describe Saturdays game was HOT! Not only the air temperature though!
I thought that I would bring some knowledge to the table this week in regard to the study of geneology. I have consulted with my Kamatua and I have also spoken with the underwriters of the insurance companies in regard to hereditary and familial conditions.
Their thoughts were that a lot of what we do and the actions we take come via our genes, so most of our actions are hereditary or familial and come from our parents, so it seems Hayden, that this running out team mates may continue for some time, mate.
Well as I said the day was very hot, we were sent out to bat and after no time at all three batsmen were back in our well painted pavilion maybe they were having withdrawal symptoms being so far away from the hut!
Hayden spent a good part of our innings in the middle compiling a very well put together 80 (or perhaps he did not want to go back to the pavilion?)
Also a chanceless punishing 50 (haha) from Popey helped get the score over 170.
Others to make contributions were Geoff, Scotty, Ed, Woodsey, Pole, Shane, Mitchell, Matt and one other.
During the game we had our usual drinks breaks that we have when we play Woodend, but this time they were much appreciated. A wee note from Trevor, he was very pleased with the number of afternoon tea plates (11) a fine effort!
Then Woodend took the field and set about the task of chasing our score back reasonably easy, then all of a sudden the drugs kicked in and Olson (or should I say Paddles) was bowling like a man possessed! His speed and direction astounding, also a good debut from Matt the Pom as well. The way he hit his first ball also showed some promise maybe a rise up the order is required.
A very good spell of bowling from Hayden and had he not run out Scotty, he could have claimed the Man of the Match.
Also good spells from Mike, Shane and especially from Ant or should I say the blind silver fox. Figures of 2 for 6 not bad for the geriatric! I even heard him say that he hoped to be brought on a bit earlier next week.
In the end another victory for the boys from the Noa.
Sorry for the lateness of this report, I was trying to make the report politically correct, then I thought bugger Ill tell it like it is!
Also thanks to the team on Sunday who helped finalise the painting of the pavilion Looks Sharp!
Cheers till next week, Popey
Swannanoa Match Report Saturday 18th January 2009 vs Southbrook at Southbrook
Swannanoa turned up in some strength at Southbrook to take on the locals. The forecast for the days play slightly inauspicious, however the only moisture that would be felt would be from the sprinkler on the adjacent pitch being forced onto the Swannanoa lads by the Wellington like gale blowing from the North.
With the opposition warming up in international like fashion, and wristbands and headbands in place, the Swannanoa boys thought they might be in for a tight encounter. Further evidence appeared of this with names emblazoned on their shirts like Prowler and Spider, leading some of us to think we might have a real match on our hands. Its not every opposition that carries with them a team supply of Fruit Jubes for the drinks break!
With Captain Mike Hamilton winning the toss, Swannanoa elected to bat to test the waters on the grass track. Derek Scott bravely took guard following his previous innings when he played a hook with his jaw, and top scored with a useful 39 before being undone by a straight full one. Dereks opening partner, Lance Ryan scored a lowly 14, putting him in grave danger of being on the bags Lance dealt with this in his own way as youll read later.
Up next were Tim Fulton and Mark Woods, both being promoted up the order. Tim scoring a very solid and elegant 23, helping set the foundation for Mark Lance Klusener Woods to stride out and hit the sh**te out of the ball from ball dot. Mark, feeling well at ease on the now drying out track, and seeing it like a beach ball, spotted a gap through point. The bowler, not obliging with deliveries to suit, Mark had to take it in his own hands and duly reverse swept, one handed through the vacant point region for 4. It was said after the match (I believe by Mr. Woods) that this may in-fact have been the best shot played by a Swannanoa batsman in its 125 year history! This miraculous shot may well have been the undoing of Klusener, as the next ball he was bowled by a loopy full toss. However the damage had been done, the pitch hitter had delivered, and Kluseners knock of 35 had raised the run rate from under 4 to nearer 5 per over.
This brought in Nathan Lang. Quietly concerned that his father-in-law Lance was umpiring, Nathan played cautiously, and quite soon was playing into some nice form. This is where he was savagely cut off in his prime. Lance, knowing he was in real danger of being bag boy, felt that one drifting down leg was straight enough to fire Nathan back to the dressing room for a paltry 6 runs thus relieving Lance of his duties. It was of no great consolation to Nathan when Lance later said he had only ever given 3 LBWs in his 28 years at Swannanoa.
