age_master
Hall of Fame Member
Big game vs Aust A at the WACA, the batting will have to put in a big performance compared to recent results for a win here, should be able to do it though 
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**Dev League Season 7**
- Thread starter Mr Mxyzptlk
- Start date
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Thursday 19th August
Cricket Web Green v Australia A at the WACA
No doubt that the limited overs success for the Greens would have bolstered their fleeting confidence heading into their 3rd 5D game of the season, against Australia A. Age Master walked to the middle and called 'Heads' in the toss. To his visible dismay, he lost it and the Greens were inserted on the bouncy WACA pitch. Nathan Hoy was granted his first FC cap in an emotional 2 seconds.
Loony Bob and Proud Indian made their way to the middle and took guard. Immediately Brad Williams had Bob in trouble, beating the edge with his first 5 balls and then having a confident LBW shout wrongly turned down. Having survived, Bob batted well with Indian and took a counterattacking attitude to some short stuff from the Aussies. His maiden FC half-century took 91 balls and contained 8 fours. The opening stand marked 97 and then Indian was the first to go in the first hour after lunch, driving loosely outside offstump.
Cloete, in top form, took his place and began with a marvellous straight drive first ball to get off the mark with a boundary. He continued to bat elegantly but lost Loony Bob, who lost his offstump to Williams. Williams was working up a good head of steam and hit Blewy on the helmet first up. The CW XI captain collapsed to the deck and was down for a full 5 minutes before taking guard once more. His stay thereafter would be short, however, as he spliced a cut off Bichel and was caught in the gully. Hauritz enticed Cloete to swing him down the throat of deep midwicket and Age Master was beaten by an unplayable Bichel legbreak to the first ball of the next over - 150/5.
Suddenly the Greens found themselves fading fast and were in search of a hero. However, in the true spirit of Cricket Web, the lower order fought back. Lo' Darkness attacked the bowling and was especially harsh on Bichel. Only never looked a permanent prospect with him though, and she was out to a modest delivery outside offstump at 200/6. Darkness continued his fine innings in the same gear still. At the other end Hoy was as solid as they come, rotating the strike and dispatching the odd bad ball to the boundary. When Darkness skied a hook shot off Bichel, Hoy was on 16 from 52 balls. By the time the innings wrapped, he had gone to his maiden half-century and significantly increased his scoring rate. The Greens were all out for 327.
With some new fire after the lower order heroics, the Green bowlers charged in. Hoy missed a run out chance against Hussey early on and then Rose had an LBW shout turned down. Age Master floored Maher (on 18) at slip off Hoy and that fire was quickly being snuffed. It figured that young Hoy would be the one to get some of the energy back, as he took a well-judged catch at third man to dismiss Hussey and give Delkap his first wicket. Love struggled at the crease and then was LBW to Indian and the Greens were right back in it - 75/2.
Soon after tea, Hoy got his first FC wicket, pinning Elliott LBW on the back foot. He then did the same to Maher and the Greens were on top - 122/4. Blewett had something to say about that though, and his half-century in the middle order pulled his team back into the game with an eventual 297 all out. Hoy and Delkap shared 5 wickets between them. With a slim 30 runs already on the board, Bob and Indian took to the middle once more. Unfortunately this time things didn't go quite as well as the first. Indian was first gone, edging to fifth slip. He was soon joined by Bob caught at the same position an over after. Cloete was dropped hooking when on 2 but only reached 9 when he was adjudged LBW - 28/3.
Age Master and Blewy set out on a rescue mission and added 50 runs from 51 balls. Blewy got to his half-century from just 57 balls and the partnership reach 76 before Master (dropped twice earlier) departed. Only found things difficult facing Hauritz and was caught behind to the same bowler soon enough. Blewy continued to play freely and looked good for a century until Williams yorked him legstump. Back in trouble at 137/6. Hoy was given out LBW after padding up to Hauritz and Darkness missed one off the backfoot for the same fate. Hauritz continued to spin a web around the Green batsmen and bowled David Jr. between bat and pad, then did the same to Xavier Rose - 5/22 and 186 all out.
Once the Greens were in the driver's seat but suddenly they found themselves defending a small total of 216. The total was made to be even smaller by the Australian openers who quickly added 50 runs off 75 balls. Hussey was dropped by Only off Rose on 2 and then later on 47 by Bob off Hoy. He reached 50 from 92 balls and continued to increase in stride. Soon enough the hundred stand was up and Maher reached his half-century. Desperate for a breakthrough, Age Master tossed the ball to Rose. To his relief, the seamer induced a top-edged pull and David Jr. ran in from deep midwicket to take the catch - Maher out - 140/1.
David Jr. returned at the other end and conceded a couple of cut shot boundaries to Love, then trapped him in front with a full delivery - 173/2. It all seemed too little, too late, but the Green bowlers continued to bowl with fire and purpose and went down with the heads high as Hussey crossed the century mark and pulled to the ropes for the winning runs.
