GCA1 MID-SEASON REPORT CARD
will have a bearing on the combine’s capacity to make the postseason action.
No.7 — SOUTH BARWON (2-5)
BOWLING: 23 runs conceded per wicket taken. BATTING: 17 runs per wicket lost. TOP PERFORMERS: Nick Lynch 16 wickets @ 16.31 Matthew Laffey 172 runs @ 24.57 and 13 wickets @ 14.46
CLUB SAYS: We’ve had some opportunities to stamp some authority on the competition, but we let that go by tailing off into Christmas. We’ve dropped some catches in the last five weeks that proved crucial, but I think our bowling has been excellent and we’ve had no problem creating pressure with the ball. Our focus is to build some partnerships in our top six with the bat. (Chris Bartholomeusz, Captain)
ADDY SAYS: The Swans looked a legitimate finals threat pre-season, but have failed to meet expectations, through a lack of scoreboard pressure. However, they’ll be seeking continued good form from Nick Lynch, Matt Laffey and Matt Kennedy in a quest to make an impression by shaping the top four. Games to come against East Belmont, Lara and Newtown & Chilwell offer that opportunity.
No.8 — LEOPOLD (2-5)
BOWLING: 32 runs conceded per wicket taken. BATTING: 22 runs per wicket lost. TOP PERFORMERS: Patrick Richards 239 runs @ 239 Sam Allen 14 wickets @ 22.07
CLUB SAYS: Our batting has been okay, but lacked consistency at times, while our bowling and fielding are where we really need to improve. It’s such an even competition and if you are slightly off on a day and give a couple of batsmen an opportunity they are going to make you pay. A couple of times we’ve dropped catches and it’s cost us big time. I see us as a competitive side on the improve, with a young group. (Tim Marshall, Captain)
ADDY SAYS: The Lions just can’t get enough of Pat Richards and have relished watching the development of fledgling spinner Sam Allen. Lachie Cameron is developing into a skilful allrounder, but the Lions are feeling the growing pains of a developing side that is on schedule to be a force to be reckoned with. ‘Catches win matches’ resonates strongly at Memorial Park.
No.9 — MURGHEBOLUC (1-6)
BOWLING: 23 runs conceded per wicket taken. BATTING: 18 runs per wicket lost. TOP PERFORMERS: Tom Milnes 216 runs @ 36.00 and 7 wickets @ 34.57 Jason Grozdanovski 15 wickets @ 16.80 and 62 runs @ 10.33
CLUB SAYS: We’ve got to be better at our partnerships in both batting and bowling. The commitment and the right attitude are there, but right at the moment we’re not executing our game plan like we need to. Last year we came fourth and we didn’t have any superstars in our team then either. It just hasn’t worked out how it did last year. We’ll just concentrate on the first game back and hopefully roll on. (Terry Hill, Captain)
ADDY SAYS: The Frogs have underachieved in contrast to last season, primarily on their inability to close out games in which they’ve held the upper hand. The slow-bowling partnership of Hill and Jason Grozdanovski has been utilised well, although Murghe has all too rarely been in a position to defend a big tally. The recent return of star bat Andrew Murden will aid the Frogs’ capacity to last their overs.
No.10 — ST JOSEPH’S (0-7)
BOWLING: 30 runs conceded per wicket taken. BATTING: 21 runs per wicket lost. TOP PERFORMERS: Leigh Kentish 261 runs @ 43.50 and 7 wickets @ 16.14 Alex Bowles 10 wickets @ 18.20
CLUB SAYS: Unfortunate lapses for 30 minutes to an hour each day have caused us the results that we’ve suffered so far. The upside is we’ve had seven debutants playing first X1 cricket and many other young players performing well in all grades. We know we need to keep working harder to ensure we can score some positive results in the second half of the season. Yes, we are disappointed with the results, but the boys are keen to turn that around. (Ian Courtney, Coach)
ADDY SAYS: It’s all about development now for the Saints as they look forward to the post-Trent Walerys/Francis Gill/Sam McTaggart/David Morgan era. Getting time at the crease into the likes of Tom Courtney and overs into Paddy De Grandi, and Austin and Angus Humphrey, is key to the Joeys moving forward. The class of Leigh Kentish and explosive talent of Cam Parker suggests the Saints will take a scalp before season’s end.