PREMIER C GRADE – vs Rovers
5th v 6th and crucial for Moe’s chances to make Top 4
Moe Innings:
A stuttering innings for the Lions. A run rate of exactly 3, with plenty of starts, six making double figures (De Vent 10, P.Cake 35, M.Glibanovic 12, Oakley 21, H.Edwards 10, B.Cake 23*) and two batters just one short of two digits (Murphy 9, R.Whitney 9*). The hosts posted 7/120 from their 40 overs. For Rovers, Darren Brain (2/29 off 8.) took the wickets of Cake & Oakley and Bailey Nikodemski (2/3 off 2) took two at the death.
Rovers Innings:
Like nearly every week, Ronnie Whitney had figures typical for him, taking 2/14 off 8, dismissing both openers. Spaulding (15) & O’Donnell (27) got Rovers to 2/66 off 26 overs at just 2.5 an over, 55 required off 14 overs at 3.92. Both set batsmen were dismissed by the Cake tandem (Paul 1/7 off 8 and Brady 1/21 off 8.) to make it 4/72 off 30 overs. Eight runs off the next three overs made it 41 required from the last 42 deliveries, Moe on top. Mustafa Glibanovic & Hayden Edwards took a wicket in each of the next four overs, but conceded 27 runs off those 24 balls in the process. 8/107 with 14 required off 18 for Rovers or just 2 wickets for Moe.
Over 43 brought six runs for no loss. 8 off 12. Aiden Savige conceded 5 runs off 5 balls before getting Matthews (13) caught and bowled. 9/118. Brady Cake to bowl the last over, 3 runs or 1 wicket to win. Three singles off three balls and Rovers won with three balls to spare. C’s fall short in a thriller, but valuable in-game experience for four youngsters (Glibanovic, Edwards, Savige & Cake) all bowling at the death in a tight finish situation.
Summary:
Although 5th, the last two losses see finals chances all but gone. 2 games left to play, separated by a bye.
