Single-minded run as wet ruins round
ONLY one run was scored in a frustrating opening day of the final home-and-away round of the 2016-17 Cricket Far North first grade season, but it could prove hugely important in Norths’ semi-final bid.
Haydon Pendleton notched a single off Mulgrave quick Wade Matthews in a 26-ball break in the clouds before tea on Saturday before the rain set in and play was called off around 4pm.
But they were the lucky ones as United effectively watched their semi-final chances slip away with no play possible next door of Griffiths Park 2 against Rovers.
While those two teams, as well as Barron and Atherton, will have the opportunity for win and incentive points in a one-dayer next week, Norths getting on could increase the chances of sharing the points with their opponents.
Norths captain Chris Stanger said next week’s aim would be to bat for as long as possible to force a draw, building their incentive points in what would in all likelihood bat Mulgrave out of the game.
“We were just trying to get on. Even with Rovers being washed out, the bonus points are going to be really important,” he said.
Not that it will worry Mulgrave. Even if there was no further play on day two, a draw would give them two points, increasing their ladder lead to 8.88 points.
It means Atherton would need to score 289 in 40 overs NORTHS V MULGRAVE Griffiths Park 1 Norths innings H PENDLETON not out ........... 1 L NAESS not out ..................... 0 Total ..................................... 0-1 Overs 4.2 Bowling: W Matthews 2.2-1-01, M Di Salvo 2-2-0-0
No play was possible for United vs. Rovers at Griffiths Park 2 and Barron vs. Atherton at Crathern Park.
WE WERE JUST TRYING TO GET ON. EVEN WITH ROVERS BEING WASHED OUT, THE BONUS POINTS ARE GOING TO BE REALLY IMPORTANT
and bowl Barron out to move into top spot and progress to the two-day final.
Rovers and United yesterday toyed with the idea of each declaring their first innings’ closed without a ball being bowled in a bid to battle for outright points, but failed to formalise a “gentlemen’s agreement” before play was abandoned.
The one-day matches will be run on two-day rules, meaning a chasing team who secures a first innings win could continue batting for the full 40 overs in a bid for bonus points.