All this while Andy Pope was ticking along nicely at the other end, seeing partners come and go, and collecting into his mid 30s. Pope feeling he might be in for a tidy 50 faced up to one of Southbrooks bearded wonders. The bearded wonder, bowling from 30 paces, down the now hurricane like Northerly, delivered a searing full toss. Pope played this ever so nicely with his left elbow, unfortunately not into space and didnt collect a run. The delivery, and more likely the pain, put Pope off his next delivery and he was cleaned out by the bearded wonder with a well disguised slower delivery. With 35 elegant and useful runs to his name, Pope went home a happy man with a sore elbow.
Shane Murdoch, saving himself for an important bowling spell, gathered a useful 10 runs and Richard Cherry and the captain Mike Hamilton returned 6 and 9 not out respectively. Mike chipping in with 2 well struck 4s at the end of the innings to creep the Swannanoa team over the 200 mark, finishing with 203 for 7. Jock McDonald and Geoff Olsen didnt grace the cease.
The opposition looked confident at the turn. Wristbands were replaced. Fruit Jubes were eaten. Beards were stroked. This looked a team that might give Swannanoa a run for its money!
However, the reality was a little less challenging. The openers poked and prodded their way through at about 2 an over, until the bearded wonder committed hari-kari and was out flailing at a ball from the consistently accurate Geoff The Power Olsen. The miserly Olsen going for 8 from his 5 overs. Generally, most of the batsmen threw their bat at it, mostly with their eyes closed, enabling the Swannanoa pace men to pick up some easy wickets. Mad Dog Murdoch being the most savage collecting 3 wickets off his 6 overs for just 11 runs.
The Metronome Hamilton, Lang, and Cherry all had useful spells following The Power and Mad Dog, and put the game beyond doubt.
Lance Judas Ryan lying on a hat trick from early October (as he had told us all on about 87 occasions previously) had spotted his target early on in the piece. The Prowler was to be his victim! Southbrook, 7 down, sent in their secret weapon, the wristband clad Mr. Cricket, that is The Prowler. Lance spotting his opportunity jumped up and down Captain Captain . Sir . . Captain . Can I have a bowl please?. Lance was duly given his bowl. On a hat-trick, the ball was delivered, what a let down - no wicket. The next two deliveries were flogged for runs, and it was then on the fourth ball a wicket was taken. Lance thus claiming a fourth ball Hat-trick quite an achievement!
Fulton, Jock and Pope wrapped up the tail with some quite entertaining deliveries. Pope at one stage threatening his 14 ball over, with 7 balls (3 legitimate) to take the last wicket and seal the match for the men from the Noa.
It should also be noted that 4 wise men of Swannanoa cricket (Gardiner, Findlay, Fulton and Polson) graced us with their presence and wisdom during and after the match which was great for all concerned.
All the best for next week.
Nathan Lang
Swannanoa Match Report Saturday 18th January 2009 vs Southbrook at Southbrook
Swannanoa turned up in some strength at Southbrook to take on the locals. The forecast for the days play slightly inauspicious, however the only moisture that would be felt would be from the sprinkler on the adjacent pitch being forced onto the Swannanoa lads by the Wellington like gale blowing from the North.
With the opposition warming up in international like fashion, and wristbands and headbands in place, the Swannanoa boys thought they might be in for a tight encounter. Further evidence appeared of this with names emblazoned on their shirts like Prowler and Spider, leading some of us to think we might have a real match on our hands. Its not every opposition that carries with them a team supply of Fruit Jubes for the drinks break!
With Captain Mike Hamilton winning the toss, Swannanoa elected to bat to test the waters on the grass track. Derek Scott bravely took guard following his previous innings when he played a hook with his jaw, and top scored with a useful 39 before being undone by a straight full one. Dereks opening partner, Lance Ryan scored a lowly 14, putting him in grave danger of being on the bags Lance dealt with this in his own way as youll read later.
