Darryl Roscoe ready to face
"I hope you are up for some running Woj" - Simon Roscoe
"Kill me now" - Woj
Run Woj Run
Simon Roscoe looking for another 2 runs to enforce more pain on Woj's legs
Sometimes you witness an innings that makes you glad you made the effort to get out of bed and head to the cricket, and today was one of those days…but more on that particular innings later.
On a beautiful day the Ginninderra 3rd grade side turned up to ANU South to take on the students. After losing the toss Woj and Griffo (whose last name is spelt with two i’s…just ask him!) walked out with bats in hand after the Tigers were sent in. The two of them set about seeing the shine off the ball, but with contrasting approaches. Woj seemed intent in smacking the shine off it as soon as possible, while Griffo looked more content wearing it off over time. Woj took to any width, smashing a few early boundaries, while at the other end Griffo had set up on his front stool like the Great Wall and was letting nothing get through him.
First wicket fell for 44 with Woj feathering a catch behind for a well made 37, Simon ‘the Better Brother’ Roscoe strode out to take guard…and the innings previously mentioned was underway. Unfortunately Griffo fell shortly after to the last ball before drinks, leaving the Tiges at 2/50 after the first hour.
After the drinks break ‘Better Brother’ and JP set about getting used to the pace of the pitch, and bowlers, and began forming a decent partnership with a bunch of 1s and 2s. Unfortunately it was one of those 1s that brought Woj back to the crease, this time as a runner for ‘Better Brother’, who sadly managed to do some significant damage to his hammy.
After looking set JP got himself out, and after a decent contribution from his mate ‘Justin’ who came in at 5, the Roscoe brothers were united at the crease. By this stage Simon was already looking in control of proceedings, finding the middle of the bat, and the gaps in the field, at will…and Darryl soon joined in, taking a particular liking to the opposition leggie who decided to try 3 wicket balls (ie full tosses) in a row, only for Grover to send them all to the fence. Grover was excited by the prospect of overtaking his brother, but just as he looked to be getting a move on he received a good yorker to send him on his way after a solid partnership which had taken the Tiges beyond the 150mark.
At the other end Simon was continuing on his merry way, with Woj running hard on his behalf, and he soon passed 50, with Brendo at the other end looking good himself. After claiming his half century, ‘Better Brother’ decided it was time to open up a bit, and duly spanked a ball miles into the car park for a big six. As the bowling tired, Simon looked to be more and more in control, and the boundaries began to flow at a more regular rate, with a couple of pull shots being particularly pleasing to the eye! The boundaries were enthusiastically cheered on by Woj who had seemingly run himself into the ground, but the big fella continued to run hard whenever the ball didn’t make it to the fence. After a good little partnership, which took the Tiges beyond 200, Brendo was eventually out, and after a short cameo by Liam, Simon was soon joined by Rohan, who seemed determined to see his teammate to his century. ‘Better Brother’ was soon informed that he only needed 2 more to reach his milestone.
The next ball saw a push to the off side, a call of “yes”, followed by “no”, followed by “yes” followed by a diving Woj at the non strikers end, thankfully the throw missed and there was soon another call of “yes” for an over throw, and then there was another diving Woj, this time at the strikers end…safely home for the crucial 100th run!
Big cheers were met with a raised bat…by both Simon, and, more enthusiastically, by Woj!! Rohan figured his job was done and soon got out, closely followed by Benny, leaving ‘Better Brother’ and Trev to see out the last few overs of the day. The Tigers are looking to be in a good position at 9/258, with Simon finishing the day with 103*.
Hopefully the return next week of a few missing players who have had rep duties will help inspire the Tiges to a strong finish to the regular season heading into the finals. The batsmen, and one in particular, have certainly helped set up the game nicely for them next week, so hopefully I have some good news to report then!
Until next time,
Joanne Beaggle
House of Hounds
Sheridan, Wyoming
