Vets hold nerve in run-fest
The Veterans held their nerve to hold on in a run-fest at the batsman’s paradise Wantirna South ground. After a disappointing loss the round before, the Gators couldn’t afford to drop this one.
After being sent in to bat, the Gators recovered from the early loss of Mick Cleland, to get off to a flier, with Brett Tucker belting his way to 43, Chris Harris bringing up yet another 40 with a mighty six and Mark Burridge continuing his good form with the bat, making 36. The middle order then kept it going with Steve Smith 31 not out, Rick Lindner 8 and George Shaw smashing a quick-fire 26 in no time, as the tally roared past 200 to an imposing 3/217 off 36 overs. You shouldn’t lose from there should you? Well no you shouldn’t but nothing is impossible in this topsy turvy Vets season to-date.
The run-rate required was just over 6, which was far from impossible on the lightning fast Walker Reserve. The Devils also made a great start, with both openers retiring and the scoreboard continually ticking over (which was a little ironic, as the scoreboard was electronic!).
Most of the bowlers got touched up a little, although Garry Smart shone with 2/18 off his 6, which was a tremendous effort. The Devils began to threaten the total, with runs continuing to flow, despite the efforts of the bowlers and fielders in the warm conditions.
It ultimately came down to the last couple of overs with 19 to get and captain Garry Wilson and George ‘Booga’ Shaw to bowl ‘at the death’. Thankfully one of their batsmen retired, bringing a fresh batsman to the crease. Rob DeGraaf then pulled off a wonderful overhead catch (with a mandatory tumble thrown in) and the game shifted again. Not too much damage off the second last over and it was now down to Booga (0/19 off 6) to bring us home, which he duly did, sealing the win by a skinny 4 runs. A massive relief and a great team win, with brave and desperate efforts in the field.
Booga deservedly won the man of the match honours after his blistering batting, tight bowling and excellent fielding in the deep.
