Adam O’Connor Archive
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3rd Grade – 7 January – Vs Wests at Kaleen
– January 8, 2012Posted in: 3rd Grade, Mens, Mens Photos
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12th March 2011 – 3rd Grade v ANU – Day 2
– March 14, 2011Posted in: 3rd Grade, Mens, Mens Results
A different looking (due to the returning rep players) Tigers third grade side rocked up to ANU South oval keen to get stuck into the students top order early, but their hopes were dampened by an unusually dampened outfield and pitch. Considering it hadn’t rained since Thursday, the drainage on that oval has to be as bad, if not worse, than the Kippax net area…calling it poor would be generous!
With the start of play delayed, the Tigers were able to practice their spectatoring, winding their way through the uni to North oval to watch a bit of first grade’s efforts. After a couple of trips back to the South oval to check on the state of the drying process, it was finally decided that play would get under way at 4.15pm.
With the outfield still fairly damp in some areas when play commenced, Bubba decided to give the Tiges something extra to play for by claiming he’d buy a schooner for anyone who pulled off a full belly dive in the outfield…an offer which was stored in the minds of a few of the boys for later in the day.
The students admitted that they were unlikely to chase the improbable target of 256 in a little over 40 overs, so only two results seemed possible…the Tigers needing some early wickets to have any chance of claiming the victory that would guarantee them top spot on the table and the chance of most likely hosting the students again next week in the semi.
Things started well for the Tiges. Benny Newman and ‘Postman’ Pat Jackson hit some good areas early. His extra pace and bounce aided ‘Big Ben” in claiming the breakthrough early on, with JP getting a grab at a short cover-pointish position. ‘Big Ben’ continued to rip some balls past the outside edge in his opening spell, but the batsmen weren’t good enough to get a nick on any of them, while ‘Postman’ was also getting a few past the edge at the other end…while they both also kept keeper Liam ‘Sherlock’ Holmes on his toes, who did well down the leg side on a couple of occasions.
Neither of the batters looked like scoring many runs, particularly the no.3…until JP came on for his first bowl since before Christmas. Justice wasn’t too happy about the batter wasting time in between balls, and let him know about it. The batter responded by hitting the next ball miles over long on for what was surely a six, despite the umpire only signalling a 4. Having heard about Adam O’Connor’s bowling and sledging episode in 2s the week before, where he asked a batsmen to “do it again” after being spanked, only to see the batsmen do just that and send the ball disappearing again next delivery, JP thought he’d see if he could have some more luck with the same taunt…and if not for someone in the cordon putting the next ball down he would have!
The lack of a quick follow up wicket led Bubba to bring himself on, and he immediately set about making both batsmen look like chumps!…but he couldn’t manage to get either of them out, although on a couple of occasions he did enough only to be let down by his team mates. The batsmen, particularly the no3, mightn’t have managed to hit Bubba for any runs, but he did manage to frustrate the hell out of him, which led to things getting entertainingly fiery at one point!
Adam O’Connor was on at the other end, and bowling really well, hitting great areas with some decent pace. A highlight was his intimidatory follow though and glare which had the batters on the back foot. He was unlucky that the Tiges were in desperate need of some quick wickets, and so his spell was cut short as Bubba took, what some might call, desperate measures by throwing the ball to Woj and Grover for some spin from both ends.
Both of these fellas have been working hard on their offies and leggies in the nets all season, and it showed as they finally got a chance and started landing the ball nicely. Both guys were loving having the ball in hand, and they were both unlucky not to pick up a wicket or two, particularly Grover who had a chance go down in the outfield after beating the batter in the air with his awesome flight. At the other end Woj was mixing up his pace nicely, but was coming up with nothing as reward.
It was during this bowling partnership that JP decided to earn the schooner that Bubba had placed on the line, but he was told that both of his full belly dives in the outfield were in the wrong part of the ground to receive the prize, and he never did get his drink!
