Carmine vs Zingiber
at CW Oval
Scorecard
Ball By Ball
Matt Luff and Jamee Gray led the Zingiber side to a victory in the preseason tournament, sharing an incredible stand of 235 against bowlers without tooth nor claw. Sean Bennett also staked his claim to an openers' spot, making 81 before playing on to Watt, while the middle order suddenly seemed deceptively fragile - though of course the Zingibers weren't really tested.
Carmine were inserted, as the Zingiber captain sought to repeat his successful tactics from yesterday. UIt worked to an extent; although Bennett played with composed defence and forged comfortable partnerships with Sharma and Dauth. Dobson's stay was all too short, however, and Mørk and Bennett had to rebuild somewhat. When they charged out, they both dragged on Watt, leaving the veteran seamer with slightly flattering figures of two for 38.
Kennett then removed Nayak, Heal, and Gillies in a hat-trick, all caught, and rounded off with Raghav for a five-for; Dwyer remained unbeaten on 35, clamoring for promotion, while Clapham got Amir out after he had slogged his way to six.
The chase was a good display of skill from Matt Luff and Jamee Gray, though it started with Amir handing away five wides before even bowling a legal delivery. Dobson, who had been handed the gloves at Zingiber for a spell, was unable to take one flying down the leg side. The opening bowlers smartened up as far as length was concerned, but were unable to provide regular threat, and for the remainder of the innings the pair kept an eye on the run rate. Extras flowed, and even a delayed powerplay wasn't able to provide the long sought-after wicket; Luff brought up his hundred off a hundred and six balls, registering a 15-dB applause from the man and his dog, before finally dragging Amir on at 117. Kearsley stepped in for a couple glorious cover drives, while Gray earned a deserved century with a flick to mid on - off 152 deliveries.
Carmine 246 all out (48.3)
SA Bennett 81, CR Dwyer 35*, H Mørk 33; DM Kennett 5/45, DJ Watt 2/38, KR Clapham 2/59
Zingiber 247 for one (46)
MD Luff 117, JR Gray 103*
Zingiber won by nine wickets
Man of the Match: M. D. Luff (Zingiber)