2s Match Report vs Whitefriars 14/01

Magoos fail to defend at home again as Whitefriars salute

First game back for 2024 and an important one at that. It was well understood that 3 wins from the final 5 games were needed to reach finals, and so the boys rolled onto the Jackson Oval looking suntanned and ready to rumble.

Yet another toss win saw the Xavs bat first on a deck which unfortunately proved to be a good toss to lose, as a significant tennis ball-like bounce appeared making it difficult for batsmen to get settled. Paddy “the killer” Frawley (25) and Andrew “ar ar ar” Seal (29) put together a solid opening partnership but both fell without capitalising on their starts. This was a familiar theme for the day, with Jesse “Cheese” Luchessi (36), Alex “Slash” Eden-Lachowicz (35), Jack “the Bison” Stratford (21) all getting starts but not going on with it. Eddie “the smiling giant” Paul (32*) and a giant 6 from Aaron “Iverson” Ivak secured some crucial tail order runs however 209 felt 20-30 runs shorts on the postage stamp of a ground that the motel oval is. In saying this, recent bowling performances had been of high quality so the boys had faith at the halfway mark.

The Whitefriars innings got off to a great start despite some sharp and unlucky spin bowling from Alex “Slash” Eden-Lachowicz (0/26 off 8). 2 crucial dropped catches off his bowling (that much to Slash’s dismay went for 4 and 6 respectively) proved costly, as said batsman went onto make a crucial 68* anchoring the run chase and allowing other batsmen to take risks on the short boundaries. Decision to put on spin bowlers Paddy Frawley (2/34) and Matt “the pez the pez” Perrett (2/32) provided wickets but at a cost of a few too many boundaries. Pat “the Poon Train” Nunan (0/20) came on late and bowled a maiden, but it was too little too late as the Friars secured their required 210 runs with 11 balls to spare. The Poon Train and The Pez discussed post-game the need for a rethink of tactics and the requirement to be more prepared with bowling and fielding plans in runs chases.

Another game of close but no cigar for the Magoos, as they now require 3 from their final 4 to secure their first finals berth since 2017/18.