1’s set records - chase 267 at Flack Park against OM’s
The first XI travelled to Flack Park to play OM’s in Round 3 and looking to bounce back from a poor display the week earlier.
As per, the wicket was incredibly kind to batting and the toss would be crucial on the postage stamp oval. Unfortunately, Capitan Pirera was unable to win the toss and OM’s chose to bat with a team will of UK exports.
The Xavs started sprightly with the ball and missed a chance for a key run out on the 3rd ball but a consistent early spell from Barry Whelan and Angus Webb had OM’s on the back foot. Webby was able to remove one of the opener’s early and the Xavs looked to create chances. Unfortunately, former skipper Angus Sheedy dropped a dolly at 1st slip but was able to make up for it a couple of overs later with an absolute rifle of a throw from 3rd man to create a key run out. OM’s started to solidly at before Sheeds was able to remove the dangerous Pearce and the boys had OM’s at 3/112 at drinks with par score likely 220.
Enter Sam Asdagi. Stardg, playing his first game for the OXCC came into the attack with some lethal leg spin. Stardg turned the game on its head and took three quick wickets in a great set of partnership bowling with Bollu to restrict OM’s to 6/127 after 26 overs. The Xavs were firmly in the box seat, but enter the UK version of Glenn Maxwell. Funny how cricket changes, the next four overs went for 64 as OM’s started playing full 360 degree cricket. Sheedy was able to remove the dangerous Birts after he played the reverse slog one to many times. Despite removing birts, OM’s stepped up the run rate with some impressive lower order hitting to reach a score of 9/267.
A familiar story for the boys at Flack Park it seemed. We would bowl first, start well and then allow a massive score. 267 in 40 overs would be tough for any team but we were lucky that the lads had a positive attitude in the sheds at half time. Nick and Anga opened the batting and Anga’s square cut for 6 in the second over set the tone. The Xavs started strongly and were able to capitalise from some early wayward bowling to be ahead of the run rate early. Starts from Anga and Webby were solid but the game was evenly poised at 2/110 at drinks with England playing beautifully and Pirera looking ominous.
Unfortunately, Pirera was removed by a ridiculous catch and that brought Bollu to the crease. He did exactly what the team needed and his 25 off 20 set the tone for the middle order to take the game up the OM’s. Whilst wickets were falling, England - after keeping 90 overs on Saturday and 40 overs in the first innings was showing signs of cramp and exhaustion. His placement was a true testament to his composure and had increased his scoring rate to be nearly a run a ball. A quick cameo from Harries, who hit one of the most undeserving 6’s this match report writer has seen adding a quick 12 before Sheedy joined England with the game delicately poised. 50 required off 36 balls.
After a sneaky French cut for 4 - England and Sheedy were able to capitalise on the short boundaries with some almighty blows (including one nearly put on the Westgate from Sheedy) to stir the Xavs home to a famous victory. Huge shoutout to England who in Old Xavs greatest recruiting move, hit the winning runs and finished 113*.
Xavs move into the 4 and have a massive match up against ladder leaders Scotch at the Meares. See you there!!
