IT WAS HEARTBREAK on Friday evening for the Glenmore Taverners as they had victory snatched from their hands in the play-off eliminator. 

Gujarat Lions were the opposition for this must-win game in the Weeknight competition, and they were the ones celebrating at the end with a huge pitch invasion. Their excitement was totally justified given the incredible nature of their win. Chasing 122 to win, with one wicket in hand, they needed 22 from the final 7 balls of the match. The hero of the hour was the number 10 batter, Harsh Patel. Earlier in the match he had bowled and fielded extremely well, but it was his performance with the bat that will live long in the memory of all those there to see it. He sent the final ball of the 19th over way over the boundary to bring the target to within 16. A fortuitous single off the first ball of the 20th over got Patel back on strike. A scrambled 2 runs came next which could have easily resulted in a run out. 3rd ball was again smashed for 6. The next three deliveries went dot, 2, wide to leave Patel on strike and 4 to win. The left handed tail ender once again swung hard, found the middle, sent the ball flying into the gap between cow corner and deep square leg. The game was won thanks to a miraculous 26* from 15 balls.

It left Tavs shell shocked and looking for answers as to how they'd lost the game. They had produced a superb display in the field, with all the bowlers performing magnificently. Young Reece Matthews was sensation, taking 2 for 13 from his 4 overs. Dan Paul was fantastic, taking 3 for 16 from 4 overs. Chris Williams (1-28), Colin Nieuwenhuizen (2-21) and Tarun Jain (1-42) all picked up important wickets and did a great job. The fielding too was excellent. Unfortunately the game was decided by a freak innings at the 11th hour.

If the Tavs need look anywhere for the reason for the defeat, it is the batting display that let them down. Apart from a fabulous attacking knock from Jason Bell (33* off 22) nobody else really contributed a significant score. Bijju Mohankumar (19*) did well to hold the innings together toward the end, but a total of 121 was well below par.

But, it was another fun season for the Tavs, and all the Glenmore weeknight teams. Thanks to everyone who played for the Tavs, Royals and Blues this Summer. And special thanks to Bijju, Theunis and Reece for doing a terrific job skippering.

Jason Bell, Dan Paul and Reece Matthews share the Man of the Match beers.

Check out the match scorecard here.

IT WAS A FAMILIAR STORY for the 1st XI at the weekend as they also struggled to make enough runs. Batting first against a powerful Kings XI side, they could only scrape together 101 from their 20 overs. Once again it was Anjan Singh who top scored, making 27 from 32 balls. Sadly nobody else was able to get in to make an impact. Lovepreet Singh was the chief tormenter for Kings XI, finishing with the superb figures of 4-0-8-3.

Gautam Verma managed to snare a couple of early wickets with the new ball to give Glenmore half a chance, but some patient, responsible batting from Vick Cheema, Raman Virk and Robin Sekhon meant Kings cruised to a comfortable 7 wicket victory.

See the match scorecard here.

THANKFULLY OUR 2ND XI managed to provide the club a victory this week with a fine win over the ever improving Stallions team. It was a Wednesday evening fixture for the 2nds at Riley Park, and the sun was shining beautifully as the teams walked out to the middle. Stallions batted first and did a great job to make 163-6. Ahsan Javaid was the most successful of the bowlers, taking 4 for 24 from his 4 overs.

Chasing over 160 was always going to be a tall order, but Usama Saeed got the innings off to a ferocious start. Usama has been in fine form in recent weeks for the 2nds and the Royals, and he helped himself to a spectacular 52 from just 26 deliveries. 5 sixes soared high and handsome over the rope to give the 2nds the perfect platform. Not to be outdone, Saad Khan produced another typically bombastic innings of 45 from 19 balls, which included 6 sixes! Useful contributions from Ahsan (13), Nabeel Ayubi (17), and Ameer Hamza (13) meant the 2nds ran out winners by 3 wickets with 4.3 overs remaining. It had been an excellent all round display once again, with Usama taking the Man of the Match award.

See the match scorecard here.

THIS IS THE FINAL CALL for anyone wanting to play in our club Golf Day on September 3rd. We'll be teeing the ball up at Heatherglen Golf Club at 11am that Saturday. It's $108 to take part so if you'd like to play please let us know and send the money via email transfer to glenmorecc@gmail.com.

 COMING FIXTURES 

Saturday 20th August

Glenmore 2nd XI vs Runriders Beta - Riley Park - 9am

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