A home match against our old friends Lockett, Demarzo et al. The game starts at 1.00pm, so please arrive by 12.30 at the latest.
A scary weather forecast there was, but the day dawned with sun shining on Eltham, 2009 season could not be better. This was another regular home fixture at Footscray Rugby Club against our old friends; Petts Wood Tudor.
An early arrival of Tanveer and Asjad was a great surprise for everyone so not to send them into a shock, Asjad decided to go back on some garden shopping. The match started with slight delay when Petts Wood's two player went missing and their self-esteemed skipper refused a generous offer of field contribution from Eltham.
Our skipper won the toss and decided to bat first in an unusual way. The usual (cheese and chalk as Will referred in his reports) pair opened the innings for Eltham.
Asjad started batting with usual confidence and hit several amusing boundaries on the cover. However Will B on the other end was struggling to judge away swing and soon became first victim, keeper made no mistake to take the catch. Will was out at 6, an early loss for Eltham was an upset not worrying.
Fisher (junior) went in and kept entertaining the crowd with his usual aggressive approach, hook and pull shots which brought him a number of boundaries in companionship of Asjad until Asjad fell a victim of rather sudden short bouncer. He tossed the ball to short mid-on for an easy catch another early loss. Eltham CC took a shaky start with two down at 45 runs.
Fisher (senior) joined his son at the crease and kept the score card ticking with steady pace. Peter (Fisher junior) was equally contributing well under paternal guidance until an unfortunate high shot ended his innings, fielder took the catch and Pete was out just after scoring his fifty. Well done Pete for such a remarkable innings great knock!.
The score card was lingering only on 93 when John Fisher and Henry Hicks got out being LBW and Colin Wouldham edged the ball into keeper's glove. John Fisher scored precious 36, Henry scored 1 run and Colin scored nothing. The situation was alarming and all eyes were on Skippy Swain to rescue Eltham from a miserable defeat.
The skipper went in fearless, match situation had no effect on his natural inclination of aggression. He dispatched the first ball out of the ground for four, however good-luck did not last longer and got caught on mid-on while trying a big hit. Mr Swain made quick 19 runs. Derek did not manage prolong the innings either and got out at 5 at total of 150.
Realising the situation, the Oracles of cricket scrambled to make adjustments to predictions of projected safe score. Eltham was aiming for 200 plus as a safe target. Gary Bill was still on the crease fighting through the battle, soon had been joined by Tanveer. The pair managed to sustain for few overs. Gary kept picking up steady runs and Tanveer kept hitting it hard back to fielders or at Gary. Tanveer was bowled after offending the bowler by a strong hit which Gary's flying kick could not even stop it from reaching the boundary. Next man in was Coke, who hit a high six on the first ball of his debut match bringing the total to 180. The charm did not last longer when he got bowled soon after on next delivery. Gary remained not out. Eltham was all out at 180.
Tea was well refreshing and was thoroughly enjoyed.
Eltham took a grimly start when Tanveer's usual bad luck started haunting him once again, he remained wicketless despite of accurate economical bowling. On the other end young Carl was doing a fine job but remain equally unlucky with wickets. Remaining unsuccessful after his sixth over Tanveer decided to go off encouraging skipper to bring in early change Peter Fisher was brought in attach. Carl continued till his eighth over on the other end
Eltham boosted with a concealed weapon, Peter Fisher once again proved himself man of crisis with his deadly accurate bowling. Petts Wood's defence was sustained so far very well against Eltahm usual bowling attack but not any more, batsmen kept coming to crease and returning back to pavilion facing Pete's lethal bowling.
Realising the situation, skipper foresaw an opportunity to improve his averages and decided to take the matter in his own hands from other end, an amazing show of accurate swing bowling. Peter Swain had early break through at start of spell when Carl took a
high catch and he clean bowled Barnes. The pair crippled the whole batting order.
Peter Swain finished his spell with 15 for 3, 5 maidens a great show of bowling but Peter Fisher stole the moments with glorious figures 27 for 5.
Derek Seed came in as Peter Swain replacement with rather short spell of three overs and took an important wicket, Colin took the catch at long-on.
Petts Wood were 9 down and Eltham's win was looking close. Perhaps hard earn glory of five wickets was enough for Peter so he decided to take a blow. Skipper decide to ram in tail-enders with bit more pace so brought back Will and Tanveer to attack. Petts Wood last man put himself in the line of fire to save the day for his team. Amazingly last wicket was proven a hard nut to crack and the match had been drawn when time ran out. Petts Wood closed the play at 93 for 9.
Perhaps it was not the day when glory was shinning on Eltham CC but indeed an enjoyable day for cricket.
Reporting: Tanveer
