B4 Round 2 v Long Reef (Newport)
Result: First innings win (game played as one dayer by captains agreement)
Players Player: Rob Lavery
Toss: ??

MBCC held out a fast finishing Long Reef - and fast fading light - to record our first win of the season. The two day game was changed to a one dayer by captains agreement - and a fine innings from Rob Awery lead the Breakers to an eventually match winning total in a game of two centuries.

We certainlly had to travel to get the points - the game was played at Newport, and unfortunately the ground hasn't improved much over the years. It meant the ball was treated roughly (not just by the batsmen), and clouds of sand and dust were kicked up by the bowlers. On the positive side, at least the pitch was at ground level, unlike last week.

After the fomality of the toss (as both teams wanted the Breakers to bat), Rob Awery and Justin Mohin walked out to resume their opening partnership. We were ready to go on time, but Long Reef were not - and the late start (1:25) was to cause them problems later in the day. Or should that be early in the night.

Regardles, Jeff and Rob started well on a typical Newport wicket - variable bounce to say the least. Their stand gave the Breakers a brisk start, before a ball stopped on Jeff and a "Reefer" took a fine catch at the second attempt. Pat Ryan joined Rob, and the pair put the bowling to the sword.

After Pat's departure LBW, we added runs quickly - mainly from Rob. Most players got starts and then got out, but Rob kept going - a magnificant, club record equalling 123, sprinkled with boundaries and scored at a smashing rate (bad pun intended). Prior to his departure, he was unware of having reached the milestone and hit out, as he badly needed a rest.

Matt Fisher had broken a finger passing a footy ball, and finally decided, against doctors orders, he could bat, scoring a vital (if one-handed) 10. Onya, Fishee! Doug Alley's bad luck with the blade continued, droped first ball. Jimmy Johnson and Ian North came together. Northy, having a break from B3 duties, scored a rapid 17 or so. Jimmy held together the lower order, leading MBCC to a very competetive 230/8 off our 35 overs.

Sensing the light would be an issue, Long Reef called a short break for tea and attacked from the start. Their openers hit hard and long and far too often for comfort against opening bowlers Mark Hill and Sexy Col Henderson. First change bowler Jeff Monin then produced a ball of genius, taking the first wicket with a ball that swung miles. He and Pat Ryan bowled their spells out, economically and unluckily, as Breakers got back into the game. Despite their best efforts, we couldnt snare another wicket - luck wasn't going our way.

As the light retreated both teams began to attack, as MBCC searched for the breakthrough we needed. At one wicket down Long Reef were in the box seat, and the remained opener duly notched his ton. Pat and Jeff had bowled out, and an exhausted Rob came on as 5th bowler, immediately tying them down. MBCC were trying hard in the field but the catches were falling short and dropping out. We needed some luck and finally, a wicket, Jimmy holding onto a steepler in the gloom.

With the run rate high, the Breakers continued to pressure the batsmen and the game began to turn. Matt Phillips hadn't had the best of luck so far, out first ball with the bat in his first MBCC innings (in his second game). Now, at the vital point, captain Hill brough Matt on to bowl. Our fielding was better - players were covered in grass and dirt stains - but we needed a wicket. Matty stepped up, claimed two, and slowed the run rate, moving the game back in our favour.

MBCC were hustling to get the overs through, and everyone worked very hard in the field to stop the runs. Doug Alley ran to third man to save a boundary - especially metorious since he was the keeper. Wickets were a welcome bonus - but we needed to keep down the runs.

Last over - 17 to win. Could Long Reef do it? No, they couldn't - Rob sealing the player of the day award with another tight over, well backed in the field. We'd won! I know I'm biased but I really think we deserved it. But afterwards, all I was thinking was, "thank goodness its over!" We'd completed the game after 6 o'clock - and outside daylight savings time. The B3s, long since back at the Brookvale Hotel, were wondering what had happended to us.

The win was what mattered - we had that, and a week off (bar those fielding for B3s). And Rob, not surpirsingly had the Players Player award.