Metchosin 99 (C. Duke 57, C. Freigang 34; S. Singh 1-25) chase Alcos CC 98 (J. Dhir 37; I. Brussow 3-18, A. Solanki 3-20) by 9 wickets.
The Cougars looked to continue their winning ways on Saturday as they hosted the Alcos CC on the first real summer cricket day. The skip lost the toss again, as he his toss abilities matched his season batting.
The Cougars would take the field, hoping to make early inroads into the Alcos batting lineup. Both teams had to wait what felt like an eternity as the umpires realized the match was not going to be played at Windsor Park. Once proceedings began, the signs were ominous for the traveling Alcos as Izak had the ball hooping around in the first over.
The first wicket would be from a sharp catch by Himanshu in slips, as Tanzil found the bat of the Alcos opener Mani, 4-1 after 2. Things would continue as Izak swung a few out and then one in to trick the classy bat of Vik Bawa, 4-2 after 3!
Wickets began to steadily fall with only Jasminder showing real resistance with a battling 37. The Alcos would be all out for 98 after 35 overs (shortened innings to 40 due to late umpires). Some great catches by Mikey and Chewy helped by top drawer bowling from Izak, Tanzil, Amit & Chewy. KP unlucky as the captain continues to try and learn how to complete a simple stumping.
The Cougars would begin the chase with regular openers KP & Dukey back together. With the Alcos looking down the barrel of the gun, they opted for some sneaky Sukhleen spin bowling, and an early wicket of KP, well caught by Vikram had the chase shaken early, 7-1.
This would be the only real success for the Alcos defense as the young number 3 Cole would return to the crease hoping to improve upon last weeks innings.
Dukey soon took over as he went the aggressive route to curtail the spin option, and as the boundaries began to flow, the Alcos shoulders quickly dropped. Both batsmen finding the gaps at ease and the chase only slowed when Dukey dispatched a six so far it was never found again.
Dukey would reach his first fifty of the season and bring the chase to an end in the 13th over. Cole ending on a very assured 35 and Dukey at 57.
The Cougars would now be 5-1-1 with a 3 week break before a maiden trip to Campbell River.
Scorecard found here:
