Round 15: Day Two Report

A day that started with much optimism ended disappointingly with the 1sts, 2nds and 3rds all going down to the Northcote Dragons. On a positive note the 4^th XI recorded and outright victory and took a massive step to secure a spot in the finals.

1^st XI NCC 8-357 d def ECC 252

With Northcote declaring overnight a tantilising run chase was set up at Bill Lawry Oval. It was an even day’s cricket for most of the day and at 5/218 at tea the Bombers appeared in the box seat. The run chase had been led by a sensational century from Englishmen Harry Duke who was 96* not out tea and brought up his century shortly after with a massive 6. Duke finished 106 in what was a brilliant innings including 10 x fours and 3 x 6s. With Dukes dismissal Connor Poulton endeavored to steer the ship home with a gutsy 43*. Unfortunately he found little support and The Bombers lost 5/34 after tea and were ultimately dismissed for 252.

Harry Duke batted brilliantly (stock photo)

The loss leaves the Bombers sitting 16^th on the ladder.

2^nd XI NCC 176 & 2-29 def ECC 130

It was another disappointing day for the 2^nd XI who started the day filled with optimism. Resuming at 3-58 The Bombers lost continuous wickets and succumbed to be bowled out for 130. Resuming on 43 Skipper Liam Tobin top scored with 44 but he was out early in the day whilst Nick Markovski showed some lower order grit with 37 not out.

The loss sees the 2^nd XI drop to 15^th on the ladder.

3^rd XI 9-315 def ECC 236

The 3rds had a tough day at the office falling well short of Northcote’s 9-315 being bowled out for 236. Injured young gun Jackson Martin (playing as a batsmen only) was the star of the day with a  classy 81 whilst veterans Sean Phillips Williams (33) and Heath Doherty (45) also contributed.

Jackson Martin pictured earlier in the season

The loss sees the 3rds slide to 9^th on the ladder 2 points out of the 8 and a spot in the finals.

4^th XI Northcote 133 & 2-158 def by ECC 3-142 d & 5-153

The 4ths were the highlight of the day securing a dominant outright victory against Northcote.

Requiring 40 runs to win after a dominant day last weekend the 4ths made light work of the chase and declared shortly after passing Northcote’s score. Pahul Singh Sodhi led the way with 69 whilst Viraaj Aulakj showed his class with 50*.

Sent in again Northcote reached 2-158 before a sporting declaration set up an exciting finish to the day. The young Bombers were equal to the challenge though and reeled in the target of 149 for the loss of 5 wickets. It was a team effort in the 2^nd innings with Aulakh again impressing with 37, Dilawar Ali contributing 30 and Luay Miraz finishing 27*. The outright win and 10 points sees the 4ths 8^th on the ladder.

Focus now shifts to the local derby against Footscray CC, a two day affair starting next Saturday. The 1^st XI will Be at home at Windy Hill.