Cricket Web Green 1st Innings 327 all out
Australia 'A' 1st Innings 297 all out
Cricket Web Green 2nd Innings 186 all out
Australia 'A' 2nd Innings 218 for 2
Australia 'A' won by 8 wkts.
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Cricket Web Black v England A at the MCG
Much in contrast to their Green counterparts, the Blacks entered their 3rd 5D game high on confidence after strong showings in their first 2 such outings. Even when Neil Pickup lost the toss spirits were still high. Perhaps that was more because England A elected to bat first on a pitch with something for the bowlers though.
Pickup knew his bowlers were in good form and confidently tossed the ball to Blaster and Broadbent to open up. The veteran Master Blaster had the first victim, Troughton caught at midoff by Pickup. Before Bell could hurl a sledge, Blaster got him too. When Pieterson was stunningly run out by Pickup for 6, the Blacks were overjoyed with their opponents struggling at 49/3.
Ed Smith settled in with Ian Ward and showed good defensive technique in negotiating the subsequent attack. Pickup helped by flooring a very simple return catch when Smith had 5. The clouds came over the ground during lunch and Pickup got Ward LBW immediately after. Broadbent was brought back into the attack and quickly got Read caught at slip without scoring. Pickup then got his dropped catch beneficiary LBW and the Blacks were above themselves.
Cork lived a charmed life, dropped by Hunter off Broadbent on 1, by Blaster off Pickup on 2 and by Chaulk off Blaster on 7. His partner Schofield was not so lucky, bowled by a beauty from Pickup. Pickup then had close friend Kabir Ali caught behind and Silverwood dropped at slip the next ball. Wrapping up a very good spell, Broadbent enticed a drive from Cork to be caught at gully - 136/9. It would have been all over in the next over had Pickup not dropped the second catch of the day off his bowling and hence not allowed Silverwood to score the 40 runs he did - 171 all out.
Rain took the day to an early close and Rich_2001 and Eclipse started the reply on day two. Rich was dropped at midon on 2 and soon after the 50 partnership was celebrated. Both batsmen looked in great form, but Eclipse received a good outswinger from Ali at 57/1. Not long after, Rich pushed back to Cork - 75/2 - and Buts was missed at slip the ball before lunch. He then had 2 runs. Buts lost two partners in Jagaways and BK Smith in the hour after lunch, but battled onward and gradually found his way into his best form. His 50 took 113 balls and he got to his third FC hundred from 87 more. Elated, the left-hander kneeled down and kissed the pitch and then looked to resume his concentration.
He and Ash Chaulk looked very much like resuming on day three and played a defensive game. However, with only 6 overs left for play, Saggers found his rhythm and some deadly swing. The Black score slumped from 273/4 to 282/7 at the close. On the third day Dark Hunter and co. managed to push it along to 303 all out. Although disappointing at the end, the Blacks still had a lead of 132 runs and Pickup intended to maximize upon it by setting attacking fields first up. In just the second over it paid off, as Troughton was LBW to a Blaster inseamer for a duck. The ball before lunch Bell chopped on to Broadbent and England A were struggling - 42/2.
Amidst frequent but brief rain stoppages in the afternoon session, the Blacks were made to work very hard and created just one genuine chance. Alas Ferd couldn't hold on at short leg off Pickup's bowling and Ward lived on with 19 runs. Pieterson's 50 took 86 balls and he looked in ominous nick, then got a big nick off the top of his bat and was caught by Blaster in the very next over. Pickup instinctively brought on Hunter and he got Ward caught behind in his first over. The nightwatchman Silverwood took guard but edged to 4th slip 2 balls after - 129/5.
England A resumed on day four at 136/5 and the Blacks closed in on victory. All the focus was not there, though, and Jagaways missed a simple chance at slip (off Blaster) early on. The partnership for the sixth wicket reached 50 and Pickup introduced himself to the attack. Still there was not even any drama and the stand reached 100. It finally ended after 116 runs to the plus and the Neil Pickup/Master Blaster combo did the trick - 245/6. Schofield replaced Read and batted very much in the same way. The pitch was clearly holding up well and, despite attacking field settings, the Englishmen resisted comfortably albeit slowly.
Pickup struck again to get Ed Smith for a very fine innings of 87 and at 272/7 the Blacks once more thought they would be batting very soon. Not to be though as Cork, Ali and Saggers all crossed 15 runs and pushed England A's score above the 350 mark. When all was said and done, CW Black needed 228 runs from 71 overs. Rich_2001 and Eclipse comfortably knocked 34 of those runs off in 10 overs before lunch and the game was set up very interestingly. 194 needed from 61.
The pitch still looked good with consistent bounce and a minimum of crack. Still Saggers somehow produced a sharp rising ball only to see Smith drop a difficult chance off Eclipse in the gully. Suddenly the hero was the villain. Eclipse benefited a further 15 runs and then chopped on - 54/1. Ferd was promoted up the order to lend support to Rich, who made batting look extremely easy. He was dropped at cover on 3, but after that played solidly and helped in a 64-run second wicket stand.