Up next were Tim Fulton and Mark Woods, both being promoted up the order. Tim scoring a very solid and elegant 23, helping set the foundation for Mark Lance Klusener Woods to stride out and hit the sh**te out of the ball from ball dot. Mark, feeling well at ease on the now drying out track, and seeing it like a beach ball, spotted a gap through point. The bowler, not obliging with deliveries to suit, Mark had to take it in his own hands and duly reverse swept, one handed through the vacant point region for 4. It was said after the match (I believe by Mr. Woods) that this may in-fact have been the best shot played by a Swannanoa batsman in its 125 year history! This miraculous shot may well have been the undoing of Klusener, as the next ball he was bowled by a loopy full toss. However the damage had been done, the pitch hitter had delivered, and Kluseners knock of 35 had raised the run rate from under 4 to nearer 5 per over.
This brought in Nathan Lang. Quietly concerned that his father-in-law Lance was umpiring, Nathan played cautiously, and quite soon was playing into some nice form. This is where he was savagely cut off in his prime. Lance, knowing he was in real danger of being bag boy, felt that one drifting down leg was straight enough to fire Nathan back to the dressing room for a paltry 6 runs thus relieving Lance of his duties. It was of no great consolation to Nathan when Lance later said he had only ever given 3 LBWs in his 28 years at Swannanoa.
All this while Andy Pope was ticking along nicely at the other end, seeing partners come and go, and collecting into his mid 30s. Pope feeling he might be in for a tidy 50 faced up to one of Southbrooks bearded wonders. The bearded wonder, bowling from 30 paces, down the now hurricane like Northerly, delivered a searing full toss. Pope played this ever so nicely with his left elbow, unfortunately not into space and didnt collect a run. The delivery, and more likely the pain, put Pope off his next delivery and he was cleaned out by the bearded wonder with a well disguised slower delivery. With 35 elegant and useful runs to his name, Pope went home a happy man with a sore elbow.
Shane Murdoch, saving himself for an important bowling spell, gathered a useful 10 runs and Richard Cherry and the captain Mike Hamilton returned 6 and 9 not out respectively. Mike chipping in with 2 well struck 4s at the end of the innings to creep the Swannanoa team over the 200 mark, finishing with 203 for 7. Jock McDonald and Geoff Olsen didnt grace the cease.
The opposition looked confident at the turn. Wristbands were replaced. Fruit Jubes were eaten. Beards were stroked. This looked a team that might give Swannanoa a run for its money!
However, the reality was a little less challenging. The openers poked and prodded their way through at about 2 an over, until the bearded wonder committed hari-kari and was out flailing at a ball from the consistently accurate Geoff The Power Olsen. The miserly Olsen going for 8 from his 5 overs. Generally, most of the batsmen threw their bat at it, mostly with their eyes closed, enabling the Swannanoa pace men to pick up some easy wickets. Mad Dog Murdoch being the most savage collecting 3 wickets off his 6 overs for just 11 runs.
The Metronome Hamilton, Lang, and Cherry all had useful spells following The Power and Mad Dog, and put the game beyond doubt.
Lance Judas Ryan lying on a hat trick from early October (as he had told us all on about 87 occasions previously) had spotted his target early on in the piece. The Prowler was to be his victim! Southbrook, 7 down, sent in their secret weapon, the wristband clad Mr. Cricket, that is The Prowler. Lance spotting his opportunity jumped up and down Captain Captain . Sir . . Captain . Can I have a bowl please?. Lance was duly given his bowl. On a hat-trick, the ball was delivered, what a let down - no wicket. The next two deliveries were flogged for runs, and it was then on the fourth ball a wicket was taken. Lance thus claiming a fourth ball Hat-trick quite an achievement!
Fulton, Jock and Pope wrapped up the tail with some quite entertaining deliveries. Pope at one stage threatening his 14 ball over, with 7 balls (3 legitimate) to take the last wicket and seal the match for the men from the Noa.
It should also be noted that 4 wise men of Swannanoa cricket (Gardiner, Findlay, Fulton and Polson) graced us with their presence and wisdom during and after the match which was great for all concerned.
All the best for next week.
Nathan Lang
Swannanoa v Kaiapoi, Jan 10, 2009
Swannanoa maintained its remarkable run of homes games this season with a match against Kaiapoi.
The match, originally scheduled for the Kaiapoi Rugby Club but transferred due to the requirements of the lucrative North Canterbury senior 20/20 circuit, started in ominous fashion for Swannanoa with some lusty agricultural blows from the Kaiapoi openers.
Olsen and Murdoch drew the batsmen into their shots but all too often the ball sailed through, past, over, around or simply nowhere near a Swannanoa fielder.
