Between rain showers and an opposition struggling for numbers it was a minor miracle we got a game on at all on the Saturday of our tour. Simon, Raj and both AJs were randomly selected to play for the opposition and a 10 a side game ensued.
Put in to bat, RTCC made steady but slow progress through Matthias and Hugh against a Venturers attack featuring the on-loan Andy James (7-1-14-1). Andy P picked up the pace as the Venturers studious captain turned to an all spin attack and once joined by Aymon, the runs flowed more freely than at any other time in the match, 70 runs coming from the last 9 overs despite two late wickets falling, notably Aymon bowled by loanee Raj.
Another on loan Taverner, Simon, opened the batting for Venturers and the first wicket partnership quietly accumulated about 70 off the first 16 overs before both perished in quick succession, Simon playing and missing at a fastish full toss from Stuart M.
The Tavs bowling and fielding perked up noticeably thereafter, and suddenly runs were at a premium as the Venturers sought a partnership to see them home. Andy James launched some big hits but to no avail as wickets fell with regularity and the home side fell inexorably behind the run rate.
By the time the end came, the Tavs had held on to win by 11 runs and both sides were ready to make a rapid retreat as rain began to fall.
SC
Pirongs7-2-25-0
Whatley 4-0-27-0
Spee 6-0-16-2
Milligan 7-0-28-1
Evans 2-0-9-0
Pacey 3-0-8-2
Alveranga 2-0-16-1