Rich got to his half-ton from 97 balls and continued playing beautifully. Silverwood accounted for Ferd - 133/2 - and Jagaways was Rich's new partner. A further 33 runs and Rich was unfortunately run out on Jagaways call, 15 short of his century. CW Black still needed some 62 runs with 99 balls left in the game. Entering the innings was the man you'd want in such a situation. Nicknamed Cricket Web's Graham Thorpe, the first innings centurion took his place. C Buts immediately looked set and on a mission. He raced to 38 from 33 balls of a 52-ball 50-run stand with Jagaways. After the brisk start, the left-hander tempered the chase somewhat and comfortably saw his team home with 15 balls to spare.
England 'A' 1st Innings 171 all out
Cricket Web Black 1st Innings 303 all out
England 'A' 2nd Innings 359 all out
Cricket Web Black 2nd Innings 230 for 3
Cricket Web Black won by 7 wkts.
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Cricket Web Blue v Cricket Web Red at the CW Oval
The Blues and Reds have been as fierce a rivalry as any since the instatement of colours in the Dev League Season 6. Before this game the record stood at a win apiece in two FC meetings but the two teams entered with totally different mindsets. On the back of StUEy the Blues attained a very impressive draw against Australia A in their last 5D game, but the Reds were humiliated at the hands of Pickup and CW Black.
Still, the Reds were back at home and things started well when they won the toss. The pitch looked to have some juice in it for the seamers and Marc71178, perhaps with memories of his team's 96 all out just a week ago, decided to bowl first. Instantly he was gratified. Dave removed Broncoman's offstump, Mr Ponting hit StUEy in front of middle stump and the Blues were 8/2 in 2 overs.
Peter Young stood his ground though but couldn't produce much when Dave had his wicket too - 43/3. Craig, batting in the middle order, provided some comfort with good counterattacking strokeplay. He was dropped, an extremely difficult chance, by Nibblet on 28 though. Dave was the unlucky bowler. At a crucial stage in the game Mr. Wright was recalled for his second spell after a tight 5-4-5-0 initially. General ineffectiveness in previous games meant that he could be facing the axe if he didn't contribute. With that in mind and some swing in the air, Mr Wright set out to save his season if not his career.
He began well with the good wicket of Toogood caught at slip - 60/4. His spell was then testing but didn't cause too many troubles for the Blues batsmen as the pitch progressively flattened out. Just when the Reds seemed to be slipping a bit, Ghansar induced a cut shot from Craig and the ball flew to Mr. Wright at third man. He took a smart catch and the Blues went to lunch a ball later at 97/5. The second over after lunch saw Mr. M fishing at Ghansar and caught at slip by Marc - 98/6 - and allrounder Muhaffy came in with a lot of work to do.
In the face of disaster Dylan Jellett simply smirked and went about discarding the Reds bowling with particular preference through the covers. A mix of glorious cover drives and risky lofted cuts were to quite good effect and Jellett took only 42 balls to register his 50th run. Looking on Muhaffy slowly gained confidence and witnessed Jellett bring up a wonderful century from 102 balls - 14 fours. The right-handed opening batsman continued to dominate and gave his only chance to Markus at slip on 111. As luck would have it, Dave was the bowler and the catch was put down.
Soon enough Jellett reached 150 from 171 balls as the Reds took the new ball to no effect. Finally Marc was allowed that sigh of relief when Bugssy held an edged off Mr. Wright's bowling and Jellett's brilliant innings was completed (2 overs before stumps). Resuming on 292/7 on day two, Muhaffy fell just short of his half-century and Adam lasted just two balls. Mr. Wright pushed his wicket tally to 4 with those two but Halsey proceeded to frustrate for 67 balls before he could celebrate his fifth, the fourth such haul in Mr. Wright's FC career - 340 all out. In the 32-run last wicket partnership, the Reds dropped 4 catches (Deeps 2, Marc 1, Vimes 1) and it left a bit of a sour taste to an otherwise good performance.
Having been in the field for so much longer than they would have hoped, the Reds concentration was not all there at the start and Mookerjee was back in the pavilion quickly because of it. At lunch the score was 19/1 and it was just 8 overs upon resumption when the slippery bug bit again. Broncoman dropped Bugssy on 24 off Muhaffy. Nath Patrick then broke through the over after, getting Vimes to prod back into his lap. Adam replaced Muhaffy and brought more success for his captain and team, Bugssy bowled legstump.
