First XI
Round 1 saw the first XI take on AYC. The two clubs hadn’t met for a few years so both parties were probably a bit unsure what to expect.
Early Season nerves got the better of the panthers as they got off to a poor start with AYC taking early wickets and having the panthers in real trouble at 6 for 48. From there the rescue mission started with Dave Beattie and Steve Green putting in a valuable partnership until Steve Green was caught on the boundary with a solid catch for 17.
Dave batting unusually low in the order (due to missing preseason to attend the Irish riverdance competition in Cork) was supported by Dale Rogers and Chris Brabender to get the Panthers to the respectable score of 150. Dave Beattie top scoring with 59.
With a small (but defendable score) on the board we needed early wickets. We managed to take 3 key wickets before light called an end to the first days play. The wickets were spread with Gurney, Datson and Green all claiming 1.
The ones will need to bowl well from here to get the points but are well in the hunt with plenty of bowling options.
Second XI
Won the toss and elected to bat.
Danny looked a million dollars as he got off to a flying start, unfortunately he went for a little too much getting bowled out for 14. Knotty came in and went out pretty softly for a duck, Govey was starting to get his eye in missed one and was LBW for 9
We were 3/30 and looking down the barrel of a poor score.
Gallichio in his first game in about 5 years strode out to the crease, and with the support of Speedy put together a great partnership with a mix up causing a run out and was the only way this partnership was going to be broken. Speedy compiled a very handy 22 runs in 27 overs.
Another quick run out for the 5th wicket and Rocket was on the way back to the Pavillion.
Grades came out to the crease and slogged the ball around for 19, again giving up his wicket cheaply.
Gallichio finally was dismissed, bowled after a very well compiled 59.
Not much to say about the tail, with the exception of Macca making a nice 14*
We made 162 which is a very defendable score with our bowling line up.
