AMANZIMTOTI Cricket Club’s first team were supposed to play away at Dawn Heights on Sunday.
The club however received notification on Thursday that the venue had been changed to the Toti Oval.
This could not happen as the annual bikers toy run was set to take place on the oval that Sunday. After a number of phone calls, it was agreed to move the second team afternoon game from Toti 2 to the Lahee Park grounds, and allow the first team game to take place on Toti 2.
This became a logistical nightmare for the ground staff, as the first team have strict rules regarding covering the pitch. Relocating 450m2 of heavy duty waterproof pitch-covers to and from Toti 2 was a real mission. An additional security guard had to be hired for Friday and Saturday night, as the risk of the covers disappearing from the field was too great. A very big thank you to Pieter Venter who spent most of Friday helping to prepare the pitch, when he should actually have been in bed battling a very persistent bought of flu.
To the match itself, where Dawn Heights won the toss and elected to bat first. It is a matter of debate what frightened their batsmen more – the insane noise caused by the motor bikes on arrival at the grounds, or Toti’s bowlers. Although the pitch was not hard and true, it is almost unthinkable that 13 maiden overs were bowled out of a total of 37, especially when playing on such a small field. Block, block and block again was the order of the day for their batters. Thankfully they were all out for 133. Jordan weighed in with figures of 10 overs, three maidens, four wickets for 36 runs, and Warren 10 overs, five maidens, one wicket for 16 runs. Jarryd bowled 7.2 overs, one maiden, three wickets for 29 runs, and Justin eight overs, three maidens, one for 24 runs.
Jarryd made a quick 14 runs before he was caught out.
Desigan meanwhile, was very lucky that Farmer Brown was not at the ground as there was a distinct possibility that he would have being scooped up and put in the farmer’s chicken run. Luckily, he found a bit of rhythm and went on to make 64 runs. James Taylor is in the form of his life and is batting with greater confidence each week. James scored a solid 48 not out. ACC collected another bonus point win, reaching the target with the loss of just three wickets inside 23 overs.
Next Sunday the first team is at home again, but thankfully, back on the main oval.
The second team match against Hillary Malvern was moved from the Toti 2 oval to the field at Lahee Park, and then from there to the Malvern Park facility as the Lahee Park field had not been prepared.
Toti went in to bat first, and good returns from the top four, as well as a late flurry from the number 10 saw the team reach a respectable total of 225 all out in the 35th over. Faf Strydom top scored with 38, and had strong support from Dean Hindman on 34. H Nienaber and W Weppenaar both on 28, and M Mare on 24 were also among the notable scores.
Hillary Malvern batted ‘gamely’ but could only manage 173 for the loss of eight wickets in their 35 overs. Best bowling figures were returned by H Nienaber with two for 15 in just two overs; and he was ably supported by S Schultz with a very economical return of two for 14 in his five overs. Well played, team.
The juniors are all unfortunately without a fixture until the new year.
