A cricketing update for those who have missed the details of the summer events.
The season started late because of the wet winter and poor state of the grounds. The first two games were due to be played on Sunday instead of Saturday, but the first was cancelled. The first game was played in a cold gale, not a good opener. We have eleven in out squad, but have never played with a full team. We have had a broken toe to put paid to one player until today, and then illness, sailing and cycling around Lake Taupo to deplete our numbers. Last week we played with eight only.
So far the boys are five from five. A fine performance, with major contributors, and so “player of the day” changing from week to week.
Today was a low scoring game. We batted first and made 115, after being about 20/3, held together by Dylan who applied himself well, and scored a risk free 30 before having to retire. The later boys hung around to score slowly, but use up the 30 overs. The oppo were a good team, all bowled well and fielded with skill. This was the game for our boys to see if they were a good team, or a very good team. Dylan came to the fore, bowling the top three. Others bowled tightly to keep the pressure on, and Joe joined in with 3 wickets for 4 runs. They were all out for 73, the wind taken out of their sail. A good win, and done with spirit. Pleasing to watch. Only two more games before the Christmas break, and it will be all over for the Shastris, as the boys move to their senior schools in February, and for them junior cricket is all over.
A proud coach, though not one who thinks it has much to do with him.
