1 XI lead the way on 60 point weekend for the Cross!

The HX 1’s record a soggy but satisfying win!

Sat 22^nd June, game 1 of our home and away series vs Watsonian’s 2’s.

Bucking the trend, I lost the toss for only the 3^rd time this season in all competitions. The opposition skip elected to bat first on account that they had only pitched up with 10 men.

With Shanton running late after working in the morning, the new ball was tossed to Robin who produced a typically miserly and highly composed lesson in swing bowling for the Watsonian’s top order, finishing the day with 1 for 14 off 6 overs.

Vikram ‘who me, you want me to bowl’ Gaware took the new ball from the Ferry Rd end. He bowled extremely well, taking the first wicket of the day, a sharply held catch to Bloomfiled ah I mean Bonfield at first slip. He was a bit tired after 4 overs, so was pulled from the line up with figures of 1 for 8.

Next up was Raja. Freshly invigorated after a week away from the bowling crease, he settled into his work and from the first ball looked in for a great stint. He bowled his 10 on the trot – which was halted by the first of several rain delays after about 6 overs. Finishing with the superb figures of 4 for 13 off 10 overs, including 3 maidens.

Shanton took over bowling from the clubhouse end and in typical fashion finished with 3 for 31 off his 9 overs. He did however get hooked twice for 4’s by the Watsonian’s skip, something I’m sure he’ll not be keen to have repeated next weekend.

Watsonian’s 10 men were all out for a rather meagre total of 73 after just 29 overs. The umpire was keen to get things moving with the threat of yet more rain and the skippers agreed that Holy Cross would bat for 15 overs before tea would be taken.

CJE and Raja opened up and progressed the score to 22 without loss, before the rain came down and play was halted for an early tea after about 7 overs. Another great feast was consumed and play resumed after about 40 minutes off that park. Another several overs were bowled and the lads picked up the scoring, racing to 58 before another down pouring of rain forced the players off the park yet again.

In all credit to the Watsonian’s skipper, where I’m sure a lesser man would have easily said the outfield and pitch were not safe, he rallied his troops to get back on to the park. The Holy Cross openers knocked off the winning runs with ease, although the bowlers were struggling to hold on to the ball of soap that was the ball towards the end.

CJE was in fine form yet again, compiling 51* and was supported very well by Raja who finished with 23* taking the Cross to 20 points in just 14 overs.

A great win for the Cross, given the weather and a big thanks must be said again to the Watsonian’s skipper and players for the spirit showed in the latter parts of the game, allowing the completion of the second innings in very wet and soggy conditions.