|
Date: Saturday, 7 February 2009
|
Author: Michael J. McLaughlin
|
|
In oppressive heat conditions three of the Club’s four teams scored morale boosting, and important, wins, with the 2nd and 4th XIs having to battle the conditions throughout the day for their wins.
As was expected, the 1st XI wrapped up the Tiger tail in the first hour at Punt Road, and with their One-Day Grand Final against Melbourne tomorrow the players were happy to seek the cool of the grandstand for the remainder of the day. Steve Seymour continued were he left off from Day 1, finishing with career best figures of 7/44 off just eleven overs. Leigh Alford celebrated his maiden 1st XI game by taking two wickets (2/24, 6 overs), with Adam Drinkwell claiming the other wicket.
The 2nd XI chased down the mountain side total of 371 to win, finishing at 9/374 to keep their finals chances alive. Andrew Devenish (72) and Liam Murphy (44) were the mainstays at the top of the order, but a middle order collapse had the small crowd at Toorak Park thinking that the team had thrown away a winning opportunity.
But led by Michael Rosendale (58) and with support from Vinay Parikh (52) and Captain Charlie Burke (46) they were able to steer the team to victory.
The 3rd XI was unable to defend their meagre total of 135, with the Tigers passing the total inside the first hour of play. Surprisingly, and disappointingly, the Richmond captain continued to bat on rather than except the first innings win and allow all players to seek relief from the heat.
The 4th XI battled the elements at Como Park to score an important win, defending their 270 from Day 1. Led by Captain Andrew Lennie (4/76) and with great support from Tommy Bick (3/37) the youngsters in the side are to be commended for their efforts. |