Relative newcomer Russell Drake learned early the peril of a dropped catch, reminded by one fielder that it was a $50 fine (must check minutes for proof of that motion). However Drake redeemed himself soon after with another skyward flyer that he snaffled over the back of the slips region.
The introduction of Mike the metronome Hamilton and Hayden Ryan applied more pressure, although Ryans frustration must have known no bounds as one catching chance after another sailed through vacant parts of the slips. A man who seemed to go by the nickname of Slack Bladder or something similar proved a torment, but he did get his comeuppance later read on.
After reaching 50 in around 7 overs Kaiapoi started to slip with catches to Fulton, and a moment of pure athleticism at mid off from Lance Ryan in which he leapt approximately 5 7 inches into the air (two inches above head height) and snared the ball in TWO hands.
Later in the innings Drake floated some tantalizing spinners up, Gordon Fulton-like to snaffle 3 wickets, matching the efforts of Hamilton and Ryan earlier. Lance again lamented being denied the chance to bowl, but after a catch like that, how could we ask him to do anything more? And besides, were saving him up for to complete that hat trick from three months ago.
Summary Kaiapoi 157 all out Bowling Mike H 3/28 from 8, Hayden 3/24 off 8, Russell Drake 3/14 off 8. And another highlight Ant Polson returns after a 12 month layoff to deliver 1/18. Captain L Ryan records that it wasnt a bad effort for the second oldest player on the field (guess who is the oldest )
Swannanoa planned to open the batting with Fulton T but he was called away on an urgent run to Rangiora to get the beer so Olsen and Drake did the honours, bunting it round nicely for a partnership of 49 till Olsen was taken out by a sharp caught and bowled.
Enter Murdoch, who with Drake conspired to bash around 87 runs in murderous fashion. Slack Bladder served up a smorgasbord of delight, which Drake took to like a frisky bull in the springtime, smearing 20 plus from the first over. Any sane captain would have called it quits for Slack B after that, but miraculously he was given another over, and our men Drake and Murdoch could hardly believe their luck. That second over will be long remembered for a colourful combination of rank awful wides, half trackers, booming fours and sixes and the shame of a bowler who wanted to leave the crease after only 2 legitimate balls. As a consequence the score rollicked along merrily; with Drake scoring so quickly that his 50 was initially missed. Finally, Kaiapoi had a very small sniff of a chance when Murdoch fell with about 25 runs to get.
Enter Ant Polson for his comeback match, heaving mightily and nudging happily around the park as Drake continued to torment the Kaiapoi attack.
As you might have guessed it all ended pretty quickly, with Drake finishing 80 not out and putting himself on the selectors hitlist for the rest of the season. If there was a quirky highlight for the day it was Roz Winter not only fielding for the full match, but at one point removing an undergarment at square leg when she thought no one was looking. It looked suspiciously like a bra but Roz swore it wasnt what a relief that was because she had earlier told us she was wearing virtually all of Woodsies usual cricket gear.
Next week at Southbrook
Confirmed to date
Tim, Nathan, Lance, Geoff, Shane M, Jock, Mike
Drop Tim, Woodsie or Shane a line if youre keen and available
*Pavillion working bee (the pavilion paint job) is Sunday Jan 18, starts 8am all welcome)
Saturday 13th December
Swannanoa vs Rangiora
A day of controversy descended on the Noa last Saturday as Swannannoa took on the depleted, yet efficient men (and a boy...and a couple of
girls...no..I mean girls...really!!) from Rangiora. Bowling first and led by the maniacal veteran Adolf Ryan, with the lithe and svelte figure of Popey crouched behind the wicket, the Swannanoa openers (Olsen and Murdoch) reminisced back to their single sex school days and were SPANKED!!!!!! by Bos. While Olsen could only claim a gammy wrist, Murdoch's excuses are numerous and can be found at CLICK HERE While Murdoch couldn't find a spot he liked, he did find about six that Bos really liked. It wasn't until Cherry took the ball that the breakthrough was made after Bos chanced his arm one to many times and was caught in the deep, ironically by Murdoch. With Bos' departure, the run rate inevitably slowed with Henderson (21) and the remaining batsmen toiling away to the 130ish mark. Highlights included Dugdale's close in fielding being exposed by a 10 year old prompting his exile to Siberia behind point, Eddie's 2 for 14 of 6 overs, Mike's 1 for 11 off 6 and Nathan's 1 for 5 off 3. Cherry's 8 overs on the trot gave up a miserly 19 runs and took the vital wicket of Bos, although a hard lesson was learned regarding hurling yourself like a man possessed onto the deck on the now rather solid Noa out field.
