Metchosin CC vs United Victoria CC - July 4th, 2021 @ the MCG
MCC went into a rare Sunday match after an extended Canada Day weekend on the back of 3 wins. The confidence was high, but the energy was low.
A loss of the toss brought the Cougars out into the field to face off against the UTD opening pair of Nitin and Shinder. The partnership lasted all of one delivery when Izak’s slippery balls found Nitin’s hand, safely caught behind by Rajeev. The other opener would also find himself caught off Izak by a surprisingly nimble Noel.
The early excitement would soon drown away as Sukh & Naman played with great patience and began the rebuild. Sukh’s enterprising innings would end first with 58 on the board, bringing in Anil who had found his rhythm in the Pres vs VP matchup several days before.
This partnership would add another 120 runs with both falling shortly thereafter. With a 188 for 6 on the board, it appeared the collapse might continue, however some shoddy fielding in the hot sun and some wild swings by Nikhil brought the score to 242 for 8 after 45 overs.
The chase would begin as many have this season, an early opening wicket, the skip in this case, finding himself back in the sheds caught in gully with 10 runs on the board. The chase was reduced to 41 overs due to slow over rate (precise field placements) so the pressure began to mount.
Himanshu and KP would continue the chase, pushing a very healthy rate of over 7 an over. The ground showcasing its speed as KP found the gaps with ease to bring up his first fifty of the season. Unfortunate for Himanshu, the winds picked up just as he launched a ball to the sheds, surely going for six, only to fall into the safe hands of the mystifyingly good Arshdeep Chahal, who would single handily take the game away.
With his sharp fielding been rewarded, Arsh would get the ball, and his impact would continue. First KP would go, then Dukey the next ball followed by Mike a few balls later. Rob would also exit after a watchful 30, and the homeside sitting at 165-6. Izak would soon be runout and Noel & Rohan would continue to lead the chase. Picking up steam the two all rounders showcasing their temperament had the scores past 200, only for Rohan to be caught between minds and seeing his offstump depart. The Cougars would then fall all out for 213 and take their first loss of the season.
Scorecard can be found here: https://www2.cricketstatz.com/ss/runreport2.aspx?club=23365&mode=100&match=394749
Next match will be on July 10th at Beacon Hill Park vs the 2020 Colonist Cup winners Vikings (formally UVIC).
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