After the second drinks break, the Tigers had one final burst, with ‘Big Ben’ returning to send down a few more thunderbolts. He too became frustrated at the lack of ability shown by the opposition sticks, and his lack of ability to get them out, letting out a roar or two in his short second spell.
With the students no-where near the runs, and the Tigers only managing the one early wicket, the teams called an early truce and the game was called a draw.
It was a frustrating day for the Tigers, but things may have been different if not for the five spilled chances. Heading into the finals next week, they’ll definitely be looking to lift their efforts in the field, with any errors potentially costly…but with an unbeaten record in the regular season, confidence will be high of claiming another victory at the home of cricket, Kippax, next week, to set up a crack at a title for the YELLOW and BLACKs! Hopefully they have lots of support from their clubmates, as they represent the club in the finals.
I can’t wait to bring you coverage of this third grade sides efforts in the finals, starting next week at Kippax 2…hope to see you there!
Until then,
Joanne Beaggle
House of Hounds
Sheridan, Wyoming
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19th & 26th February 2011 – 2nd Grade v Queanbeyan
– February 27, 2011Posted in: 2nd Grade, Mens, Mens Results
A tale of two very different days
I can’t really say it’s a pleasure to make the trek across the border, but for the sake of reporting on cricket I was willing to make the journey.
What I saw in the Round 6 2nd grade match between the Tiges and QDCC was a game of two very contrasting days…and so I’ll report on them separately.
Day 1:
Overnight rain meant that the toss could be vital, and so the Tiges were happy when skipper Roweth won the toss and elected to bowl on a slightly damp pitch. Aditya Thumma and Adam O’Connor both had tight opening spells, and were unlucky not to grab an early breakthrough. Aditya in particular (whose opening spell of 6 overs went for only 8 runs) was unlucky to see a chance go down in the cordon…one which would later prove costly.
The introduction of Jak Wilcox was the spark that started the wickets falling. His combination of lots of movement and impressive control brought about the downfall of Queanbeyan’s top 4, three of which had their castle shattered by the young Tiger.
With all the wickets falling from Jak’s end Brendo decided he’d take matters into his own hands from the other end, and so he brought himself on…and he was also able to produce some magic moments, picking up three wickets of his own, with some varying pace and away movement working in his favour.
Tight lines and lengths all day helped the Tigers to make it difficult for the QDCC batsmen to get into any sort of rhythm.
After one short rain delay, the players were permanently sent to the sheds just before tea with QDCC struggling 7-120, with no further play being possible on day one.
‘Catches win matches’ is a cliché for a good reason…it’s true! If not for dropping one of the QDCC openers twice early, a player who went on to score 82 out of the overnight score of 120, the young Tiges may have had bats in hand before the rain hit. Hopefully it’s a lesson learned.
Day 2:
As I’ve already reported, day 2 was very different. The first difference was the line-up. Missing a whole stack of the team to the national 15’s, the Tigers were unfortunately only able to field 9 players for day 2 of the match. Amongst those 9 were a couple of returning long term absentees and some talent from the lower grades.
Heading back into the field GCC were keen to wrap up the tail as quickly as possible, but, despite some quality bowling, unfortunately a combination of some decent batting, extra gaps in the field, and some bad luck, allowed QDCC to reach 206. Muzz helped plug the gaps for a big chunk of the morning, which was greatly appreciated!
Unfortunately, with bats finally in hand, the Tigers lost their 8 wickets for only 58 runs the first time around, and were sent back in to have a second crack. In the second dig they showed some better ticker, and managed to avoid an outright loss by one wicket. Despite the scoreboard, there were some good positives to take out of day 2.
Firstly the return to cricket of Queanbeyan local James ‘Moobies’ Coate. His 23 in the first innings was pure class, and he bowled some quality leggies too. Hopefully it reignited some passion in the big man!
Chris Smashes one over the bowlers head
John Colley was sensational! He got a promotion, not only up the grades, but up the order as well, and handled it exceptionally well, particularly in the second innings. Batting at three on a tough pitch against some quality bowling he managed to score 30odd, but it was the way he scored them as much as the amount he got which was impressive. He proved that he could be a major asset at the top of order for 3s come finals time!
