Kilkenny 2 v Halverstown 2. Minor T20 Cup.
H2 89-9; Kilkenny 93-2
This weeks 12th woman Christina Rossetti.
Who has seen the wind?
Neither I nor you:
But when the leaves hang trembling,
The wind is passing through.
Who has seen the wind?
Neither you nor I:
But when the stumps blow over,
The wind is passing by.
H2 had their first away match of the season, in a very windy Kilkenny. In fact, it wasn’t just the bails that continual fall but the stumps themselves were blown over both by wind and ball.
A third toss, a third win saw H2 opt to face the hurricane and bat. Although the scoring rate started well, the loss of regular wickets hampered progress with only Junaid sticking around for a well-earned 34. The Kilkenny bowling was quick and accurate and their fielding very sharp. In one of the catches of the season, Matthew after middling the ball, thought he had a boundary until a nonchalant one-handed catch on the rope took all by surprise.
With only 90 to chase, Kilkenny started extremely positively scoring quickly with the ball flying around. Tanzeel stepped up to take a wicket followed by a run-out, but the runs kept flowing. A wise head was called for, step forward 12-year-old Wian, with some excellent spin bowling who helped stem the tide. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be as Kilkenny reached their target in 13 overs.
It was a good effort by all, but we faced a very strong Kilkenny team from a higher division, who played very well on the day. Our T20 cup chances are now gone, and our attention will return to the league. The game provided a good opportunity to try some new combinations and give some players a first H2 game of the season.
A big thank you though to the whole team for their availability on a difficult weekend with multiple demands. Sometimes it’s difficult to get a team out, so peoples enthusiasm and commitment to the team is really appreciated.
Written by Jim Hodgson