The second Twenty20 Rocket Cup, was run and won on Sunday in front of a bumper crowd at Bottomley Park thanks to the wags and kids for watching!
Excluding a few no shows, it was a solid turn out on what ended up being a picture perfect day for cricket.
So with 8 a side the captains were announced with the man himself Rocket picking the eyes out of the talent to bolster his side with cricketing prowess and the previous game champion Damo was honoured with the role of captaining the other team, although from behind the stumps Tinners was quickly showing his skills as a Navman, throwing team directions rapid fire (one that admittedly resulted in a great catch from Flynn).
Damo won the toss and sent Rockets crew in to bat. Barney looked to emulate his form from the previous game hitting numerous boundaries in the first few overs and was well supported by Selke, who proved just why he rocked up with his own kit bag. The dangerous Barney was sent back to the sheds and replaced by Piddy (thanks for filling in) who slotted into the boundary hitting role nicely despite shouldering what was apparently one hell of a hangover!
Take nothing away from Damo's squad though, their bowling was strong, excluding some tall guy, who apparently looked like a dangerous fast bowler but ended up with a 10 ball over and 9 byes back to the nets for him!
Gadso, Craig, Justin, Nugget, Flynn and Tommy were all strong in the field, catches win matches and every catch was being held with Gadso, Craig and Flynn taking some crackers.
New faces in Leigh Clarke and Justin Place Alpar slotted into the side well and although Justin did a quad after the first ball he chased down, he toughed out the day in style, and Goofey started to show exactly what sporting capabilities country town living provides. While not hiding in the shade roadside, he bowled superbly taking a wicket or two, including a middle stump. This was only overshadowed by Tommy's superb two wicket over. Pretty to watch ruckman of the century!
Selke continued from strength to strength only to be retired so others could finally have a bat, it was a nice knock even treating his sons bowling with disdain - nice one Pop!! Muzz stepped into the crease and after surviving a questionable first ball LWB he faced out the rest of Damo's bullets and settled in for a strong knock, showing some soft hands and great placement around the field. Daddsy unleashed a couple of big hits before being caught brilliantly by Craig on the long on boundary, Toohs the Boon Booney knocked a few around the paddock like he was knocking back beers on a flight to Tassie and Rocket and MT were solid at the tail to post a solid score of 165.
Damo had to be a proud captain after the comeback in the last ten overs kept the score to an achievable target, although you wouldn't think it after his fired up second over including Mitch Johnson stare downs to I think it was MT and Selke.
The highlight for the bowling side, if not for the day had to be Nuggets stroke of brilliance in the field, after the call of two runs came from the batsmen he swooped upon the ball like a magpie in season and whipped it in to take the bails off before Tinners could even make it to the stumps, all from about 30 metres out leaving Toohs more than a few feet from the crease..I wouldn;t have believed it unless I was there to see it sensational stuff.
Rockets plan to load up with strong cricketers started to come undone early with Goofey and Tommy opening the batting for Damo;s squad, they smacked around the opening bowlers with pure batting brilliance. Tommy was strong and clean with some big hits and Goofey just stood out as a natural batsmen and all-round sportsmen if it was there to be hit, hit it he did. Daddsy started his first spell with the ball putting fear into one batsmen sitting on the side lines. Mind you Toohs bowling spell put fear into everyone, no one knew where Booney's next delivery would land. Even the umpire was seen to back away at one point! There was more variety in his bowling spell than a packet of mixed lollies, a dangerous but hilarious spell it was although captain Rocket wasn;t seeing the funny side and was dumbfounded to find Toohs back up for a second over after defying the captains decision to keep the ball out of his hands.
After some unnamed tall dude made a brief appearance at the crease in came last games Bradman, the skipper Damo, and although not starring this time around he put in another credible knock, Goofey was forced to retire for being too bloody good and Tinners, Gadso, Craig, Justin and Flynn as well as late arrival young Gadso saw out the rest of the match.
All of these guys played a great knock, it was a solid batting effort by all of Damo;s squad and a cracker game it was right to the finish..a close result saw the victory go to Rocket;s crew by around 18 runs.
Thanks to everyone who came out, it was an enjoyable day and hopefully fun was had by all. Also thanks to young Selkes..Flynn well done young fella, he fielded all day for both sides, bowled, took catches and batted in the footsteps of his old man nice work young man.
Finally a big thanks to Daddsy and Rocket for organising and accommodating us at what's quickly becoming our second home, the Coorparoo Cricket Club the Roos I believe they are known.
Until next time..The Rocket Cup stays on that very man's mantle, next to the marathon, triathlon, kayaking and ballet trophies!!
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