Quins 5ths’ middle order rises above Phoenix
The age qualification criteria allows all junior players to remain in the same age groups as they were during the first half of this season (from October to December 2015).
NEITHER of Umbilo Harlequins Cricket Club’s league matches were playable on Sunday due to waterlogged wickets on Sunday afternoon, which resulted from the preceding rain on Saturday night.
However the fifth team was able to complete its division five match against Phoenix three on Saturday afternoon at Harlequins.
Quins won the coin toss and chose to field first on a superb wicket which was initially sticky from the overly hydrated surface. It improved during the match with superlative bounce and carry of the ball off the deck.
Verulam 3 were restricted to 127 runs all out in 28.3 overs due to some commendable performances from all the bowlers. Medium paced seamer Jason Rouse was the most successful of the Quins attack, taking three wickets for 19 runs in four overs. Medium-pacer Gavin Hazell likewise claimed three wickets for 21 runs in six overs and speedster Warren Jordan who spearheaded Quins’ bowling line-up, captured two wickets for 19 runs in 5.3 overs. Moses Viljoen, Warren Jorden, Tuckshop Baxter, Sashen Govender, and Cow Gaze successfully secured catches which came their way.
Quins’ batting did not commence as successfully as the team had initially hoped and were soon in trouble at 15 runs for three wickets. At 56 runs for seven wickets after 16 overs, Phoenix seemed to be the inevitable victors. However young Tyler Badenhorst and Tuckshop Baxter consolidated and compiled an unbroken partnership of 74 runs to take Quins to a three-wicket victory with 2.3 overs to spare. Tyler scored a very impressive and mature 45 not out with Tuckshop finishing on 32 not out.
In retrospect this was fine team performance despite overwhelming adversity in the initial phase of Quins’ innings and a well-deserved victory, perhaps made possible by positive team spirit and camaraderie.
All teams including juniors will be involved in league matches this weekend. The age qualification criteria allows all junior players to remain in the same age groups as they were during the first half of this season (from October to December 2015).
Only vehicles performing maintenance are allowed on cricket fields. Responsible residents are requested to report any other vehicular activities on the fields to Metro Police and most importantly, to capture the registration numbers of such vehicles.
Training and practise sessions will resume as usual. Call Ernest on 031-467-3270 for club information.
