ADAMSTOWN 5 127 all out (35.2 overs)
Aravind 33
Neville Case 3/10 Chris Hamilton 2/22
HALVERSTOWN 128-3 (26.3 overs)
Andy Wordley 64* Vishnu Yannam 37*
This was a good day at the office. A lot of things clicked, we performed consistently well and the desired result came our way.
Adamstown won the toss and batted first on a rather slow outfield. As usual, Neville and Vishnu bowled tightly at the start and they found the going slow, reaching 36-3 off 15 overs and we were well on top. There followed a revival of sorts as they reached 73-3 off 21 overs. This was the point where in previous seasons we haven't been able to turn the tide but this time we did. Once again this season, it looks like when things begin to go against us we keep our heads and turn the game back in our favour. This time Neville returned and bowled two overs conceding no runs and taking two wickets! The bowlers backed each other up very well, bowling accurately and collectively we squeezed them to a below-par total of 127 with 5 overs still remaining in their innings.
We were replying steadily at 31-1 off 9 overs but 2 wickets in consecutive balls brought us to 31-3 and to another point where in previous years we might have struggled. Not this season! An excellent unbeaten partnership between Andy and Vishnu first steadied the ship, then began to take control and finally brought us home in fine style. It was one of the best partnerships I have seen in many years. Vishnu continued his great form with the bat, playing correctly to the good ball and hammering the loose ones. Andy batted in similar fashion, defending when needed and hitting anything loose with terrific timing. He finished on a very well-made 64 not out and the partnership was 98 from 17 overs, taking us to a comfortable 7 wicket win. If we can continue playing solid cricket like this, we may need to be reckoned with in what is looking like a competitive division this season.
Next up for H1 is an away fixture versus Clondalkin 2 on Saturday 8th June.
Written by John Threadgold.