Then the first controversy of the day. With Rangiora being a couple of batsmen short, Captain Ryan decided to test the loyalty of the non-playing Fulton and Woods who jumped at the opportunity to finish off the batting for Rangiora. While Fulton was diplomatic in getting to a well compiled 1 not out, Woods took to his task with gusto. Years of frustration with dodgy LBW calls and runouts by his team mates, and that f$%^&* gear bag were finally unleashed as he quickly scored 21, including 14 off Zinny's one and only over. Arrangements are currently being made for Woodsy to be able to pay his fine in installments. With Woodsy's onslaught, Rangiora reached a defendable 158.
Sincock and Olsen opened the Swannanoa batting in solid fashion before Zinny (8) was given out LBW by bro-in-law Jock. A risky move for sure given Zinny was driving. The relatively chilling nor easterly was not as frosty as the look Zinny gave to Jock after one of the finest displays of umpiring seen on the Noa this year. Even square leg thought it was plumb! Zinny got his revenge by firing Murdoch (a solid 2) LBW with no hesitation after the crappiest shot in all crap shottery. While most got starts (Olsen 35, Eddie
23, Mike 24, Lang 29), wickets tumbled regularly to the point where Rangiora started to look interested and roped in some extra pediatric fielders to plug the gaps. Finally it was left to skipper Ryan and the ever youthful Pope to close on the total and complete the victory in a relatively close game given the lack of Rangiora (grown up) players. Snags and bevies post match ended the day.
2Match Report Swannanoa vs Ohoka
December 6th 2008
By Peter Roebuck
The start of the game was delayed while a ceremonial concrete plaque was laid at each end of the pitch in memory of fallen comrades, and also as a gesture to acknowledge the fine work of club stalwart Trevor Findlay.
Swannanoa lost the toss and a depleted Ohoka side full of young tear-aways elected to bat with a team of 7 players. They were soon reduced to 67 all out off 16.2 overs, Shane Murdoch knocking the top over with 2-16 off 4 overs, and Nathan Lang, a recent purchase from London justifying his pre-match hype by producing the fine figures off 3-8 off four overs.
The other match highlight was a fine catch by Andy Im not a God Pope who doubled back from gully at a pace similar to Ben Johnson, twisted like Nadia Comaneci, eyes straight into the sun and held the ball in a vice like grip that Linda Lovelace would be proud of. A catch that will be repeated around the hollow halls of the Brook Hotel, Red Lion and Aranui Tavern for weeks.
The older Ryan remains unutilised and still on a hat trick from the first match in October - obviously on a long term rotation policy and being saved for the Fernside-Ashgrove game.
The Swannanoa run chase got off to a cracking start, when a lively opening bowler felled Derek Scott off the first ball. Derek, in a poor attempt to hook a sharp rising delivery, was stuck on the side of the face shattering his jaw. As he was carried from the field in a pool of blood and a batch of broken teeth, concerned team members asked the questions; who will open the batting?, who will collect Annes afternoon tea next week? (always rates), and what about the renovations contract on the club pavilion that was to be completed by Christmas? A more caring, considerate bunch of cricketers could not be found.
It was decided after the game as a mark of respect; Dereks teeth will be placed under the concrete plaque at the end he fell.
A lively opening pair of bowlers saw a record number of Swannanoa players seeking to field for the opposition and then to bat at 8, 9 and 10.
Tim Fulton starved of runs all year, kept his head down and jaw behind the bat to see off the demon fast bowlers. Rosco Aikman showed amazing batting composure while his 7 year old daughter started his truck and appeared ready from the home trip while Dad was still batting. Daughters Ally and Brooke will be an interesting pair on the sideline this season.
Fulton was joined by Ryan, his batting nemesis, and after a couple of firm NOs saw the light at last on how to bat with a hypo jack-in-the-box.
Following the match conclusion, Ohoka sportingly remained behind to join the team in a scene reminiscent from the hotel in Once Were Warriors.
The club wishes Derek Scott a speedy recovering so that the club house repairs can be completed by the 20th December deadline.
