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Auckland Versus Wellington - Saturday 12th February 2005 Preparations for this inaugural challenge match were disturbed by a heavy rain shower which softened the outfield (even further) however it made little impression on the Concrete Matted pitch! The toss was all important and with the Northern side being one short, they batted. Certain forces suggested a declaration format with a 6pm declaration. They were shouted down…….but I always enjoyed a read of the weekend papers while some rag-arsed side had 350 slammed off their limp attack. Andy Brown and Phil Armstrong strode to the wicket and immediately took control albeit at a slowish run rate. Armstrong went to a miraculous catch by the bowler Simmonds which nearly tore his hand off ……but he hung on. Then in came the defiantly youthful G. Orr. Much of the six-hitting buccaneering spirit was gone but the pace of his nudging and nicking innings certainly brought the run rate up. Brown and Orr finally departed for 19 and 15 respectively. Now came the majestic Tim Irvine, but only to expose the despicable tactics of a sour Southern unit. Bowling up hill onto the concrete surface Martin got the Warehouse $3.95 ball to rear of a full length and savagely impacted Tim’s left check bone. Retiring hurt for a few overs to top up his fluids, Tim returned to compile a superb 38. Tom Bassett played a magnificent supporting innings of 35. Other stars of the past Johnny Irvine, Mike Bell and Finlay failed to fire. Bell was most unfortunate to be given out LBW off the middle of his bat after some concerted appealing by the Wellington slip cordon all of whom were showing the signs of age diminished hearing. Best bowling was by a youthful Simmonds 3-33. The Aucklanders were all out for 160 off 38 overs. The Wellingtonians made a slow start. They were immediately behind the required run rate scoring only 22 runs off the first 12 overs. Johnny Irvine and A Harris bowled tightly with real venom. Johnny, in particular refound his old nut ball from days yore at The Maori Club. Brendan Young and the effervescent Steve Wainwright (still sporting his Roman sandals!) made some solid resistance. The rest of the batting was not really worthy of much mention here but it is very hard to judge their true ability due to the entire middle order being run out by the Captain JTS. Captain Pugwash would be a better description for the man and the incompetent calling displayed by this experienced cricketer. Take nothing away from JTS’s excellent innings compiled in the most trying of conditions. Hostile throat ball bowling by both Irvine and Harris failed to intimidate this gutsy batsman. He compiled a noble 45 runs and together with R. Gibson (24), took Wellington to the brink of victory. At 123 for 7 with 11 overs left Wellington were cruising……then the final insult. Finlay cleverly brought on (and even cleverly taken off!!) bowled a nagging length to the Southern captain and troubled him throughout his long 4 over spell (very long for Finlay!). In his fourth over he held one back a little and with the gentle Taupo lakeside zephyr taking the ball away from Smith he chipped it deftly to mid-wicket. GONE!!!! And so were the Wellington boys. Timmy Irvine immediately brought himself back and dismissed the tail, ending with 3-21. Johnny Irvine’s equally good 2-17 off 8 overs made an enormous contribution. Other bowling contributions were less rewarding (although amusing). Tom Bassett & Phil Armstrong managed to bowl 6 & 8 wides each in one over!!!! LNZ Wellington were finally dismissed for 126 off 32 overs. Special mention to young Max Taylor-Smith who fielded the entire innings for Auckland. He held all his catches (Janice’s genes at work here) and nearly effected a brilliant run out of his father, his 20 yard throw missing the one stump target by inches. We felt that JTS’s run out team-mates were willing Max to reverse the indignity. Evening festivities were provided at Johnny’s magnificent Terraces Hotel in Lake Taupo. Steamed chicken breast infused with ginger and lemongrass served with a spicy pumpkin pie and eggplant chutney. Followed by Tiramisu. This event was a great success and will be repeated annually. Our thanks go to Tim Irvine and JTS who organised and our lady friends who supported us. Scoreboard Auckland 160 All Out (38 Overes) Wellington 126 All Out 32 Overs Auckland win by 34 Runs
Auckland Batting Runs Catches Stumpings
Andy Brown 19 Phil Armstrong Graham Orr 15 Tim Irvine 38 Tom Bassett 35 Johnny Irvine Mike Bell Rodger Finlay Max Taylor-Smith A Harris
Auckland Bowling O M R W Johnny Irvine 8 17 2 A Harris Tim Irvine 21 3 Rodger Finlay 1 Tom Basset Phil Armstrong
Wellington Batting Runs Catches Stumpings Brendan Young Steve Wainwright John Taylor-Smith 45 R Gibson 24 M Simmonds
Wellington Bowling O M R W Mark Simmonds 33 3 |
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