Round 16 Day Two Report

Round 16 Day Two Reports

It was a frustrating day for The Bombers as the 1sts, 2nds and 4ths all went down. The 3^rd XI recorded a strong win.

1^st XI ECC 172 def by FCC 6-174

The 1^st were gutsy all day in their attempt to defend 172 at Windy Hill. The Footscray opening pair reached 62 before Noman Safdar had the first breakthrough via a searing inswinger that had current Victorian 2^nd XI Batsmen Mitch Jamieson LBW. The Bombers had another shortly after via a skillful run out from Lachie Busk and had the Dogs at 2-65. At 3-95 and then 6-116 there was real optimism amongst the strong crowd at Windy Hill however some solid lower order batting from Footscray saw them pass the target in the 73^rd over and a frustrating feeling of what if for The Bombers. Another competitive effort but a loss nonetheless. Nick McGuane was the pick of the bowlers with 2/60 from 25.1 overs whilst Safdar also impressed 1/50 from 25 overs.

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

Noman Safder sends one down

2^nd XI FCC 7/408 def ECC 279

It was a disappointing loss for the 2^nd XI falling well short of Footscray’s whopping 7-408. Constant wickets had The Bombers on the back foot all day with the only shining light being wicketkeeper Ethan Brne who hit a brilliant 109* to give the scorecard some respectability. The knock included 14 boundaries and showed Brne’s obvious talent and determination. On a side note there were rumours that the much vaunted trifecta of a century, circuit and *redacted* may have been achieved however these allegations were neither confirmed nor denied by Brne at the time of print.

The loss sees the 2^nd XI drop to 16^th on the ladder.

3^RD XI FCC 241 & 1-36 def by ECC 285

It was another strong win for the 3^rd XI chasing down Footscray’s 241 with ease at Cross Keys (SPW Oval). The run chase was powered by a brilliant century from young gun Sim Gill who continued his excellent season hitting 105 from only 95 deliveries. The knock included 12 fours and 6 sixes. He was ably assisted by Jess Bhadaan (44) and Heath Doherty (53*). It was a commanding win by th

e 3rds and sees them in 8^th spot ahead of a massive game against Fitzroy to finish the season. A win will see the 3rds play off in the finals.

They currently sit in 8^th spot on the ladder.

4^TH XI FCC 7-307 def ECC 252

The 4^th XI went down in a thriller at Tony Dodemaide Oval ultimately falling short by 55 runs. Chasing 308 for victory the young 4^th XI at 4-50 however a brilliant century from young gun Samin Shafquat and 50 from wicketkeeper Sai Simhardi who combined for 140 run 5^th wicket partnership to see The Bombers almost pull of a miracle. Shafquat’s century included 10 boundaries and was brought up off 170 balls, a name to remember for the future. Unfortunately though despite the pairs best efforts it wasn’t to be for the young 4^th XI ultimately being bowled out for 252.

The loss sees the 4ths drop to 9^th on the ladder however a win in the last round against Fitzroy should see them lock in 8^th spot and a return to finals cricket.

The Bomber’s now look ahead to the final game of the season a Two Day fixture against Fitzroy-Doncaster CC. The 1^st XI will be away at Fitzroy.