The team remains unbeaten and looks forward to the next two matches of complete contrast an aged and wise old Holmwood Colts team, followed by the young bucks with the flashy bats from Fernside-Ashgrove.
2/11/2008 Tim Fulton
The hotly contested local derby v Oxford at Pearson Park started with young captain Fulton opting to field first. By the time the fielders took their place under a menacing northerly sky Derek Scott had been appointed leader (experience, wisdom etc) and because Fulton clearly couldnt be trusted. He did after all neglect to call either heads or tails during the coin toss. (perhaps a first in all forms of cricket) Still, the day started well with a sharp catch at mid off by Terry Hockley off the second delivery. The following 12 overs saw about 22 runs, highlighted by a six, a couple of fours and an awful lot of dot balls.
The pace gradually quickened however, until Fultons T and G took catches the latter being a screamer just inches from the turf.
The Oxford innings meandered on, punctuated by a regular fall of wickets, and highlighted by some very tight bowling from Hamilton, Ryan H and newcomer Logan Power. Meanwhile Al Waters made a welcome return and now it remains to be seen if his enthusiastic bowling and fielding will see him filling in an ACC form on Monday.
The fielding was not flawless however. Fulton T proved late in the innings he makes a better outfielder than close in catcher.
So, Oxford 126 and Scott and Hamilton strode to the crease. Both took time to get a few sighters in, with Hamilton the more aggressive early on. With 29 on the board Hamilton is caught and Fulton T comes to the wicket, expressing thanks that Ryan the elder wont keep him from getting off the mark today (runout incident earlier in the season, all is forgiven, really) But alas, Fulton shapes up for first ball this time, lobs one to short mid wicket and is caught to a screamer. Packing up the gear bag again Tirikatene does better with 13, but Ryan H also fails to trouble the men with the pens. Were in trouble at 54 for 4 until Hockley does a very good job in support of Scott, who starts to crank up the momentum with some powerful bludgeons and tricky little flicks and nurdles around the park. The expectations are high for this man, so much so that the team fails to give him a clap at the 50 mark. (Were tough at Swannanoa) Oxford are flagging by this stage and just when it seems Scott has played a faultless innings he dollies up a catch to square leg that signaled all over Rover for the opener. He didnt count on Willies hands though and somehow the ball made it through his mitts to let Scott survive another day.
Game over at 128 for four with Scott 70 not out and Hockley a handy 17 not out. This week were at Woodend so drop Woodsie a line early in the piece if youre available (and if youre not). Meantime if you can buy me a run, Id be really grateful for one.
Match Report 15/11/2008
Another Win!! Well this weeks game was really one of two halves.
8am Monday. 3 players
9am Tuesday. 4 players. 19 unavailable for selection 1 decided to head overeas for 6 months and 5 weren't polite enough to say yay or nay (I'm guessing they were nos , but please drop us a line it makes it a bit easier at this end).
5pm Wedenesday. I think we've got 5. Prozac just starting to work. Two gins and a half G and we'll hit the phone at 7pm.
Thursday 9 am. The team is looking better. We have the back-up from the Swannanoa school under 11's who will bolster the ranks if required. I heard one score 20 last week, yeehaa at least we've got one batsman.
Thursday 4pm. 8ish players and a cunning plan to play the shortest under 11's in order to get a few no ball runs.
Thursday 10pm. Go out spotlighting and shoot 23 bunnies and 1 cat. Still thinking about team. Still haven't heard back from the 5 neither yay or nayes but thanks you improved my shooting no end.
Friday 5.30pm. Finally have a brilliant and full team lined up to play including ex representative players, has-beens, wannabes and ring-ins.
Mental note bring back Trev.
Friday 7ish. Opposition defaults, couldn't get a team together apparently.
They quite suprised we had a squad given it is a long weekend.
Player of the day goes to Geoff Olsen for finding 3 players.
Saturday 8th Novemeber
On a beautiful day Rangiora opened the batting at the 'noa. The decision to use a new ball for the game looked to be disastrous as the opening bowlers were initially pummelled to all parts of the ground by the opening pair batsmen. This threatening partnership was finally broken by Hamilton in the 7th over. Rangiora again began to threaten before Sincock got the break through wicket of Sail(40) with the score sitting on 59. Zinny continued to take wickets in his next 2 overs as H Ryan effectively ground the run rate to a standstill at the other end. Rangiora never managed to gain momentum again and were eventually bowled out for 110. Swannanoas' fielding effort was punctuated by some fine wicket keeping (play some more games Scotty) and some remarkable catches, Murdoch took two pearlers at mid-off and what surely suprised many was that L Ryan claimed a nice catch at little personal cost (injury).