Before he could be called 'Fatty', Markus too was back in the hut due Adam once more. The woefully out-of-form Deeps got off the mark but then got out to the blazing left-armer. When Adam's spell of 8-5-12-3 was brought to a close, normalcy resumed somewhat. Marc partnered with Cricket Web's resident Dwayne Bravo and got to his 50 from 117 balls. For a man who has struggled both in his leadership and batting this season, it was an outstanding effort. Ghansar left him at 150/6 and Jellett dropped the nightwatchman Dave before he had scored. Little worry though and Mr Mxyzptlk got him caught by the same man an over later. The remaining 3 overs of the day were played out and the third day began with Nibblet dropped by Mr. M at slip off Nath Patrick first up.
The new ball was taken and granted to Adam without hesitation. He got Nibblet in his second over with the cherry and Marc stood on 79 not out at the time. Mr Ponting was trapped in front first ball and it seemed as though the Red skipper would be stranded short of a deserved hundred. However, Mr. Wright was yet to be dismissed on the season and continued that trend and he helped Marc to his 4th FC hundred as Marc helped himself to a six over midwicket off Adam's bowling. Halsey dropped a caught and bowled chance from Mr. Wright, but appealed successfully for Marc's wicket in his next over - 240 all out. The skipper walked off acknowledging a very grateful crowd.
Lunch was taken and then the Blues began their second stint. Dave dropped a catch off Ponting's bowling at midoff, Peter Young then on 12, and would definitely be made to regret it. Broncoman and his captain batted cautiously initially, but after tea the strokeplay was somewhat more free. He reached 50 for the third straight FC game, but Bugssy got him soon after - 112/1. Enter StUEy with a hundred per innings against Australia A, but a first innings failure. This time he most definitely would not fail.
Already with a hefty lead, StUEy had no problems settling in a very flat batting wicket. PY got to a half-century at the other end but was run out short of a century for the second time in as many games. Craig and Toogood came and went and then StUEy raised his bat for his half-century (58 balls). Dylan Jellett once more looked in good touch, but found the man at longoff in giving Mr. Ponting the charge for quick runs - 297/5. Daniel Muhaffy was promoted above Mr Mxyzptlk and he would ensure no further loss before a declaration at 397/5.
Muhaffy batted well to reach his 7th FC fifty (2nd of the season) but it was StUEy who stole the show. A 190-ball knock and a third century in 4 innings for the powerful right-hander. He imposed his will with no less than 13 fours and 2 sixes and ended unbeaten on 137.
Upon the declaration the Reds were faced with 39 overs to survive on day four and a massive target of 498. Vimes and Mookerjee were solemn in their approach and tight in their defence. They lasted 20 overs together and then Broncoman catalyzed a collapse with a fine run out of Mookerjee. Bugssy and Marc didn't make much splash and Dave was asked to be the nightwatchman for the second time in the match. For the second time in the match he failed and was out to Muhaffy 2 overs before the close.
The Reds therefore started day five at the foot of a huge hill with a score of 88/4, but Vimes still fighting on. Markus got a start, but then smacked Nath Patrick straight to cover. Deeps came out with guns blazing and raced to 24 from 23 balls before slapping Muhaffy to Toogood at midon. Fortunately for him, the catch was put down and he lived to fight on. Fight is what the batsmen did and Vimes did not fall until the 55th over of the innings, bowled by a creeper from Muhaffy. A few overs later Deeps met the same fate as Ian Markus and the hope was a glimmer no more - 169/7 at lunch.
After lunch Adam had Ghansar LBW and then Mr. Ponting dropped first up by Mr Mxyzptlk. He thus avoided a king's pair. Ponting added 13 more runs and then was dropped by Jellett one ball and caught and bowled by Halsey the next. Nibblet was the last man out for a very hard-fought 25.
Cricket Web Blue 1st Innings 340 all out
Cricket Web Red 1st Innings 240 all out
Cricket Web Blue 2nd Innings 397 for 5 dec.
Cricket Web Red 2nd Innings 214 all out
Cricket Web Blue won by 283 runs.
Cricket Web Green v Australia A at the WACA
No doubt that the limited overs success for the Greens would have bolstered their fleeting confidence heading into their 3rd 5D game of the season, against Australia A. Age Master walked to the middle and called 'Heads' in the toss. To his visible dismay, he lost it and the Greens were inserted on the bouncy WACA pitch. Nathan Hoy was granted his first FC cap in an emotional 2 seconds.
Loony Bob and Proud Indian made their way to the middle and took guard. Immediately Brad Williams had Bob in trouble, beating the edge with his first 5 balls and then having a confident LBW shout wrongly turned down. Having survived, Bob batted well with Indian and took a counterattacking attitude to some short stuff from the Aussies. His maiden FC half-century took 91 balls and contained 8 fours. The opening stand marked 97 and then Indian was the first to go in the first hour after lunch, driving loosely outside offstump.
