Round 15: Day 1 Report

It was a good day for the Bombers as the boys took on Northcote Dragons in 4 x Red Ball Two Day Fixtures.

See wrap up below!

1sts NCC 8-357

Losing the toss and bowling the 1^st XI toiled away in blistering hot conditions at Bill Lawry Oval. It was tough work for the bowlers in 40 degree temperatures however in an admirable effort the bowlers restricted to Northcote to 8-357 after 96 overs of play.

Young fast bowler Noman Safdar was the pick of the bowlers picking up 3/59 from 21 overs whilst veteran Nick McGuane was impressive with 2/49 from 20 overs. In the spin department Arshit Rajput continued his brilliant debut season collecting 2/78 from 20 overs.

The days play sets up a tantilising run chase next week.

2^nd XI NCC 176 lead ECC 3/68 by 114 runs

The 2^nd XI put in a good showing at Windy Hill and finished the day in a strong position. Winning the toss and bowling the Bomber’s bowlers made strong inroads into the Northcote batting line up. At 0/42 the decision to bowl first looked to be a mistake as the Northcote opening pair fought doggedly. Fast bowler Arin Mishra broke the deadlock with a brilliant out swinger that was held in the gully by Henry Robertson. From there the Essendon bowlers went to work. Wickets were tumbling and at one point Northcote were teetering at 8/127. Credit where credit is due the tail wagged and in the end Northcote were dismissed for 176 on the stroke of tea. Arin Mishra was the pick of the bowlers finishing with 4/35 from 10 overs, whilst Nav Rai was back to his best with 3/35.

Lachie Busk in Action

With the last session of 31 overs to bat the opening pair of Salvdo and Tobin got off to a strong start reaching 53 without loss before Salvado was dismissed in the 25^th over. The small opening was all Northcote needed and the wickets of Brne and Wasiewic before stumps dulled the shine slightly on what had been a very good day for the 2nds. At stumps the Bombers finished 3/68 with skipper Liam Tobin unbeaten on 43 and night watchmen Robertson 0*.

3^rd XI NCC 9/278

It was another slog in the heat for the bowlers in the 3^rd XI clash at John Mayer Park. The Bomber’s bowlers working hard in the heat to restrict Northcote to a very chasable 9/278. Fast bowler Agam Sandhu (2/46) was the pick of the bowlers with early wickets whilst skipper Para Singh (2/41) and spinner Aaron Cornish (3/69) were also impressive. The days play sets up a tantilising run chase for the star studded 3rds who need a win to secure finals cricket.

4^th XI NCC 133 lead ECC 0/98 by 45 runs

It was another strong performance for the 4^th XI who continued their recent strong form. Bowling first at Cross Keys the young 4^th XI bowled Northcote out for only 133. Skipper Prageeth Edirisinghe was the star with 5/35 whilst GEORGE Martindale also impressed with 3/13. Northcote bowled out in only 55 overs.

Set 22 overs to bat in the last session the opening pir of Paul Sodhi and Viraaj Aulakh were off to a flying start reaching 98 for no loss when stumps when stumps called. Sodhi finished 55* whilst Auluak finished 29*. The 4ths will be looking to knock off the total early next week and set up an exciting day two’s action.

Play will resume in all grades next Saturday.