Just for Openers
Date: 17-Jan-11
Author: Wojt Kowaluk
Opening batsmen Dennis Jackson (87) and Alan Taylor (59) put on a massive 155 runs for the first wicket to set up Laguna's 35 run win against Supporters.
The first game back after the holiday break was at our own Laguna Cricket Ground. Those present saw a wonderful display of patient and determined batting. Sent in by Supporters, Taylor and Jackson batted steadily till the 20 over break. At no wicket down and 55 runs on the board they decided to up the tempo a bit. Did they what, during the next 16 overs, they put on another 100 runs before Jackson was out caught, going for one hit too many.
In the remaining 6 overs, a further 4 wickets fell in the search for quick runs. But as far as Supporters efforts with the ball were concerned, too little too late. On a day where a slow outfield meant that par was thought to be around 130, Laguna at 5/166 had set Supporters a challenging total.
Early wickets are the key to slowing a run chase, Tom Jackson (1/23 off 6) duly obliged having N. Conroy caught behind in the second over of the innings. Jackson and fellow opener Jack Bailey (1/22 off 9) kept things tight, before the pressure told and Bailey snared his first. The ever miserly, Steve Sullivan (2/19 off 10) came on as first change and conceded 5 runs off his first 5 overs, maintaining pressure on the batsmen. But it was at the other end that things were happening.
Firstly Paul Toohey was having some trouble with his radar caused by a shoulder injury. Forced to come on half way through Toohey's 3rd over, Kenny Barnett (2/3 off 1.3) had immediate success, snaring a wicket with his second ball. He followed this with another in his second over, Eamonn Smith grabbing a brilliant running catch in the deep, sending the visitors into the break at 4/58.
The second half of the innings had Supporters Captain, J. Lindnar (65 N/O) play a lone hand with the bat, only some spirited hitting by B. Good at the end gave Supporters some chance of reaching Laguna's total. However a steady flow of wickets to Sullivan and Greg Kelso (4/47 off 10) kept the total out of reach. Kelso combining with wicket keeper Wojt Kowaluk to wrap up the innings with a couple of stumpings in the 39th over.
Final scores Laguna 4/166, Supporters 135 all out.
Batting: Dennis Jackson 87, Alan Taylor 59
Bowling: Tom Jackson 1/23 off 6, Jack Bailey 1/22 off 9, Steve Sullivan 2/19 off 10, Kenny Barnett 2/3 off 1.3, Greg Kelso 4/47 off 10