Chris Nicoladis was very impressive in playing a mature innings of 74 in the second innings. He spread the field by hitting early boundaries, before taking advantage of the gaps by picking up singles, before firing up again when some pie-chuckers came on, making the most of some slow fullies. Hopefully he can build a few more innings in a similar fashion in the future.
Jake Provan and Adam O’Connor were impressive in getting in behind the ball and surviving 5 or so overs together as the last wicket stand to help avoid outright defeat.
It was also good to have Adam Clunes join his twin back in the Tiger colours, and his constant chatter was amusing, even if sometimes concerning!
Until next time, when I hope I have a better result to report on,
Joanne Beaggle
House of Hounds
Sheridan, Wyoming
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22nd January 2011 – 3rd Grade vs Tuggeranong
– January 24, 2011Posted in: 3rd Grade, Mens, Mens Results
Dave looks around as he thinks to take a dump
For the first time this season the boys would finally be able to compete in a full 50 over, one-day match. Tuggeranong won the toss and elected to bat on what appeared to be a flat deck.
The tigers started strongly with a good opening spell from Rohan Carle grabbing two early scalps, he was assisted with strong aggresion from the other end by Lucas Kiel.
Haivng bowled his 10 overs in one spell, Rohan got the team off to a good start. Adam O’Connor replaced Lucas and was soon in the wicket column as Ish took a ‘confident’ catch to remove another Tuggeranong batsman.
However, the hot day began to take its toll, as a few errors slipped into the preformance of the tigers. Wides and fielding errors eased the pressure on Tuggeranong. Chris Schimizzi in only his 3rd appearance for 3rd grade, claimed the teams best figures for the season, with a well deserved haul of 6 wickets. Schimizzi was aided by a few strong catches, and amazing shining of the ball.
Tuggeranong were only able to reach 171, a total the Tigers were confident in chasing down. After a poor preformance with the bat last match a new look opening pair of Ish and Grover began the run chase.
Ish departed and was soon followed by Shae and Grover, both falling due to lack of execution. Dave Wilcox came in and soon faced the demons that were emerging on the Kippax pitch. After facing a ball which flew past his ears, from a good length, then followed by one on a similar length that shot along the ground, Dave threw caution out the window and smashed the bowler over the off side for six, easily one of the shots of the day.
Co-captains Dave and Lachie toiled away and brought the Tigers into a position of strength. But a constant flow of wickets kpet Tuggers interested.
JC and Lachie were able to bring the required runs to 7 as Lachie fell victim to the pitch dismissed for 42. With only two wickets remaining Tuggers mounted pressure, which JC fell to throwing his wicket away trying to take a quick single.
Leaving Adam O’Connor and Liam Holmes to hot the remaining 5 runs. When Adam edged one through the slips a certain 3 runs was on offer, three runs would have drawn the scores level, yet somehow the batsman managed to get in each others away, only getting two runs. Thankfully this did not cost the Tigers the match getting home by one win.
Another good win for the boys, but still much improvement required. Ill discipline with bat and bowl continuning to plague the team. On a more positive note, a terrific preformance from youngster Chris Schimizzi and a return to runs for Lachie McLennan.
I hope this report satisfies Dave, for a little while at least.
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18th December 2010 – 3rd Grade vs ANU
– December 20, 2010Posted in: 3rd Grade, Mens, Mens Results
Woj cutting balls in his sleep
Lochie gets an unlucky bounce
Bubba murdering the white ball
Liam hits the winning runs with a 4
After missing the first two weeks of the One-Dayers, it looked like we would finally get stuck into our first One-Dayer of the season. Due to early morning rain, the covers were out in the middle. However, the rain had cleared and the toss was done on time, the Tigers winning and sending ANU into bat.
Continuing the dreadful start to the season, as the boys went to remove the covers from the field, so play could begin, it began to drizzle, which soon turned into a steady fall of rain.