Cloete, in top form, took his place and began with a marvellous straight drive first ball to get off the mark with a boundary. He continued to bat elegantly but lost Loony Bob, who lost his offstump to Williams. Williams was working up a good head of steam and hit Blewy on the helmet first up. The CW XI captain collapsed to the deck and was down for a full 5 minutes before taking guard once more. His stay thereafter would be short, however, as he spliced a cut off Bichel and was caught in the gully. Hauritz enticed Cloete to swing him down the throat of deep midwicket and Age Master was beaten by an unplayable Bichel legbreak to the first ball of the next over - 150/5.
Suddenly the Greens found themselves fading fast and were in search of a hero. However, in the true spirit of Cricket Web, the lower order fought back. Lo' Darkness attacked the bowling and was especially harsh on Bichel. Only never looked a permanent prospect with him though, and she was out to a modest delivery outside offstump at 200/6. Darkness continued his fine innings in the same gear still. At the other end Hoy was as solid as they come, rotating the strike and dispatching the odd bad ball to the boundary. When Darkness skied a hook shot off Bichel, Hoy was on 16 from 52 balls. By the time the innings wrapped, he had gone to his maiden half-century and significantly increased his scoring rate. The Greens were all out for 327.
With some new fire after the lower order heroics, the Green bowlers charged in. Hoy missed a run out chance against Hussey early on and then Rose had an LBW shout turned down. Age Master floored Maher (on 18) at slip off Hoy and that fire was quickly being snuffed. It figured that young Hoy would be the one to get some of the energy back, as he took a well-judged catch at third man to dismiss Hussey and give Delkap his first wicket. Love struggled at the crease and then was LBW to Indian and the Greens were right back in it - 75/2.
Soon after tea, Hoy got his first FC wicket, pinning Elliott LBW on the back foot. He then did the same to Maher and the Greens were on top - 122/4. Blewett had something to say about that though, and his half-century in the middle order pulled his team back into the game with an eventual 297 all out. Hoy and Delkap shared 5 wickets between them. With a slim 30 runs already on the board, Bob and Indian took to the middle once more. Unfortunately this time things didn't go quite as well as the first. Indian was first gone, edging to fifth slip. He was soon joined by Bob caught at the same position an over after. Cloete was dropped hooking when on 2 but only reached 9 when he was adjudged LBW - 28/3.
Age Master and Blewy set out on a rescue mission and added 50 runs from 51 balls. Blewy got to his half-century from just 57 balls and the partnership reach 76 before Master (dropped twice earlier) departed. Only found things difficult facing Hauritz and was caught behind to the same bowler soon enough. Blewy continued to play freely and looked good for a century until Williams yorked him legstump. Back in trouble at 137/6. Hoy was given out LBW after padding up to Hauritz and Darkness missed one off the backfoot for the same fate. Hauritz continued to spin a web around the Green batsmen and bowled David Jr. between bat and pad, then did the same to Xavier Rose - 5/22 and 186 all out.
Once the Greens were in the driver's seat but suddenly they found themselves defending a small total of 216. The total was made to be even smaller by the Australian openers who quickly added 50 runs off 75 balls. Hussey was dropped by Only off Rose on 2 and then later on 47 by Bob off Hoy. He reached 50 from 92 balls and continued to increase in stride. Soon enough the hundred stand was up and Maher reached his half-century. Desperate for a breakthrough, Age Master tossed the ball to Rose. To his relief, the seamer induced a top-edged pull and David Jr. ran in from deep midwicket to take the catch - Maher out - 140/1.
David Jr. returned at the other end and conceded a couple of cut shot boundaries to Love, then trapped him in front with a full delivery - 173/2. It all seemed too little, too late, but the Green bowlers continued to bowl with fire and purpose and went down with the heads high as Hussey crossed the century mark and pulled to the ropes for the winning runs.
Cricket Web Green 1st Innings 327 all out
Australia 'A' 1st Innings 297 all out
Cricket Web Green 2nd Innings 186 all out
Australia 'A' 2nd Innings 218 for 2
Australia 'A' won by 8 wkts.
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Cricket Web Black v England A at the MCG
Much in contrast to their Green counterparts, the Blacks entered their 3rd 5D game high on confidence after strong showings in their first 2 such outings. Even when Neil Pickup lost the toss spirits were still high. Perhaps that was more because England A elected to bat first on a pitch with something for the bowlers though.
Pickup knew his bowlers were in good form and confidently tossed the ball to Blaster and Broadbent to open up. The veteran Master Blaster had the first victim, Troughton caught at midoff by Pickup. Before Bell could hurl a sledge, Blaster got him too. When Pieterson was stunningly run out by Pickup for 6, the Blacks were overjoyed with their opponents struggling at 49/3.
Ed Smith settled in with Ian Ward and showed good defensive technique in negotiating the subsequent attack. Pickup helped by flooring a very simple return catch when Smith had 5. The clouds came over the ground during lunch and Pickup got Ward LBW immediately after. Broadbent was brought back into the attack and quickly got Read caught at slip without scoring. Pickup then got his dropped catch beneficiary LBW and the Blacks were above themselves.