Hamilton 5-0-13-1
Aikman 3-0-19-0
Ryan H 8-3-12-0
Woods 6-2-15-2
Murdoch 4-0-13-0
Sincock 8-1-19-4
Tirikatene 3-0-6-2
Fenwick 3-0-9-0
Byes 5 (most we've had for a few weeks, need some work on this)
The run chase kicked off nicely with the opening pair of Zinny and Scott ticking along at 5 runs an over until Zinny was caught for 19 in the 6th (31). Scott was in agressive form and began to find the boundary at regular intervals and made sure he fed the strike. This pair pushed the score through to 84 (18th over) before Aikman was bowled by the scotsman Banks. By now the result was assured and the fall of McDonalds wicket at 97, caught, was probably due to the lack of pressure. Scott finished at 66 no and Swannanoa acheived the chase in the 22nd over.
NOVEMBER 1 MATCH REPORT - Mark Woods
After losing the toss Swannanoa entered their home field against a youthful & energetic Fernside Ashgrove squad and with the threat of rain hovering in the south. An agressive approach from the batsmen saw them 17 runs up after 3 overs before Dugdale stemmed the flow with his first wicket in the 4th over. Olsen chipped in during the 5th to see F-A 2-19. Dugdale feasted on the F-A batsmen in his next 3 overs, collecting a wicket in each to see the opposition reeling after 10 overs at 5-28. The batting side needed some consolidation which they acheived through their 6 & 7 batsmen whoc scored 33no and 30 (topscores) respectively and the next wicket didn't fall until the 25th over (6-66). However the F-A batsmen never waivered from their agressive approach and were finally all out after 35 overs for 114 with all wickets being caught in the field. The Swannanoa fielding effort was impressive and was in some part inspired by the athleticism of the fill-in wicket keeper.
Swannanoa had a slow but thoughtful approach to the run chase with Fulton blocking the first 6 balls but looking altogether quite comfortable with the
task at hand. His fellow opening batsman L Ryan rained on that parade and claimed yet another victim in his long career of suicidal run-outs in the
second over (1-0). This brought Dugdale to the crease and probably with his ears still ringing from the advice from the shed not to trust Ryans running
judgements he proceeded to try and pummel the ball to no great effect early in his innings. By the 4th over (2-5) Ryan was gone caught and the run chase was not looking quite so comfortable. Hamilton came into bat and he and Dugdale proceeded to steady the innings with the latter beginning to strike the ball nicely. The pair took Swannanoa through to 45-3 before Hamilton was
run out by some sharp F-A fielding. Murdoch came to the crease and went (enough said) before the junior Ryan came to bat. Dugdale (64) was caught
after taking a swipe at a juicy delivery and Hill and Ryan guided the home side to victory.
October 25th 2008
Now let Woodsie take you through the latest 3rd grade game, at home against Kaiapoi. As is traditional in October we had a few nervous moments getting a team together but as it turned out, Swannanoa had nothing to fear, except perhaps a recurring backlash from substitute fielder Roz Winters sledging
Swannanoa lost the toss and were shitting themselves as they headed into the field with 8 players. Tom Bierne bowled the 1st over which ended at 1-1 as the second new ball bowler arrived and made the field in record time. The second over was a tad more expensisve at 1-5. The next 3 overs saw the loss of 1 wicket an over at 5-14. Specialist fielder Roz did her part in slowing the scoring rate by sledging the batters on box rubbing, country wees, and arse types. Kaiapoi then dug deep as Swannanoa had to wait a further 8 overs before another wicket fell (6-46). Kaiapoi were eventually all out, after a brief explosive innings from their no#6 batsman(24), for 72 from 23 overs.
Bowling:
Tom Bierne 3-12
Geoff Olsen 2-14
Dugdale 1-4
Aikman 3-32
Hamilton 1-3
Batting was somewhat subdued with Swannanoa getting thru to 74-3 after 14 overs. Tom Bierne shone with an innings of 38 n/o and Ross Aikman in a supporting roll with 15 n/o, with extras the next top scorer.
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