First X1 Captains warp – Round 12 v Yarraville

Two-day home game against Yarraville, and after losing the toss we were sent in on a tough batting wicket where rhythm was hard to find all day. Ross showed positive intent early with a couple of nice shots before being dismissed, and then Lachie and Blayde put together a really solid partnership to steady things. Lachie was eventually out for a well-made 35, and despite conditions being challenging, Blayde continued to dig in. We lost wickets cheaply through the middle — myself included - but Blayde fought on superbly to bring up a deserved 50, showing great composure and resilience. Seamus again got a start with 34, but as we slipped to 4/167, wickets continued to fall quickly. Blayde’s innings finally came to an end for an extremely well-fought 87, and James Stewart was the only batter after Seamus to reach double figures, playing a crucial and well-constructed 25 as we watch a young man develop beautifully before us. We were bowled out in the 79th over for 220.


Day 2 we knew we needed to bowl and field well, but we didn’t get the start we were after. Yarraville came out fast, finding the boundary regularly on what was a nice batting surface. Despite a sluggish beginning, the group showed real fight to drag ourselves back into the contest, with Schuey finally breaking through after tea in the 49th over… 1/133. From there, the effort lifted across the board. Hopey returning after a couple of weeks out, was immense with the ball, well supported by Pat, Sonny and Lachie who all battled hard. With runs drying up, we clawed back into the game — Yarraville moving to 2/178, before a brilliant burst from us of 6/14 saw them slip to 7/192 as close of play approached. Unfortunately, the visitors managed to get the runs in the final over of the day.

A massive effort by the boys to stay in the contest and take the game as deep as we did, but ultimately it was not the result we were after. Bowling highlights: Dan 3/67 (21), Sam 2/41 (15), Pat 1/46 (15).
A disappointing loss that tightens the finals race more than we’d like. We’re back at home this weekend against Taylors Lakes in a crucial Saturday/Sunday game for our season. Big opportunity ahead.

Go dogs 🔰🐶🔰