Weekend Write Up 16th December
First Grade
Rockingham Mandurah 218 (Poulter 3/33, Eaton 3/36) def. by Wanneroo 0/219 (Sabburg 154*, Mcghie 60*)
Alright, we are going to keep it short and sweet for the first half because everyone wants the main event, THAT BATTING INNINGS.
The Roos started early with a bus trip to the promised land with resident Pom being confused as to where on earth we were going. To be fair most of us were too when the bus driver took a wrong turn taking us on a journey to Big Ts Italian before the elder statesman (Mat Dzodzos) got us back on track. Strawb lost the toss, and the men were in the field for what looked like could be a stint on a flatty. Chook struck early on before what seemed to be Rockingham’s only hope(s) settled and rode their luck a touch before wickets began to fall again. Good performances all round for the bowlers and spinners and the fielding lifted a great deal after the first drinks session. The Roos restricted the mariners to a total of 218 from their 50, Poults with 3, Slug with 3, and Deon with 2. A good bowling innings from the entire bowling group (plus Jim using all 15 degrees).
Now then, main event aye. Only reason you’ve decided to read this, I guess. As the batting innings unfolded, the Roos witnessed an electrifying spectacle right from the first ball. With a strategic reshuffling of the order, Strawb and Brodie took the field with a shared determination to establish an early dominance. Strawb’s initial onslaught, marked by two resounding boundaries, served as a prelude to an extraordinary display of power hitting that would captivate spectators. The partnership between Strawb and Brodie evolved into a masterclass, with both batsmen seamlessly dispatching deliveries to the boundary. The excitement peaked when the spinner took the stage, and from the stands, one could discern the sheer delight on Strawb’s face. The ensuing over unfolded in an explosive fashion – a sequence of 4, 6, 6, 6, 6, 0 left onlookers in awe, and scenes of jubilation ensued. The total distance covered by those sixes seemed almost enough to transport the entire team back to Kingsway that very night. Strawb’s century, achieved in a mere 45 deliveries, showcased a blend of precision and aggression, elevating the run chase to unprecedented heights. By the 20th over, the Roos had amassed a staggering 191 runs, leaving the opposition astounded. The pursuit of the 218-run target continued with relentless momentum, culminating in a victorious chase by the 25th over. Sabburg’s remarkable innings, concluding at 154 off 86, and McGhie’s steady contribution of 60 off 61, showcased a batting performance that will undoubtedly be etched into the annals of the Roos’ cricketing history.
Special mention to departing Head Coach, Wayne Pearson. We appreciate the work you’ve put in over the last 3 years and for coming in at a tough time at short notice. We wish you all the best for the future and will surely see you around the club indulging in a few Guinness.
Second Grade
Wanneroo 131 (O’Day 43) def. by Rockingham Mandurah 7/207 (Carroll 2/29, Jessani 2/30)
One Day Game – Kingsway 1 Wanneroo Vs Rockingham-Mandurah 2nd Grade – 16/12/2023
In a battle that echoed the spirit of the upcoming holidays, Wanneroo District Cricket Club took on Rockingham Mandurah District Cricket Club on Saturday 16th of December. Despite the tinsel-tinted hopes and the cheer of the season, Wanneroo couldn’t quite unwrap the gift of victory this time. In a quirky twist, the cricketing gods seemed to favour the visitors as our captain faced his fourth consecutive loss at the toss. Having travelled a considerable distance to grace our cricketing haven, Rockingham decided to seize the moment and batted first with the determination of a team on a mission. Rockingham after losing an early wicket, made a strong comeback and steadied the ship to ensure a solid foundation was set for the latter part of the innings. The game turned when the spinners came on. Our key spinners, Matt Carrol (2/29) and Sharad Jessani (2/30), showcased their skilful prowess, making Rockingham’s path to runs challenging. Rockingham managed to get themselves to a respectable 207 after their 50 overs.
After the quickest 30 minutes ever, it was our turn to try and knock off these 207 runs. Despite the valiant efforts, the scoreboard stood at 131 runs, with all 10 wickets accounted for. Michael O’Day emerged as the standout batsman, adding 43 runs to the tally, and injecting a dose of hope into the proceedings. However, the cricketing voyage belonged to Rockingham as they clinched victory by 76 runs, proving that their journey was not in vain. As the players take a breather before the next half of the season, we reflect on the lessons learned and gear up for the challenges that lie ahead in 2024.
Third Grade
Rockingham Mandurah 5/187 (Fitzmaurice 3/36) def. Wanneroo 90
It was the last game before the Christmas break and the 3s had to take a road trip to rocky. On what was a warm day with a flat pitch and lightning-quick outfield, Jordy had lost the toss, and we were sent to have a bowl first. We started the innings off well with the captain leading from the front taking a wicket early followed by fitta taking a screamer off his own bowling (possible ball and grass contact). Rockingham then formed a father-son partnership of 99 runs which was broken by our one and only Fitzmaurice. With the former international batter for New Zealand making 91, they only got to 187 thanks to some quality death bowling from the quicks at the end.
Walking off the pitch at the innings break we thought that this was an under-par score for this ground we later found out that we were completely wrong. The chase of 188 runs began with Sam and Kai opening the batting. Unfortunately for Kai after having to field for 95 overs in the dirt his day didn’t get much better as he was absolutely barbequed by his mate at the other end. This was the beginning of a massive collapse for the Roos as we were unable to form one good partnership in the day. The wickets continued to fall regularly, and we were bowled out for 90 runs with the top scorer being Tyler and Jack with a score of 16. We lost by 97 runs, and it is safe to say it was a day to forget for our boys. However, the 3s are still going into the break sitting at the top of the ladder and if last season is any indication we only get better from here.
Fourth Grade
Wanneroo 186 (Maraldo 54) def. by Rockingham Mandurah 206 (Marinovich 3/13)
The 4s rocked up to Kingsway 2 keen to finish off the calendar year with a win. Liam lost the toss meaning we were sent into bowl. It was a good start for the boys as Liam took an early wicket. Momentum quickly shifted as some drop catches and missed opportunities allowed Rocky to hack away and pile on the runs early. The roo boys fought back well as the fish Riley Gillespie took some handy wickets. Gordo was extra slippery and took 3 wickets.
Smudges “torn acl” seemed to heal quickly as him and jmar got off to a good start with the bat. Jack kept his good form going as he got dropped a few times and smoked one to the keeper and got given not out on his way to a nice 54. Wickets fell in a bunch which gave Rocky the momentum. The Roos bowlers did their best to get the team across the line but fell short of the total.
Highlights of the day:
– Blake Jones debut and wicket
– Quelchy seeing red and getting agro with a 15-year-old
– Jared Maunder getting gassed after bowling 2 overs
– Liam eating a ball instead of catching it
– Hamza unveiling his new profession as a cloud counter