Friday May 28, 2010

Saturday 15th May 2010 v Cranbourne (Home)

A relatively chilly and overcast day saw FCC hosting long-standing opponents – Cranbourne Cricket Club. On winning the toss FCC had no hesitation in asking Cranbourne to bat first. This decision paid off with some tight bowling, particularly by Ali (2-9 off 8 overs), preventing them getting off to a flying start. Runs were never easy to come by and wickets fell regularly. The tail was mopped up nicely by Uzair Hussain with three wickets in his second over to record figures of 4-4 from two. Extras (equal top scorer with 35) contributed significantly to Cranbourne’s total of 116 all out from 35 overs. Four excellent catches were taken and only two dropped (both difficult).

Although the target appeared not too taxing, Cranbourne opened with a spinner to exploit the lack of shine on the ball and got a result on the third ball as Derek Randall’s fifth change of mind saw an inside edge onto his stumps. However the ship was steadied and nerves settled by a 2^nd wicket stand of 75. FCC were eventually victors scoring 119-5 off 28 overs mainly being steered home by an admirable knock of 56* by Nigel Field. Other contributions came from Ian Fisher (28), Uzair Hussain (15), and Daniel Randall (4*).

The fielding award went (somewhat dubiously) to Skipper Tony King.