Cork lived a charmed life, dropped by Hunter off Broadbent on 1, by Blaster off Pickup on 2 and by Chaulk off Blaster on 7. His partner Schofield was not so lucky, bowled by a beauty from Pickup. Pickup then had close friend Kabir Ali caught behind and Silverwood dropped at slip the next ball. Wrapping up a very good spell, Broadbent enticed a drive from Cork to be caught at gully - 136/9. It would have been all over in the next over had Pickup not dropped the second catch of the day off his bowling and hence not allowed Silverwood to score the 40 runs he did - 171 all out.
Rain took the day to an early close and Rich_2001 and Eclipse started the reply on day two. Rich was dropped at midon on 2 and soon after the 50 partnership was celebrated. Both batsmen looked in great form, but Eclipse received a good outswinger from Ali at 57/1. Not long after, Rich pushed back to Cork - 75/2 - and Buts was missed at slip the ball before lunch. He then had 2 runs. Buts lost two partners in Jagaways and BK Smith in the hour after lunch, but battled onward and gradually found his way into his best form. His 50 took 113 balls and he got to his third FC hundred from 87 more. Elated, the left-hander kneeled down and kissed the pitch and then looked to resume his concentration.
He and Ash Chaulk looked very much like resuming on day three and played a defensive game. However, with only 6 overs left for play, Saggers found his rhythm and some deadly swing. The Black score slumped from 273/4 to 282/7 at the close. On the third day Dark Hunter and co. managed to push it along to 303 all out. Although disappointing at the end, the Blacks still had a lead of 132 runs and Pickup intended to maximize upon it by setting attacking fields first up. In just the second over it paid off, as Troughton was LBW to a Blaster inseamer for a duck. The ball before lunch Bell chopped on to Broadbent and England A were struggling - 42/2.
Amidst frequent but brief rain stoppages in the afternoon session, the Blacks were made to work very hard and created just one genuine chance. Alas Ferd couldn't hold on at short leg off Pickup's bowling and Ward lived on with 19 runs. Pieterson's 50 took 86 balls and he looked in ominous nick, then got a big nick off the top of his bat and was caught by Blaster in the very next over. Pickup instinctively brought on Hunter and he got Ward caught behind in his first over. The nightwatchman Silverwood took guard but edged to 4th slip 2 balls after - 129/5.
England A resumed on day four at 136/5 and the Blacks closed in on victory. All the focus was not there, though, and Jagaways missed a simple chance at slip (off Blaster) early on. The partnership for the sixth wicket reached 50 and Pickup introduced himself to the attack. Still there was not even any drama and the stand reached 100. It finally ended after 116 runs to the plus and the Neil Pickup/Master Blaster combo did the trick - 245/6. Schofield replaced Read and batted very much in the same way. The pitch was clearly holding up well and, despite attacking field settings, the Englishmen resisted comfortably albeit slowly.
Pickup struck again to get Ed Smith for a very fine innings of 87 and at 272/7 the Blacks once more thought they would be batting very soon. Not to be though as Cork, Ali and Saggers all crossed 15 runs and pushed England A's score above the 350 mark. When all was said and done, CW Black needed 228 runs from 71 overs. Rich_2001 and Eclipse comfortably knocked 34 of those runs off in 10 overs before lunch and the game was set up very interestingly. 194 needed from 61.
The pitch still looked good with consistent bounce and a minimum of crack. Still Saggers somehow produced a sharp rising ball only to see Smith drop a difficult chance off Eclipse in the gully. Suddenly the hero was the villain. Eclipse benefited a further 15 runs and then chopped on - 54/1. Ferd was promoted up the order to lend support to Rich, who made batting look extremely easy. He was dropped at cover on 3, but after that played solidly and helped in a 64-run second wicket stand.
Rich got to his half-ton from 97 balls and continued playing beautifully. Silverwood accounted for Ferd - 133/2 - and Jagaways was Rich's new partner. A further 33 runs and Rich was unfortunately run out on Jagaways call, 15 short of his century. CW Black still needed some 62 runs with 99 balls left in the game. Entering the innings was the man you'd want in such a situation. Nicknamed Cricket Web's Graham Thorpe, the first innings centurion took his place. C Buts immediately looked set and on a mission. He raced to 38 from 33 balls of a 52-ball 50-run stand with Jagaways. After the brisk start, the left-hander tempered the chase somewhat and comfortably saw his team home with 15 balls to spare.
England 'A' 1st Innings 171 all out
Cricket Web Black 1st Innings 303 all out
England 'A' 2nd Innings 359 all out
Cricket Web Black 2nd Innings 230 for 3
Cricket Web Black won by 7 wkts.
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Cricket Web Blue v Cricket Web Red at the CW Oval
The Blues and Reds have been as fierce a rivalry as any since the instatement of colours in the Dev League Season 6. Before this game the record stood at a win apiece in two FC meetings but the two teams entered with totally different mindsets. On the back of StUEy the Blues attained a very impressive draw against Australia A in their last 5D game, but the Reds were humiliated at the hands of Pickup and CW Black.
