Round 10: Blackout 126 - Juniors 121

Brian Costelloe (4-5-08)

We knew from the moment the opposing line up was announced that we were to have a challenge on our hands. Our old prodigy top gun, Chewy (Matt Ross) was amongst their squad and we feared him more than any other player in the team. However, we were soon to find that this concern was wasted.

Juniors got thrown into the batting first with Blackout fielding. After the first pair's total of 49 runs we were worried. But we managed to restrict the 2nd and 3rd pair to 23 and 14 runs. Then enters Matty. However thanks to some great fielding and wobbly batting on Matty's behalf we kept the firey young paceman to a measly 14 runs. Measly by his standards.

  Our 1st pair when batting we unlucky not to score the first skin. They racked up 42 runs with a bit of help from the wobbly bowling that led to 24 runs in extras in the 4th over. 2nd and 3rd pairs nabbed the skins but the last pair struggled under Matty's 120km/h bowling that stunned Sam. We warned Sam about Chewy's pace but no warning would help a novice batter. He now sports a bruised chin thanks to the blur that was the cricket ball! But regardless, Sam and Rob withheld the final testing over to carry out the win... just!

Hopefully the Indian Premier League will release Rashid to carry out his regular spot on the Blackout team. We'll need the players next week!

Round 9: Blackout 97 - Stumped 145

Brian Costelloe (23-4-08)

On a cold Tuesday night we all gathered to attempt to string together our third successive win. Pitted against the number two side in the competition was always going to assure a difficult match. However a depleted line up only made it that more difficult. We struggled with our fielding as the Stumped squad managed to frustrate our guys with sneaky second runs. At one stage they even managed three extra run with the sneaky grabs at runs. Not something that pleased our guys but no team can excuse that many bonus runs being donated out. They piled on 145 runs in the end and it looked bad from there.

Batting was difficult as the Stumped boys were switched on in the fielding department. The only real highlight to come from the match was a six from Mark that managed to grab the 1st skin of the match. Our only treasure or worthwhile memento to be snared from the match. Blackout looked to be carrying a few batting issues too with many wickets being lost in general (14 in total to Stumps figure of 8).

Table Update

Brian Costelloe (14-4-08)

Just an update to all the team on the table so far this season. It's a case of both good and bad news. First thing I noticed is how close this season is with only 4 points seperating three teams! But the two biggest doses of bad news is firstly our against tally. Our fielding needs to tighten up with we are expecting to go on with this season in a positive manner. Secondly... just look at those guys on top! Happy Hooters are having one heck of a season. Unbelievable!