City United v Old Boys 13/2/10

1st Grade at Scully Park
Old Boys 223 (Tom Wilson 5-95, Nathan Whale 2-21, Aaron Flaherty 2-32) v City United 2-59 (Anthony Dutton 24x)
A game that is evenly poised, with City needing just 165 to topple the potential Minor Premiers. Wilson and Whale reduced Old Boys to 5-83 before a typical Ben Middlebrook aggressive innings aided by the consistent Josh Smith appeared to be taking the game away from us. As he so often does, Wilson came back and led the way through the tail. A great effort behind the stumps from Buddy Harriott with five catches. This is a game back in our favour as apart from one partnership, City has done everything right.

2nd Grade at Chaffey Park
Old Boys 232 (Daniel Lawrence 3-22, Richie O'Halloran 3-62, Jay Sippel 2-56) v City United 2-42 (Richie O'Halloran 20x)
The City boys kept scrapping in this game and are well in it. Daniel Lawrence was too good for the batsmen in a fine spell. Richie O'Halloran's seventeen overs of leg spin were very encouraging and he worked at containment early and then threw the ball over the eyeline and his fielders responded. There is a long batting line up, so first inning points are still very attainable.

3rd Grade at TREC
Old Boys 131 (John Kennedy 5-33, Simon Bellamy 2-6, Josh Allen 2-22) v City United 9-141 (Gary Whale 31, Simon Bellamy 30x, Josh Allen 20)
A couple of these young blokes stepped up today. Firstly Kennedy who took two wickets in his first over and was on the hatrick in his third, following another trademark opening spell from Allen who has consistently broken through the top order this season. Secondly, Bellamy, batting at five, dropped anchor and guided the side to first innings points with a patient and intelligent knock. He has a lot of high quality senior cricket ahead of him. He found allies in Allen and Bruce Eather, who both played important hands when they were needed. "Youngster" Gary Whale turned back the clock opening the batting and it was only a run out that could blunt his enthusiasm. Points in the bag, there's a most needed outright to play for next week.

4th Grade at Minor League 3
Old Boys 5-101 (Paul Lawrence 2-11) v City United 6-99 (Dave Smith 42, Ryan Hanson 25)
With both teams having faced their first 40 overs, the game couldn't be any more even. Kaine Philpott, Sam Langston, Steve Robinson and stand in Skipper Paul Lawrence all bowled tightly. The feature of the batting was a 57 run second wicket stand between Smith and Ryan. Poor old Budha was looking forward to refreshments as Ryan missed no chance to run the singles! Young Ryan has gone from strength to strength this season and he'll finish it an accomplished batsman. A very even contest this one.

Rod Pryor - see the appendix

News just in, that the man of statistics and a City stalwart, Rod Pryor, has parted company with his appendix.
Best wishes on a speedy recovery Rod and we look forward to seeing you on the boundary's edge as soon as possible.

Big Weekend of Cricket For City

Round 13 - unlucky for some - but its all or nothing for City boys over the next four Saturdays. Drawn to play Old Boys and then Bective before the semifinals get underway, we will know we have earned our place in all grades come the 13th March.

First grade, currently lying just ahead of 5th placed Norths, have the hardest task to come home against the potential minor premiers and then Bective. We have had players out since Christmas, so a return to strength might be just what we need to put two strong wins on the board before the semis.

In 2nd and 3rds, Old Boys should be an easier game as they are the cellar dwellers but the following round will be against Bective sides who have been unstopable this season, so maximum points in this round would be a useful buffer.

4ths need to win this round to take 4th spot from Old Boys and again, need to score as many competition and bonus points as possible because Bective are the bogey again the following round.

How tough are we?

After the game, all players, parents and officials are invited back to the South Tamworth Bowling Club for a club BBQ. $5 a head or $10 a family for some delights from the hotplate. Let's see a big rollup there and get this thing rolling to some premierships.

Club Meeting 16th February

All players, supporters and otherwise members of City United Cricket Club are reminded that the next club meeting will be held on Tuesday 16th February, at the home of our major sponsor the South Tamworth Bowling Club, from 6:30pm.

Note the earlier starting time in order to complete the meeting before the staff start locking up.

These meetings are not just for the Executive. All members should feel encouraged to attend and take part in the running of their club. For more information about meetings, speak with members of the Executive or Captains.