Game 3: Hutt River Dedication vs The Toads
Hutt River Dedication 8/146 def by The Toads 6/149
Buoyed by wins in the first two games PHR Dedication were looking for their first ever 3/3 start to a tournament. Hankinson again lost both tosses and Dedication were sent into the field. Once again Barker and Brazzale were able to achieve early breakthroughs bringing Nigel 'Alex Davie' Thompson to the crease. Like his cousin Archie vs American Samoa Thompson was able to hit the PHR bowlers to all corners of the ground with ease. Even a textbook display of bowling to his field by Todd McArthy was unable to stop him, after a chance from McArthy's first delivery was put down. This combined with a few other missed opportunities in the field meant the Toads were able to amass a formidable total of 149.
Faced with a large total to chase down the PHR coaching staff were forced to bat self-described 'Three Time Player of the Carnival' Phil Barker at the top of the order. This decision proved to pay dividends for Barker and to a lesser extent the team, with Barker quickly able to establish himself and keep the scoreboard ticking over. Barker's persistant gut running between wickets ensured that his batting partners were never quite able to keep up, and the top order were only able to provided him with limited support. At the 12 over mark Barker had accumulated his half century and PHR Dedication were within sight of the required total. Unfortunately it was at this point that Barker once again made sure that he was dismissed with a sizeable chase still remaining, ensuring the focus post match would be on his stellar knock instead of a possible first ever 3-0 start to the carnival for the team. Mills, Hankinson, Brazzale and B McCarthy were able to push to total to 145 with two balls remaining, and a miracle victory was in sight. Unfortunately this was not to be with Hankinson failing to make contact with the second last ball, resulting in Brazzale being run out. Despite Todd McArthy's best effort to hit a Michael Beaven-eque match equalling four, the PHR boys fell just short of victory.
The close nature of the loss means PHR Dedication is well place to challenge for their maiden Willowfest Championship over the next two days.
Buoyed by wins in the first two games PHR Dedication were looking for their first ever 3/3 start to a tournament. Hankinson again lost both tosses and Dedication were sent into the field. Once again Barker and Brazzale were able to achieve early breakthroughs bringing Nigel 'Alex Davie' Thompson to the crease. Like his cousin Archie vs American Samoa Thompson was able to hit the PHR bowlers to all corners of the ground with ease. Even a textbook display of bowling to his field by Todd McArthy was unable to stop him, after a chance from McArthy's first delivery was put down. This combined with a few other missed opportunities in the field meant the Toads were able to amass a formidable total of 149.
Faced with a large total to chase down the PHR coaching staff were forced to bat self-described 'Three Time Player of the Carnival' Phil Barker at the top of the order. This decision proved to pay dividends for Barker and to a lesser extent the team, with Barker quickly able to establish himself and keep the scoreboard ticking over. Barker's persistant gut running between wickets ensured that his batting partners were never quite able to keep up, and the top order were only able to provided him with limited support. At the 12 over mark Barker had accumulated his half century and PHR Dedication were within sight of the required total. Unfortunately it was at this point that Barker once again made sure that he was dismissed with a sizeable chase still remaining, ensuring the focus post match would be on his stellar knock instead of a possible first ever 3-0 start to the carnival for the team. Mills, Hankinson, Brazzale and B McCarthy were able to push to total to 145 with two balls remaining, and a miracle victory was in sight. Unfortunately this was not to be with Hankinson failing to make contact with the second last ball, resulting in Brazzale being run out. Despite Todd McArthy's best effort to hit a Michael Beaven-eque match equalling four, the PHR boys fell just short of victory.
The close nature of the loss means PHR Dedication is well place to challenge for their maiden Willowfest Championship over the next two days.