Glenmore Cricket Club News story


Match Report: Glenmore 1st XI vs Crown Cobras, Aug 11th

15 Aug 2013

Glenmore's winning streak came to an abrupt end on Sunday at Riley Park, where they were outplayed by a talented Crown team.

There were a few changes to Glenmore's team from the previous day's triumph over Kanata Panthers. Out went Nathan Parr, Sandeep Sahota and Reinhardt Malan, and we welcomed back Martin Muyomba, Ryan Jenkinson (back in one piece from his travels around Europe) and Nabeel Ayubi (making his 1st XI debut). All the lads were confident to make it five wins in a row, but it wasn't to be.

Once again Glenmore batted first, and as so often happens at Riley Park, scoring immediately proved difficult. Crown set a tight ring field, and their opening bowlers (Aftab and Anas) kept a good line and length. While Jon Bray got his head down and looked set to grind it out for the long haul, Storey was able to get a few shots away, including a memorable upper-cut for four. Jon survived a huge appeal for caught behind when he attempted a pull shot. Apparently there was a noise but there was also clear daylight between bat and ball. The nearby fielders weren't too happy, but they eventually got their man when Jon was out in the 11th over for a painstaking 4 from 26 balls. The total was 30 at that stage and although runs weren't coming too easily, it was again a solid foundation on which to build.

What followed was another abject batting display from Glenmore. Knowing the importance of batting 50 overs and posting a defendable total, Glenmore failed to show the necessary application. Too often there were some poor decisions made and it cost guys their wickets.

Waseem Altaf was promoted to number 3 in the order and was perhaps a little unfortunate to be adjudged lbw to Umar's slower ball. Take nothing away from Umar though, as he produced an excellent display of consistently probing bowling. He picked up his third wicket on the stroke of the drinks break, knocking over Ruwan as he attempted a hugely optimistic shot over mid-wicket. 

This brought together Storey and Jenkinson. Storey was looking determined, and eager to pick up runs at every possible opportunity. He frequently tested mid-off and mid-on by scampering quick singles in a bid to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Jenkinson, batting for the first time in almost 6 weeks, looked comfortable from ball one. Defending when necessary but hitting anything loose (a flat-bat four over mid-on came straight out of the middle), it looked as though Storey and Jenkinson might be able to build a substantial partnership and up the run-rate. It was not to be however. The end came thanks to some disastrous running. Ryan hit the ball out to deep-midwicket, Storey called him through for a second run having not identified the fielder as being Umar, the best fielder in the Crown XI. Umar threw to the wicketkeeper and Jenkinson wasn't even close. It was a diabolical call for two and a needless risk given the stage of the innings.

The incident may well have been playing on Storey's mind a few overs later when he produced another awful piece of cricket. Always keen to get down the track to the spinners, Storey misjudged a well-flighted leg-spinner from Afridi and was hopelessly stumped for a patient 28 (from 64 balls). It was another bad decision, and it put Glenmore deep in trouble.

From then on the only man to show any level of common sense and ability was Nabeel. He batted in exactly the right fashion by taking no risks against the good balls, but looking to capitalize on anything short or wide. He batted extremely well to make 17 not out, but no one else was able to stay with him for any length of time. Asad, Bijju and Martin all went for 0, and although Rich tried his best to lend Nabeel some support he was eventually bowled by the impressive Afridi (7-2-10-4) for 1.

92 was well below par, but Glenmore have won games from worse positions in the past. As always in such circumstances, a couple of early wickets are vitally important. Sadly for Glenmore, those early wickets were not forthcoming. While Hari looked totally at sea against the new ball, his opening partner Afridi was keen to get the game over as quickly as possible. He batted with plenty of aggression, smashing Ruwan into the flowerbeds for a big six over mid-wicket, and repeatedly pulling Martin for four behind square. 

Neither seamer was able to find success, and with the game rapidly slipping away Jon threw the ball to Rich Harvey. This was the first time all season Rich has had a proper bowl, such has been the success of the quicks so far this summer. Last years top wicket taker was instantly into his rhythm and had Hari picked up by Jenkinson at cow corner. Fellow spinner Waseem Altaf joined the attack and he too had immediate success, having Afridi (42) caught by Joubert at extra cover. 

Bowling in tandem, Rich and Waseem were extremely good. Rich was accurate and looked to change his flight. Waseem lost his line a few times but spun the ball more than any spinner in the match. Both struck once more each. Rich had Salman caught behind by Storey, while Ruwan took an exceptional catch on the boundary to give Waseem his second wicket.

However, despite the impressive spin bowling, Glenmore were never really in the hunt following Crown's aggressive start. They eventually cantered home by 6 wickets with a massive 32 overs remaining, and thoroughly deserved their victory.

Glenmore will need to hold their hands up and say they weren't good enough after this defeat. However, there's no reason to panic. Promotion is still within their grasp with four games to go, but it will take some more responsible batting to guarantee it.