This weeks game saw us at home against a very strong West Point Titans side, where we wanted to just put in a better effort and attitude to the last few weeks.
K-man was our captain and we won the toss, so it was decided we would have a bat first. Rhys and Jujhar started us off, with wanting to be positive in our batting and especially be aggressive with our running both with an intent to score better than the last few innings. We started well but West Point was bowling extremely well, considering most of them have played rep crocket and good quality senior cricket, we were in for fight. We lost Rhys as he attempted to go over the top and Gavi next ball from the same shot as their bowlers showed great control with the ball, it brought Roy to the crease. He a Jujhar put on 25 until Roy (10) got a massive googly that got through his defence and Riaan then followed shortly after, it meant AJ and Jujhar now needed to build the innings for us. They did so with aplomb, taking the fight back to West Point, with some lovely shots, super running and rotation of the strike, they got us to 111 when Jujhar retired for a terrific 50. The next few batters came and went as they sacrificed themselves trying to get AJ on strike and keep the run rate going. In the end we finished on 7/128 from our 24 overs, a run rate above 5, which was really good against a quality side. AJ finished with a run-a-ball 41 in a positive knock out there in the middle.
It was good to see the intent out there, it may not always be your day with the bat but if you go out trying to follow team instructions and giving yourself to the team, I will never complain.
Was our turn to bowl and it was good to see everyone try to bowl with the team instructions, nice and full at the stumps, get the fielding to back it and try and put the pressure on the batting. West Point being a strong batting side as well, was nice to see us make them earn most of their runs. Gavi bowled through his 4 overs at the start brilliantly without luck (first ball was a glorious edge that unfortunately was a bit sharp for slip) and he finished with 0-12. Rhys got our first wicket when they were 16 and then Jujhar got the next to have them 2-42 so it was game on, but West Point knuckled down and despite some good bowling, we still had lapses and their batters jumped on any opportunity as they kept in front of the run rate required. We got our 3rd wicket from Rose with her brother taking the catch to have them 3-89, but a quick cameo from there3 next batter quickly saw them 4-117, then 5-117 but some late hitting from some wayward bowling saw them finish at 6/167 from 21 overs. Except for the last few overs where it was a bit erratic, we gave it our all trying to keep our game plan intact. Bowling figures of note were Gavi's 0-12 from 4 overs, Riaan 1-2 from 2, Jujhar 1-21 from 3, Rhys 1-14 from 2, Roy 1-10 and Rose 2-22.
We may have lost, however against that quality of opposition, I was happy. The effort and attitude were where they should be, we backed ourselves and supported our teammates and it was just a better feeling.
They should be very proud as they gave the response we were looking for.
Hoping for a win shortly with that type of performance.
We are away against Williamstown Fowler this week

Go Spotty
Coach Crispy