Still, the Reds were back at home and things started well when they won the toss. The pitch looked to have some juice in it for the seamers and Marc71178, perhaps with memories of his team's 96 all out just a week ago, decided to bowl first. Instantly he was gratified. Dave removed Broncoman's offstump, Mr Ponting hit StUEy in front of middle stump and the Blues were 8/2 in 2 overs.
Peter Young stood his ground though but couldn't produce much when Dave had his wicket too - 43/3. Craig, batting in the middle order, provided some comfort with good counterattacking strokeplay. He was dropped, an extremely difficult chance, by Nibblet on 28 though. Dave was the unlucky bowler. At a crucial stage in the game Mr. Wright was recalled for his second spell after a tight 5-4-5-0 initially. General ineffectiveness in previous games meant that he could be facing the axe if he didn't contribute. With that in mind and some swing in the air, Mr Wright set out to save his season if not his career.
He began well with the good wicket of Toogood caught at slip - 60/4. His spell was then testing but didn't cause too many troubles for the Blues batsmen as the pitch progressively flattened out. Just when the Reds seemed to be slipping a bit, Ghansar induced a cut shot from Craig and the ball flew to Mr. Wright at third man. He took a smart catch and the Blues went to lunch a ball later at 97/5. The second over after lunch saw Mr. M fishing at Ghansar and caught at slip by Marc - 98/6 - and allrounder Muhaffy came in with a lot of work to do.
In the face of disaster Dylan Jellett simply smirked and went about discarding the Reds bowling with particular preference through the covers. A mix of glorious cover drives and risky lofted cuts were to quite good effect and Jellett took only 42 balls to register his 50th run. Looking on Muhaffy slowly gained confidence and witnessed Jellett bring up a wonderful century from 102 balls - 14 fours. The right-handed opening batsman continued to dominate and gave his only chance to Markus at slip on 111. As luck would have it, Dave was the bowler and the catch was put down.
Soon enough Jellett reached 150 from 171 balls as the Reds took the new ball to no effect. Finally Marc was allowed that sigh of relief when Bugssy held an edged off Mr. Wright's bowling and Jellett's brilliant innings was completed (2 overs before stumps). Resuming on 292/7 on day two, Muhaffy fell just short of his half-century and Adam lasted just two balls. Mr. Wright pushed his wicket tally to 4 with those two but Halsey proceeded to frustrate for 67 balls before he could celebrate his fifth, the fourth such haul in Mr. Wright's FC career - 340 all out. In the 32-run last wicket partnership, the Reds dropped 4 catches (Deeps 2, Marc 1, Vimes 1) and it left a bit of a sour taste to an otherwise good performance.
Having been in the field for so much longer than they would have hoped, the Reds concentration was not all there at the start and Mookerjee was back in the pavilion quickly because of it. At lunch the score was 19/1 and it was just 8 overs upon resumption when the slippery bug bit again. Broncoman dropped Bugssy on 24 off Muhaffy. Nath Patrick then broke through the over after, getting Vimes to prod back into his lap. Adam replaced Muhaffy and brought more success for his captain and team, Bugssy bowled legstump.
Before he could be called 'Fatty', Markus too was back in the hut due Adam once more. The woefully out-of-form Deeps got off the mark but then got out to the blazing left-armer. When Adam's spell of 8-5-12-3 was brought to a close, normalcy resumed somewhat. Marc partnered with Cricket Web's resident Dwayne Bravo and got to his 50 from 117 balls. For a man who has struggled both in his leadership and batting this season, it was an outstanding effort. Ghansar left him at 150/6 and Jellett dropped the nightwatchman Dave before he had scored. Little worry though and Mr Mxyzptlk got him caught by the same man an over later. The remaining 3 overs of the day were played out and the third day began with Nibblet dropped by Mr. M at slip off Nath Patrick first up.
The new ball was taken and granted to Adam without hesitation. He got Nibblet in his second over with the cherry and Marc stood on 79 not out at the time. Mr Ponting was trapped in front first ball and it seemed as though the Red skipper would be stranded short of a deserved hundred. However, Mr. Wright was yet to be dismissed on the season and continued that trend and he helped Marc to his 4th FC hundred as Marc helped himself to a six over midwicket off Adam's bowling. Halsey dropped a caught and bowled chance from Mr. Wright, but appealed successfully for Marc's wicket in his next over - 240 all out. The skipper walked off acknowledging a very grateful crowd.
Lunch was taken and then the Blues began their second stint. Dave dropped a catch off Ponting's bowling at midoff, Peter Young then on 12, and would definitely be made to regret it. Broncoman and his captain batted cautiously initially, but after tea the strokeplay was somewhat more free. He reached 50 for the third straight FC game, but Bugssy got him soon after - 112/1. Enter StUEy with a hundred per innings against Australia A, but a first innings failure. This time he most definitely would not fail.
