White Line Fever Mars Gritty Fathers Display

A petulant display by Gilly behind the stumps detracted from what was otherwise a strong fielding, albeit losing, display by the Fathers in last night's clash with the big-hitting Monaro Scream(er)s. Despite holding some scintillating catches the Fathers went down by 54 runs bringing to an end their four week winning streak under Nads’ incisive leadership.

Normally so calm and unemotional in his work with the gloves, Gilly's outburst was clearly an aberration. "The umpire seemed to have upset him" commented Kev, who again proved to be a little excited during the match. Captain Nads attributed the wicket abuse warning and the short effusive response to a recent form slump which he felt may have been playing on the young wicketkeeper's mind.

Indeed, testimony to umpire Benji's – sounds like a good name for a dog!! - questionable competence was his accrediting Gladdy with 28 runs, awarding him Fathers' man of the match when in reality Gladdy had only scored (a solid) 18. This award deprived the better credentialed (at least on this night) Conga (26), Itchy (25) and Nads (5 for -5) of much deserved recognition. Perhaps Gladdy could take a little consolation given he had been forced to run half runs up and back to the non-strikers end as Conga farmed 10 of his runs off the first 7 balls of the match without even getting bat to ball!!!!!

Any anticipated lethargy from the previous week’s bye was instantly dispelled with yet another strong and competent opening stand between Conga and Gladdy. Both looked unruffled as they amassed a tidy 44 runs. Their composure was again underscored by the fact that the Scream(er)s could only manage to break the partnership once.

In past weeks the Fathers’ have developed a habit of producing one poor batting performance among the four batting pairs. This week it was Gilly (10) and Snorky (3), tarnishing the Snork’s farewell performance before jetting off to Spain (FINE!!!). They never recovered from a poor start losing two wickets in the first four balls. A late effort by Snorky 'opening the shoulders' to repair the damage only resulted in further wickets.

Choco (8) and Itchy (25) lost early wickets, but recovered to post a partnership of 33. It could have been more had Choco not been unlucky to be caught from a ball rebounding off one of the Scream(er)s’ blockheads.

With 90 on the board a big score was anticipated as Nads (12) and Kev (8) came to the crease. Anticipated, yes. Delivered, well not quite, as Nads struggled with the bat.

Still, 110 should be defendable. But that looked an unlikely proposition as the Scream(er)s first batting pair reeled off 28 runs in the first two overs. Captain Nads made the big call bringing himself on to bowl. Three wickets in five balls (including an unconverted hat-trick – FINE]) had the Scream(ers) heading to the room of mirrors. Kev followed up with a tidy over keeping the partnership to 31 (and a skin to the Fathers).

The Fathers were moving well in the field, taking some scorching catches. Gladdy plucked a rocket from the air and Choco’s diving one-hander was a joy to watch. Congo’s agility allowed him to remain a living, breathing human on the planet as he evaded an exocet that threatened to part his hair. Though tidy in the field, the Father’s got very few appeals for run outs paid. Combined with the Screamers ability to regularly find the back net on the full that meant the Fathers were always in trouble. Snorky did an admirable job at the back but was lamenting the fact that he wasn't a foot taller as ball after ball sailed inches over his hand in full leaping stretch. Eight sevens were scored, surely a record against the Fathers and, uncharacteristically, three of them coming from a single Gladdy over (FINE!!!).

All the Fathers got amongst the wickets but the match was all over by the time the last batting pair had come to the crease. The less said about Gilly’s performance the better.

Captain’s cuddle, anyone????

… Oh yeah, nearly forgot to mention that in his sterling 5 for -5 Nads failed to convert another hat-trick in his second over. Another FINE!!! [God I love this Norris]

Next weeks match – Wednesday 8 August - Fathers vs. Dodgy Wicket – 5.30pm

In the 8
1 Chocco - beer boy
2 Mash
3 Gladdy
4 Conga - Captain
5 Gilly
6 Itchy
7 Hugo
8 ????????

Unavailable
9 Our Kylie
10 Norris
11 Nads
12 Kev
13 Snorky

Injured
Gristle (pre-season training camp)
Inzy (cartiliage)