Glenmore Cricket Club News story


Glenmore back to winning ways with thumping victory over Cavs III

14 Aug 2012


Glenmore got back to winning ways against Cavaliers III with a complete performance to erase the bad memories from the previous weekend.

The teams arrived at Inland Small to find plenty of cloud cover and conditions apparently perfect for bowling. Jon Bray won the toss and continued the trend of putting the opposition in to bat. This had proved successful against Cavs back in June and the boys were looking to repeat the dose by picking up another 6 points.

Last week's loss had been largely brought about by a bad fielding display. Catches went down, heads went down and the spirit wasn't good. Following a determined practice session on thursday Glenmore were keen to get back to their usual high standards in the field. And they couldn't have got off to a better start, with the first two wickets falling thanks to some sharp work by Storey and Jenkinson. Firstly Storey took a diving catch behind the stumps off a beautiful away swinger (to the left handed opener) from Bobby Gajendra. And shortly afterwards the Cavs batsmen got into a dreadful state of confusion, allowing Ryan to run in from mid-off, pick the ball up and throw down the stumps with a direct hit. Ryan's loud, aggressive celebration almost certainly shook off the disappointment of a few dropped catches against Crown Eagles.

This bright start set the tone for what was an almost faultless display from Glenmore's bowlers and fielders. Bobby has become Mr Consistent with the new ball and once again he found a perfect line and length, and plenty of in-swing. He was unfortunate not to add to his haul with the new ball, particularly with one unplayable delivery that came through the gate and missed middle stump by a coat of paint. At the Stoney Trail end Ali Memon found significant movement away from the right handers, and was a constant threat. None of the batsmen were comfortable against his pace, movement and bounce, and had it not been for the umpires being strict on their wide calls his figures would have been far more economical.

Having been 20-2 Cavaliers showed some discipline with the bat. The talented opener Rohan, with the responsibility of making about 70% of his team's runs, and Mayank dug in and started building a total. Rohan, having run out Mukhul, barely played a shot in anger while Mayank left well outside off stump, backed away from anything straight and attacked anything short. A few top edged pulls got the scoreboard ticking over but he always looked likely to offer a chance or two. And so it came as no surprise when the introduction of Sandeep brought about a false shot...the batsman spooning a catch to Brijesh (on his G1 debut) on the forty-five. Bijju judged the catch extremely well, having to make ground forward and to his right.

Sandeep was proving to be almost impossible to score off (or keep wicket to). He was getting turn (both ways), adjusting his ball speed and flight, and was extracting significant bounce off a length. Any attempts to play attacking shots were extremely risky. He struck twice more in his excellent spell. His wrong 'un found the edge of Farhan's bat and was pouched by Jon Bray at slip. Salim, batting at nine, tried his luck by attempting a hoik over cow corner but only managed in picking out Glenmore's most safe pair of hands...Ruwan clinging on right on the boundary edge.

Sandy wasn't the only spin doctor weaving his spell. At the other end Richy Harvey was showing all his experience and guile to pick up three vital wickets of his own. His first strike was the all important wicket of Rohan (14), who was beaten by Richy's quicker arm ball and out plumb lbw. His next two wickets came thanks to some brave, teasing bowling. With the short boundaries at Inland, and the attacking intentions of the batsmen, it takes some bottle to keep tossing the ball up, inviting the big shots. But, Rich maintained a perfect loop and both Phani (5) and Sohail (8) took the bait hook, line and sinker, offering catches to cow corner. First Bobby, and then Anjan Singh, showed excellent technique and composure when getting under the high ball.

The spin twins had both bowled fantastically and were well supported by the fielders, who took everything that came their way. Together Sandy (3-17) and Rich (3-48) had knocked the stuffing out of Cavs. It only left Ryan to complete another superb run out (again the batsmen couldn't decide between "yes" and "no" and Ryan quickly got the ball to the keeper to complete the dismissal) and for the returning Gajendra (2-22) to pick up his second wicket (number 11 Nikhil out lbw for a duck) to bring the innings to a close. All out for a well below par 145.

Whereas Glenmore had been accurate, attacking and lively from ball one, Cavaliers started their stint in the field in a most lethargic, ill-disciplined manner. Opening bowlers Azal and Mukhul refused to locate the necessary line and length, frequently dropping short to the delight of Jon Bray and Ruwan. Both batsmen pounced on the recurring long-hops, smashing them for fours and sixes, and relieving any pressure the run chase may have provided. As well as putting away the many loose deliveries, Jon and Ruwan also ran well between wickets...another product of the midweek training session. The two have quickly formed a good understanding at the top order, and together had the total rattling along. Following their fifty partnership last week, they put on a magnificent 103 to flatten Cavaliers' hopes.

Jon Bray received a standing ovation from his teammates when he got to 37 runs. At that point the Glenmore skipper went past 2000 runs for the club, a truly admirable achievement. Jon has been a talented, consistent, tough opener for many years, always giving 100% to the club. Without question there are many more runs still to come from the long serving Aussie.

Sadly neither of the Glenmore openers got the fifties they deserved. Both succumbed to the slow left arm of Kanwar for 43. With 40 runs still needed for victory, and Cavaliers sensing they had a chance, Alex Storey and Ryan Jenkinson made sure they shut the door. Both played sensibly against the useful spin of Kanwar and Farhan, ran well together, and waited for the inevitable loose balls to score off. Jenko (6 not out) was rock solid while Storey (33 not out) continued his decent form. The match was eventually won when Alex skipped down the wicket and hit Farhan for a six down the ground.

This was a first class performance from Glenmore, with everyone contributing to the win. The bowlers were attacking and always dangerous. The fielding display was easily the best of the summer so far. All the batsmen looked good and took responsibility. And the team spirit was once again excellent. Everyone enjoyed themselves and played with smiles on their faces. Tougher opposition await but performances like this will bring plenty more wins.

Scorecard