First XI
The One’s travelled up the freeway to the next exit to play Marcellin OC. With a bit of moisture in the air, Captain Grady won the toss and elected to bowl; then asked to borrow wicket keeping gloves (Oops!). He felt hustled into his decision as their captain was very keen to get on with it; after the toss and decision, he noticed they only had 8 present. Was it a rash decision? Hmm… He opened with Bisty and himself, both bowling precise lines and lengths and getting the ball to swing nicely, making it difficult for their openers. 0 for 24 after 9 overs. Change. JJ and Dools on and continued the tight bowling. JJ was unlucky in that Knotty tactically (Tactic as that batsmen carried his bat for 61) dropped a tough chance at first slip, but good effort getting horizontal and landing past gully.  After their bowling partnership, they were 2 for 75 after 24 overs. Back to Bisty to finish his allotment of overs, bowled really well for no wickets, he was just way too good on the day. Bring on Chinny and Worms. Chinny took one in his first over but was just a tad too loose. Worms was tight again. Grades brought himself back on at the death and was very good, continuing to get the ball to swing like in his first spell. After their 40 overs, 8 for 151.
Then the highlight of the day, arvo tea. I must compliment Marcellin OC for a civilised, sit down, extraordinary arvo tea. Even better when the captain looks at you and says, “Number 6.” This may have led to an extra sanga or two.
Speedy and Gaz had to cut their break short to pad up. They got off to a good start, wanting to push the singles on the small ground, build into it, rotate the strike, you know, a conventional opening partnership.  Speed: 444 (12) and Gaz: 4441116 (21). Both caught behind. Enter Kavan and Dools. And that’s it. A 110 run partnership that included 7 sixes and 12 fours. All done by the 21st over. Well done lads, a great win. Go to MyCricket for all the details.

Second XI
Unfortunately we had to forfeit our game to AYC this week. Not ideal as we’ve forfeited two weeks in a row now.

If you have any intention on playing this season, and into the future, then next week is when we really need you to play. If we forfeit again, we’ll have to withdraw the side. We withdraw the side, we have no depth. No depth most likely means the end of the club. Simples.  Are we relying on past players to come back? Maybe. Could they help bring down a player or two?  Maybe.  As a committee, we’ve letterbox dropped 2500 flyers around Balwyn Park. We’ve advertised in the shops, schools and universities. Result, no interest.  Maybe it’s time to buy players? Find money somehow. Social membership can help us out, go to subs page. Sponsorship can help too, go to sponsors page. We’ll be on the phones in the next few days for your thoughts. If you don’t hear from us, then please contact us as we wouldn’t have your details.

Go Panthers!

We may have avoided Grades off the field, but we certainly joined him on it!