Light Pass Cricket Club

It was a solid week for the boys in the baggy green with the A4’s bringing home the bickies, the A1 reserves and the Wanderers in strong positions and a good performance by the A3’s against the top side.

A1 reserves – The first XI played the first week of their top two clash with Greenock on the pinball table on Saturday, Toddy lost the toss and the lads were sent out to field. Dimi Camo and Sam Schmidt opened up and bowled well restricting the runs to les than 2 an over for most of the first session but unfortunately the “Schlunger” batsmen proved difficult to remove and it was the 28th over before Mick Braunack finally took the first wicket. It took almost as long to claim the next scalp but the bowlers were still keeping the run rate very low and when Sam Schmidt claimed his first wicket in the unusual manner of hit wicket the score was 2/139 in the 50th over. Sam was brilliant bowling consistently all day and denying Greenock a chance to hit their was to a big score in the final overs, Sam Schmidt took 6/63 (have a crack at that Johnny Tapp) from his 21 overs and the “Schlungers” were bowled out for 222 (Insert Richie impersonations here). Dimi chipped in with a wicket finishing with 1/41 from 16 and Toddy took a wicket and a run out. If the lads stay on form they should make the runs and go a long way to claiming the minor premiership.

A2’s – Skipper Simon Davies continued to prove he is possibly the worst toss of a coin in the clubs history losing the toss again and consequently the lads found themselves fielding on the first week of their clash with Greenock. The lads endured some very slow batting as the “Schlungers” seemed to be trying to make up for last matches low totals but the bowlers and fielders kept their heads and ground out a good days play restricting Greenock to 9/121 from the 65 overs bowled. Syd Miller was great again battling blistered heels to claim 3/19 from 14 overs; Andrew Nash was again unlucky taking 0/24 in two top spells. Jimmy Miller was on song taking 3/18 bowling his 14 overs in two spells, while Tim Gladigau (0/7 from10), Sean Schrapel (0/10 from 3) and Simon Davies (0/31 from 10) all bowled well. The fielding was much improved this week but the high light of the day was Bradley Hunter’s first A2 wicket claimed when he found the edge of the highest scoring batman, Bradley ended up taking 1/7 off 4 overs.

A3’s – For the second time this season the A3’s endured the trek to Saddleworth oval to take on undefeated Gilbert Valley. Gilbert Valley won the toss and batted first. Mark John and Brice Mathews began proceedings with Yonnie striking in the first over and things were looking positive until Brice lost his range and was no balled out of the attack after only 4 overs. Gilberts next partnership took them to 129 but was ended by Chris Sims. That wicket gave the baggy greens a chance to get back in the match, the bowlers led by Yonnie worked their way through Gilberts middle order and at one stage it looked as if the lads might keep the score under 200 but some late hitting got Gilbert to 233 before the last wicket fell. It was a great effort to bowl out Gilbert Valley, as that has not happened often this season. Yonnie was fantastic taking 5/41 from 14 overs and was backed up well by Dan Hausler (1/33), Bradley Boehm (2/38), Paul Koop (1/4) and Chris Sims (1/45). It’ll take a big effort with the bat next week but with a little luck the lads can give the score a good shake.

A4’s – The 4’s took on Tanunda at Stocky No. 2 on Saturday sporting another changed line up that saw the return of the family Liddel as well as new player Mick Thompson and returning veteran Daz Gladigau. The Boys in the baggy green fielded first and Ed Milne got thing off to a great start claiming a wicket in the first over, Ed continued to bowl well earning figures of 3/12 from 6 overs. Tanunda however were scoring consistently and at 20 overs were 3/73. The lads came out firing after drinks and Nick Liddel’s second spell was pivotal as he once again removed the set batsman and then paired up with his younger brother Ricky to run through Tanunda’s middle order. Nick finished with 2/24 off 8 and Ricky was devastating taking 3 wickets for just 5 runs in only 4 overs. Pup Gerhardy and Mitch Laubsch chipped in with a wicket each and Tanunda were rolled for 131 in the 39th over. Pup and Nick got the lads off to a steady start before pup went for 11, but Nick carried on with Mick Thompson and the pair kept the score ticking until Mick was caught for 19. Nick and Daz Gladigau paired up and saw the side to drinks 2 wickets down for 57. Nick and Daz put on 40 runs before Nick was caught behind for a well made 20, Daz went soon after for 26 and it look as if the baggy greens may have dropped the ball but Geoff Liddel guided the team to victory scoring 21 not out with a couple of partners including Mick Sparks who made 16 and in the end the lads got home comfortably 6 wickets down for 133 with 5 overs in hand. Well done lads, great to see the 4’s back in the winners list. Man of the match was a tough one to pick but it was decided that Mick Thompson was the “Bishops Barossa Cooperage” man of the match.

Remember all subs are over due and must be paid immediately. The Junior Presentations are coming up on the 9th of April and the Senior Presentations will be on the 10th, more information about these events will be coming out over the next few weeks so watch this space for details.