2s round 1 match report vs EMT 23/10

Despite half the state being under water, the round 1 fixture between the OXCC 2nd XI and newly promoted East Malvern Tooronga (EMT) somehow went ahead on a wicket that was unlike the pristine roads we have come to expect on Barkers Road.

Batting 1st, the Xavs started very slowly due to some excellent bowling at the beginning of the innings from EMT. Their opener finished with figures of 3/3 off 8 overs, which in my 6 years at the club is undoubtedly the best figures I’ve seen in the 2s competition. This bowler was backed up well by his teammates too, and despite a very solid anchoring innings from Andrew Seal (34*) , no other batsman made above 15 as the Xavs struggled to 9/104 off their 40. Despite a slow outfield and a pretty poor wicket, the feeling in the changerooms was that we were about 40 runs short.

This prediction proved quite accurate as it turned out. The wicket appeared equally as challenging for the EMT batsmen, who all struggled to get going as a result of both good bowling and perhaps the intention to try and sneak a bonus point from the OXCC. Not today – however. The Xavs had EMT at 6/71 due to the terrific bowling partnership of Barak Kandala (2/24 off 8) and reigning 2-time bowling award recipient Callum Abrahams (2/22 off 5). This left  EMT needing another 35 to win, however, a quickfire 20* off 21 balls from one of their elder statesmen saw them chase down the total at 7/108.

After a poor effort with the bat, the magoos can be proud of the way they performed with the ball, and hope to carry that bowling form throughout the season whilst improving with the bat.