Round 17 Day Two Report

1^st XI: ECC 221 def by FCDC 8-222

It was a frustrating day for the 1^st XI ultimately going down by two wickets in a thrilling game at Schramms Reserve. Resuming with Fitzroy at 2/30 the Bombers made early in roads with the fast bowling cartel of Noman Safder, Lachie Busk and Nick McGuane destroying the Lion’s top order and having the Lions under pressure at 6/79. From there though the Lions rallied through current Victorian player Sam Elliot and others, the Lion’s regrouped to 6/189. There was a further twist in the tail though as Safder struck twice in two balls and Bomber’s again on top at 8/187. Alas though it wasn’t to be as the experienced Lions tail saw them home and the target of 222 was reeled in 8 wickets down.

Noman Safder took 6/74

Noman Safder was the star of the day taking 6/74 in what was the icing on the cake of a brilliant debut season. Having started the year in the 2^nd XI Safder has fast become an integral part of the 1^st XI side, his combination of pace, swing and a searing yorker has seem him take 20 wickets at 22.3. A bright future awaits.

Unfortunately the loss sees the Bombers finish the season in 16^th spot however a far more competitive season was achieved. A  big off season awaits.

2^nd XI: ECC 295 drew FCDC 7-267

It was an exciting day of cricket at Windy Hill as the 2^nd XI took it down to the wire against the top placed Fitzroy Doncaster. Resuming at 5/256 the Bombers batted on and finished with 295. The extra runs set up a tantalising run chase for the Lions and kept the healthy crowd at Windy Hill on the edge of their seats all day.

It was Arin Mishra who struck first via a well held catch behind the wicket by Wasiewicz who got the ball rolling for the Bombers and the Lions at 1-25. From there some strong batting from the Lions saw them consolidate to 1-126. Two wickets to Cornish and then one to Guida had the game see sawing at 4-187. From there it was Guida who put last weeks UK Visa controversy to the side and bowl a lion hearted 17 over spell after tea to almost drag the Bombers over the line. His gutsy spell recorded 3/77 from 27 overs in what was a remarkable display and his late wickets almost saw the Bombers pull off a remarkable win. Ultimately though the 2nds had to settle for a draw despite having the upper hand at the close of play.

Noah Guida in Action Earlier this Season

The point for the draw saw the 2^nd XI also finish 16^th in what a frustrating finish after a good start to the season.

3^rd XI: FCDC 9-361 drew ECC 7-183

Needing only a draw to ensure they played finals the 3rds got the job done at SCHRAMMS Reserve #2. Set 362 to win the Bombers took the safe option and batted the day to achieve the draw and 8^th spot. Heath Doherty led the way with 53* from 118 balls whilst Nick Markovski also chipped in with 23.

The draw sees the 3^rd finish 8^th and an exciting finals showdown against Fitzroy again next weekend. Match details to be announced as they come to hand.

4^th XI: FCDC 8-329 def ECC 209

It was heartbreak for the young 4^th XI who saw their finals dream go up in smoke on the last day of the season. Requiring a win to lock in 8^th spot the 4ths were bundled out for 209 and fell well short of the target. Young gun Samin Shafquat again showed his obvious talent with a gritty 50 whilst all rounder George Martindale was gutsy to finish 32*.

The loss saw the Bombers drop to 10^th on the ladder and have their finals dream quashed.

George Martindale in Action Last Season

Whilst the season ends for the 1sts, 2ds and 4ths the 3rds continue their season with an exciting final against Fitzroy next week. Match details to be announced shortly.