Already with a hefty lead, StUEy had no problems settling in a very flat batting wicket. PY got to a half-century at the other end but was run out short of a century for the second time in as many games. Craig and Toogood came and went and then StUEy raised his bat for his half-century (58 balls). Dylan Jellett once more looked in good touch, but found the man at longoff in giving Mr. Ponting the charge for quick runs - 297/5. Daniel Muhaffy was promoted above Mr Mxyzptlk and he would ensure no further loss before a declaration at 397/5.
Muhaffy batted well to reach his 7th FC fifty (2nd of the season) but it was StUEy who stole the show. A 190-ball knock and a third century in 4 innings for the powerful right-hander. He imposed his will with no less than 13 fours and 2 sixes and ended unbeaten on 137.
Upon the declaration the Reds were faced with 39 overs to survive on day four and a massive target of 498. Vimes and Mookerjee were solemn in their approach and tight in their defence. They lasted 20 overs together and then Broncoman catalyzed a collapse with a fine run out of Mookerjee. Bugssy and Marc didn't make much splash and Dave was asked to be the nightwatchman for the second time in the match. For the second time in the match he failed and was out to Muhaffy 2 overs before the close.
The Reds therefore started day five at the foot of a huge hill with a score of 88/4, but Vimes still fighting on. Markus got a start, but then smacked Nath Patrick straight to cover. Deeps came out with guns blazing and raced to 24 from 23 balls before slapping Muhaffy to Toogood at midon. Fortunately for him, the catch was put down and he lived to fight on. Fight is what the batsmen did and Vimes did not fall until the 55th over of the innings, bowled by a creeper from Muhaffy. A few overs later Deeps met the same fate as Ian Markus and the hope was a glimmer no more - 169/7 at lunch.
After lunch Adam had Ghansar LBW and then Mr. Ponting dropped first up by Mr Mxyzptlk. He thus avoided a king's pair. Ponting added 13 more runs and then was dropped by Jellett one ball and caught and bowled by Halsey the next. Nibblet was the last man out for a very hard-fought 25.
Cricket Web Blue 1st Innings 340 all out
Cricket Web Red 1st Innings 240 all out
Cricket Web Blue 2nd Innings 397 for 5 dec.
Cricket Web Red 2nd Innings 214 all out
Cricket Web Blue won by 283 runs.
chrisbroadie
School Boy/Girl Captain
good win for the blacks! little disappointed personally like to take more than 2 wickets in an innings for a change
ash chaulk
International Captain
Blacks are looking awesome early on and hopefully we'll carry it all the way!
thewizard1o1
International Debutant
Well...it felt great to run out onto the WACA with the Boys, pity we couldn't get a win but a woeful second innings collapse fixed that (except for Blewy...). NExt time gadget next time 
cbuts
International Debutant
your little statement about me liam inspired me. time to improve that conversion rate! was 1 in every 12 now its 1 in 8. nice to finally get some runs in the 5day game this year, after failing in the warm ups and in the earlier rounds, also in the states. black is looking great at this early stage!
Mister Wright
Cricket Web: All-Time Legend
Very happy with the five-fa, however not getting a wicket in the second innings when the team really needed it was a disapointment. Once again dropped catches were our worst enemy. We really need to lift people if we don't want our season to end prematurely.
age_master
Hall of Fame Member
very dissapointing fella's in both the batting and the bowling...particularly in the second half of the game - only blewy did anything of note in that part.
we need to play better as a team - particularly building up partnerships with the bat, and bowling in partnerships with the ball... these tend to keep collapses liek that one in the 2nd innings away and at least apply pressure when we are bowling, unlike what we did in that game.
we need to play better as a team - particularly building up partnerships with the bat, and bowling in partnerships with the ball... these tend to keep collapses liek that one in the 2nd innings away and at least apply pressure when we are bowling, unlike what we did in that game.
Slats4ever
International Vice-Captain
ummmm starting to feel a little bit nervous in the 4 day form of the game...
SupaFreak2005
International Vice-Captain
ummmmmmmm i wondering if i'll get draftedSlats4ever said:
Paid The Umpire
All Time Legend
Slats4ever said:
ouch that is mean... But truthful.
Bowled terribly, batted terribly, lost the match
lord_of_darkness
Cricket Web XI Moderator
78 and 1 wicket.. i bowled pretty tight on a bouncy pitch no doubt so that was nothing to be too disappointed about.. although i wish i could have done more in the 2nd innings.. i seem to give away my wicket too easily at times.. and i think many of our batsmen did that too..
I think we need to increase our batting practise rate, and keep our wickets more precious to start winning games in the 5d version..
We have to start sooner than later..
I think we need to increase our batting practise rate, and keep our wickets more precious to start winning games in the 5d version..
We have to start sooner than later..
