Halverstown 1 288-5 (40 Overs)
Batting: Sean Conroy 74 Barry Elshove 48 Vishnu Yannam 46* Kevin Threadgold 36
Bowling: Ankit Pareek 2/34
North Kildare 5 157 all out (30.5 overs)
Batting: Ankur Yadav 72
Our bowling: Neville Case 3/14 Arun Balakrishnan 2/9
Facing North Kildare means you expect a tough game, because we lose a lot more than we win against them. It makes this victory all the sweeter and it was a really good team performance. We won the toss and batted on a warm, sunny but unexpectedly breezy day. I jokingly said to Junaid "this is where you put your feet up and watch the batsmen pile on the runs." I have said that many times before, but this time it actually turned out that way!
The mat had some pace in it and the outfield was fast after a dry week. Seán and Barry put on a fine opening stand of 90. Our innings had quite an even pace to it which was particularly pleasing. Going from 90-0 to 143-3 can mean we stutter or slump but Kevin and Seán (74 including twelve 4s) kept the score ticking over very well. After both were out there was a platform for Vishnu (with useful help from Junaid) to take advantage in the last few overs and they did! Vishnu hit 46* including four 6s. From overs 1-15 we scored at 6.4 per over, from overs 15-30 we scored at 7.3 and overs 30-40 we scored at 8.2. It was a complete batting performance. I have seen more notable individual innings or partnerships, but rarely have I seen an innings where everyone contributed in a substantial manner. How satisfying it is to say that we fulfilled our potential with the bat.
After the break they came out fighting, realising that they couldn't afford a slow start and they attempted to keep up with the required rate. At 46-2 after 10 overs they were in the game, but despite Ankur's fine efforts the regular falling of wickets meant he had to be a bit more cautious than he might have liked. They were 97-5 at the break. At 133-6 after 26 overs with Ankur still at the wicket they still had an outside chance, but the scoreboard pressure was too much for them in the end. I didn't think our bowling was at its best but it was still good and Neville bowled particularly well as is so often the Case.😉 Arun impressed too, taking 2 wickets and conceding just 9 runs from his 5 overs, bowling a nagging length to keep them quiet. They eventually succumbed in the 31st over to leave us with a big margin of victory and maximum points for our day's efforts.
As I surveyed our team in the field, it was a delight to see all eleven of us wearing the Halverstown cap. A very good day in many ways!
I think we've played fine, solid, competitive cricket so far this season. Our good form will naturally ebb and flow a bit, but I don't expect us to be an easy team to face. Next up is an away game in Malahide on Saturday.
Written by John THreadgold.