Due to rain getting underneath the covers play was to begin at 1:40, with the game reduced to 35 overs a side. The 1st grade game started close to on time and had only lost a few overs. The 3rd grade boys were able to watch as the 1st graders as they took 3 early wickets to have ANU in trouble.
When the match finally began Rohan Carle had one of the ANU openers wishing the rain would come back. Tidy bowling from both Rohan and Adam created a lot of pressure for the ANU batsmen. This pressure soon resulted in wickets as Patty Jackson replaced Rohan and quickly snared a couple of wickets to have ANU in trouble.
The steady flow of wickets continued as ANU crawled their way to a below par score. However, the rain forced the covers back on, and this brief pause in play was enough for ANU to take to momentum away from the Tigers and put some late runs on the board. The innings ended in the final over as Carl Wenke was rewarded for tight bowling with a few late wickets.
Chasing 139 from their 35 overs the Tigers were soon in trouble as Carl edged one that shot off the pitch, while Lachie recieved one that didn’t bounce. After two overs two wickets had fallen. Ferris came out and looked in good touch as he cut one away for four, but also fell victim to the pitch, as one jagged back into his pads, and was harshly given out LBW.
As Woj and JP began to form a partnership the scoreboard began to tick over. But on a pitch that nobody was ever safe on, both Woj and JP fell after strong resistence. As the overs were quickly passing, and Grover was dismissed the Tigers had only socred half the required runs.
Liam joined Bubba in the middle, and the two started ticking over the socreboard with singles to get their respective innings going. With a simple plan of hitting over the in-field early in the over and then pushing singles for the rest of the innings the two were scoring easily faster than a run-a-ball.
Needing 10 off the final three overs, Bubba was finally dismissed for a potentially match-saving 42. However, the game was not yet won. JC joined Liam at the crease. Liam however, was not concerned about the dismissal of Bubba and continued his innings of wonderful timing and placement. Hitting a boundary off the first ball of the second last over to win the game for the Tigers.
Delighted with maintaining their unbeaten start to the season the 3rd Grade boys, moved across to support the 1st graders, who also claimed a thrilling victory.
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18th December 2010 – 3rd Grade vs ANU – Photo Highlights
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- 3rd grade 2010/2011 team photo
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- Just missing the edge
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- Backing up a little too close
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- Yours… I ain’t moving
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- Woj cutting balls in his sleep
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- Lochie gets an unlucky bounce
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- James cuts
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- Woj pushing forward
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- Where is everyone?
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- Bubba murdering the white ball
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- Liam chesting one down for a single
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- Bubba great knock ends
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- Liam hits the winning runs with a 4
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- Shaking hands after a nail biting victory
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27th November 2010 – 3rd Grade v Weston Creek
– December 2, 2010Posted in: 3rd Grade, Mens, Mens Results
Carlos in action
No its a Panther
The King of Spin
"Tigerland" winners are grinners
On a perfect batting day, on a pitch that looked like it might offer something for the bowlers, but should favour the batsman, the Tigers lost the toss and were sent into the hot field.
Adam O’Connor took the new ball with Patty Jackson, with both bowlers taking advantage of the new ball by picking up early wickets. The opening bowling was backed up with equally impressive spells from Jak Wilcox and Lucas Kiel.
As the bowlers executed their plans perfectly, the Weston Creek batsman played irresponsibly and were all out before the tea break for 65.
Woj and Carl set about hunting down the total before the break. With easy runs being picked up through quick singles. They had moved the total to 20 before Woj was on the wrong end of a rip-snorter and ws sent packing for 13.
After the break Ferris and Carl chased down the runs with ease, through patience and elegant stroke play, two things which were missing from the Weston Creek innings.
The Tigers passed the toal with only one wicket down. They then tunred their attention to setting up a substanial lead. Carl and Ferris both reached the thirties before being removed. Lucas Kiel and Dave Wilcox then went out there and swung the willow, the ball disappearing numerous times from both of their bats.
As Lucas was fired for 18, Lachlan McLennan joined Dave. The combination of big hits and quick running built the total to 5/174 at the end of the day.
