The All Ords arrived raring to go for match 15 only to find the opposition had only 3 players and had to forfeit - they eventually managed to find three substitutes, two from higher grades and Serry Junior Junior who was willing to fill in, and the match commenced but not for official points. The team comprised Serry Senior, Serry Junior, Smithy, a reluctant Doc Watson who would have preferred not to play!, Pretty Boy and the Captain.
First pair in were the Serry's. They started extremely well with 9 off the first and 8 off the second over, both without loss of wickets. The third over, despite a run out, produced another 12 runs (including a nice six to Serry Senior) and the last, bowled by Serry Junior Junior could produce only 2 runs for the loss of one wicket, Serry Junior trying to belt his younger brother for six, caught Serry Junior Junior, bowled Serry Junior Junior. Complicated I know! The pair had batted very well, making 31 (Serry Senior 26, Serry Junior 5) for a good start.
Second pair were Smithy and Doc. A first over of 1/5 with Doc caught going the big hit was followed by 0/3 and 0/6 as the bowlers kept it tight. A last over of 1/4 with Smithy given out in a controversial decision meant 18 runs for the pair (Smithy 9, Doc 9). Some suggested that our big time pair only perform when the pressure is on!
The last pair of Captain and Pretty Boy started slowly with 1/6 due to a run out. Despite Captain being caught on the back fence, the second over cost 1/10 and the third, despite another run out produced 1/9. The guys were losing wickets but batting so strongly, the runs were flowing well. The last over produced an excellent 1/14, including a superb 6 from Captain and Pretty Boy caught going the big hit. The pair had put on 39 (Captain 19, Pretty Boy 20) and the All Ords had made 88, competitive but within reach for the opposition. It should be noted that Serry Junior Junior playing for the opposition produced their best figures with 2/11.
Serry Junior opened the bowling and was steady taking 0/7. Doc bowled next and was tight with 0/8. Serry Senior came on and despite being hit for a 6, took 3/1 including two catches and a stumping. Smithy was unlucky not to get a wicket taking 0/16 and the first pair had made 26 and the game was afoot.
Doc bowled to the next pair and allowed little, taking 0/5. Smithy then fought back well, taking 1/4 and Captain continued the pressure with another 1/4, including knocking out middle stump. Serry Senior then came on for his second, taking 1/11 and the second pair had made 24 for a total of 60. Needing 39 to win was a difficult but achievable target if the opposition batted well.
Last pair in including Serry Junior Junior. Pretty Boy showed no mercy and bowled fast, allowing only 0/5. Captain, bowling below full pace took 1/10 and bowled Serry Junior Junior off the last ball. Pretty Boy bowled a great over taking 2/-1 including another middle stump bowled. Serry Junior then bowled the last over with the opposition needing 25 to win and bowled with no luck allowing 0/12. The opposition last pair made 23 and finished on 73, the All Ords winning by 15 runs. Serry Junior Junior had batted well for 12 runs in the partnership of 23.
Bowling figures: Serry Junior 0/19, Doc 0/13, Serry Senior 4/12, Smithy 1/20, Captain 2/14, Pretty Boy 2/4
Official Man of the Match: Serry Senior for his 4/12 and 26 with the bat.
The umpire also gave Serry Junior Junior a drink voucher for his efforts with the opposition.