1sts & 2nds Go Down, 3rds and 4ths Record Strong Wins

 It was a mixed bag for The Bombers against Carlton on Saturday with 2 losses and 2 wins.

1^st XI: CCC 9-285 def ECC 169

Bowling first at Windy Hill The Bombers were on the back foot early after an opening stand of 88 from The Blues. Skipper Liam Molly was the man to find the breakthrough dismissing Ex Bomber Connor Rutland via a well held caught and bowled. From there seamers Nick McGuane and Noman Safdar led the fightback, the ever reliable McGuane finishing the day with 4/40 from his 10 overs, he ably assisted by Noman Safdar who took 3/60 from 9 overs. The Blues ultimately held to 9/285 after 50 overs.

Nick McGuane took 4/40

There was optimism at the change of innings however unfortunately the run chase never gained any momentum. Middle order pair Arshit Rajput (35) and Ikroop Dhanoa (45) showed some fight however it was to little avail as Essendon were bowled out for 169 in only 36 overs.

The loss sees The Bombers drop back to 16^th on the ladder going into the Christmas break.

2^nd XI ECC 134 def by CCC 3-137

It was another disappointing day for the 2nds. Sent in to bat at Princes Park the Bombers struggled early in seaming conditions. At 4/30 and the 5/77 it was bleak. Some middle order resistance from Jarrod Parsons (34) and then All Rounder Arin Mishra (20) enabled The Bombers to limp to 134.

Needing early wickets to have any chance Arin Mishra (2/15) bowled well to have both openers caught behind by Brne and give The Bombers a sniff. It wasn’t to be though as Carlton easily chased down  the total 3 down in the 35^th over.

Jarrod Parsons in action earlier in the season

The 3^rd loss in a row sees The Bomber drop to 11^th on the ladder a game outside 8^th place and a spot in the finals.

3^rd XI CCC 9-210 def by ECC 8-213

There was some good news on the day as the 3rds continued their winning ways recording a 4^th win in a row against a strong Carlton side. Bowling first at Cross Keys Reserve (SPW Oval) The Bombers were clinical in restricting Carlton to 9-210 from their 45 overs. All-rounder Heath Doherty was the pick of the Bowlers with 3/16 whilst Sheik Arron Cornish also continued his recent strong form chipping in with 2/16.

Chasing 211 for victory the 3rds brand of Paraball cricket (named after skipper Para Singh) had the solid home crowd at Cross Keys on the edge of their seats. Opener Vansh Sandhu took the attack to the Blues with a quick fire 41 from only 29 deliveries to get Essendon off to a flyer. After Sandhu’s dismissal the Blues rallied and took some quick wickets, at 5/70 the Bombers were under pressure and needed someone to stand up. Jess Badhaan was the man to do so, striking a brilliant 73 from only 91 deliveries. Badhaan and wicketkeeper Maan Singh (44*) combined for a brilliant 105 run partnership to put the Bombers on the brink of victory. Badhaans dismissal had hearts in mouths at 7-185 with 26 still required. The dismissal of the returning Noah Guida added to the angst 8-196. However the cool heads of Singh (44*) and all-rounder Agam Sandhu combined and ensured the Bombers snuck home 8 wickets down. Sandhu hitting a 4 on the 2^nd ball of the last over to claim victory.

The win sees the 3rds sitting nicely at 4^th on the ladder heading into the Christmas break.

4^th XI ECC 172 def CCC 122

There was further good news to round out the day as the young 4^th XI recorded their 2^nd win in a row. Batting first at Princes Park the Bombers posted a competitive 172. Ali Diliwar (52) was the pick of the batsmen whilst the injured Luay Miraz (playing as a batsmen) hit 33 showing his obvious class.

With ball in hand the Bombers blew the Blues away in a commanding performance bowling Carlton out for only 122. Prageeth Edirisinghe (3/21) and Pahul Sodhi (3/18) were the chief destroyers whilst skipper Stephen Buhagiar also chipped in with 2/33. The Blues bowled out in the 32nd over and The Bombers claiming a strong victory and some momentum heading into the Christmas break.

The win sees The Bombers climb to 12^th on the ladder.

The competition will now take a short break over the Christmas period with matches returning on Saturday the 10^th of January.

I’d like to wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas and Safe New Year,

Yours Truly

Harry