The Tigers declared over the week and were keen to get stuck into Weston Creek. The Tigers were confident and this confidence quickly increased as the Weston Creek Captain again was sent packing early with another ill-advised stroke.
However, the Tigers were unable to get back to the quality of the 1st innings, as the Weston Creek batters dug in. Weston Creek eventually passed the Tigers 1st innings total, and with no interest in posting a toal for the Tigers to chase, the match came to a close.
The Tigers claiming another win, remaining undefeated for the season, and move to the top of the 3rd Grade ladder.
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30th October 2010 – 3rd grade vs Eastlake
– October 30, 2010Posted in: 3rd Grade, Mens, Mens Results
Who said you can't play this game with your eyes closed
Ginninderra needed 5 more wickets to claim 1st innings points with only 70 runs in hand at the start of day 2. Both Adam O’Connor and Ben Newman got us started with good lines applying pressure back on the Eastlake batman. Adam got a little more bounce hitting the glove of the Eastlake captain caught behind into the gloves of Liam Holmes. 6 down and another wicket followed with Ben knocking the pegs over through some weak defence to get the Tigers their 7th wicket.
Eastlake then put on a good partnership with a number of boundaries in quick succession. It appeared at once stage the over aggression look to have resulted in one of the Eastlake batman pulling out his back. He later confirmed that old age was the major factor into his back troubles. Nevertheless, Eastlake required 36 runs with 3 wickets and looked to have swung the ascendancy back their way.
Along came John Colley. His left arm deliveries had great shape and resulted in a wicket in his first over. He was very unlucky not to get another wicket to his name; however, a mix up between the batman and good fielding resulted in a run out a few balls later. Punter finished it off with the final wicket caught in the outfield by Lachlan Mclennan.
Michael Wojtaszak looking for quick runs
Michael Wojtaszak (Woj) and Carl Wenke went out to face the Eastlake attack. Woj continued his early form smashing a number of deliveries to the boundary. Carl looked solid early on but got a bottom edge to the keeper. Both Lachlan Mclennan and Woj put on a great partnership. Lochie end up getting bowled for 17. Woj later departed for 45 with the score at 3-68. A cameo performance by Justice with 20 but another 3 more wickets fell before the heavens flooded the grounds.
GCC won 1st innings
GCC 127, Eastlake 98, GCC 6/105
Ben Newman 4/44 off 15 overs
Michael Wojtaszak 45
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24th October 2010 – T20 Division 2 vs Queanbeyan
– October 24, 2010Posted in: 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, Mens Results
Chris Nicoladis diving effort
The Ginninderra T20 Division Two team kicked off the T20 season on a damp Kippax 2 oval. The tigers, losing the toss, were sent into the field by Queanbeyan. The tigers started well with good bowling from Chris Nicoladis and Rohan Carle, Rohan knocking over two of the top three with a good spell of bowling.
The tigers continued on from their strong start with some committed fielding backing up the bowlers. The tigers controlled the innings through the middle overs, claiming a team hat-trick, with Adam O’Connor cleaning up a batsman with the last delivery of his over and Nick Owen claiming two wickets in with the first two balls of the next over.
Queanbeyan finished with some strong batting, as the runs got away from the tigers in the last few overs.
The tigers went into the innings break requiring 143 from their 20 overs.
A good opening partnership between Woj and CJ got the tigers off to a good start, Woj being denied certain runs when CJ decided to become Queanbeyan’s 12th fielder and get in the way of a sweetly timed straight drive.
Michael Wojtaszak unorthodox pull shot
As the openers left in quick succession the task of chasing down the runs was left to the middle order. A mixture of big hits, glorious cover drives and quick singles allowed the tigers to build their total at a good run rate.
Just as it seemed as the boys were getting on top a quick flurry of wickets allowed Queanbeyan to regain control and restrain the tigers from the required total, falling a few runs short.
Although a disappointing result the boys will take some positives from the game and look to improve on their performance in upcoming matches.
