Story Muireston CC "Giant Killers": A True Underdog Story: **Final Day of FC clash. A Draw or a Loss???**

[navin-boss]

Did u see any of ur trainee got improved in any of their skills?[POPS]

 

[Highlander999]

Training Updates, Tuesday's FC XI, plus, the Draw for next Sunday's Cup Match​

It'a Monday, which means it is time to check out how Muireston's trainee's are doing. This week, Matty Pretorius had 2 bowling nets and a fielding net. Fred Tenius had a stamina net. Robbie Ramdeen had a batting net. Alex McCree had 2 batting and a fielding net. Doug Welch had 1 batting and 1 fielding net.

The players who improved this week, were Matty Pretorius and Fred Tenius. Tenius saw his stamina improve from woeful to feeble, whilst Pretorius saw his consistency improve to proficient. Two very good improvements there for two important members of the team.

This week, Matty Pretorius and Alex McCree will keep the same nets, but Doug Welch will get an extra batting and stamina net. Let's hope there are some improvements for next Monday.

The draw for the next round of the cup also took place. This is the second round in the cup so there are still quite a few of the lower quality teams in there. The vice-captain, Chris Conelly was sent to the South Africa Cricketing Board's HQ to find out who Muireston would be playing next round. These were his words as he returned back to the club:

Oh aye!!!! Grab your kilts boys, the Scots are invading. We're gonna be playing Aberdeen CC at home :happy Bring on Round 3!!!!

Aberdeen CC are famous in South Africa as being a team which only plays Scottish players. Of course this does mean that they suck. Currently they are in Division V of both FC and OD and have no coach. It should be an easy win for the Muirston boys. Having the match at the Muirston CG is also important as it brings in some much needed cash.

Finally, coach Tom Baker, posted the playing XI for the FC clash against Coast Warriors at St Georges Park. This is going to be a very tough match, so the Muirston boys are going to have to be playing well tomorrow. Realistically, if they could get a draw, it would be a good result. Here are the XI who will be playing tomorrow:


Hawkins
Conelly (+)
Africa (*)
Ramdeen
Bolder
Belgrave
Mosheau (3)
Holt (1)
Stanford (5)
Tenius (2)
Goodhead (4)

So Robbie Ramdeen will be playing in his last match for Muirston tomorrow. The transfer deadline closes at 11:49 tomorrow, but the match starts at 7:30, so Robbie will be able to play the full 3 days tomorrow for Muirston. Let's hope he finishes with a bang. Matty Pretorius has also been left out and is being rested for the key OD match on Friday.

Well that is everything, join us tomorrow, for the report of Day 1 of the FC clash against Coast Warriors.

 

[navin-boss]

Good improvement for the trainees..I Will be able to see teh Muireston CC going through the Cup Round 3..All the best for Ramdeen for his last match in Muireston CC.And @ the line up,is looks really good.

Good update mate!

 

[Highlander999]

Day 1 of FC clash with Coast Warrios, plus, Muirston CG Expansion Complete​

Today, the Muirston team were travelling to St Georges Park for a tough match against Coast Warriors. Coast Warriors were putting out a very strong team, for this first match of the season. On paper Coast Warriors are the dominant side. The pitch at St Georges Park is very green, so there is always going to be a lot of swing for the seam bowlers. It was quite a sunny day today, so no chance of any rain intervals.

Martin Africa, won the toss and elected to field first. Coach Tom Baker, agreed with this ploy, as he feels it is always better to be chasing so you know exactly what it is required.

Fred Tenius and Gavin Holt would be sharing the new ball. These two would be hoping to make an early breakthrough. Tenius did exactly that, when he got Dodds to drive at a slightly wide one, he spooned it straight to Ray Stanford at extra cover. It was the perfect start.

However, that was the only thing that could be celebrated about by the Muireston boys. Sishayi and Tau went on to have a massive stand for the second wicket. Eventually Mosheau got the breakthrough, trapping Tau, LBW, leaving Coast Warrios 314-2. It was a devastating partnership. The very next over though, Muireston grabbed another wicket. A complete muddle between Sishayi and the new batsman, Kekeletso, meant that Sishayi was run out by an excellent piece of fielding by Tenius. Two quick wickets had fallen and the Muirston boys began to have a bit more of a spring in their step.

Unfortunately though Kekeletso and Duffy were able to have another big partnership taking Coast Warriors from 315-3 to 518-4, when Duffy hit it straight to Africa. By now the heads had really gone down as Martin Africa tried to rally his lads. Muireston did begin to get regular wickets now though, and Coast Warriors went from 518-4 to 602-8 at the end of the day. Muireston have their work cut out for tomorrow. The plan at the moment is for the batsmen to play incredibly defensive and just look after their wicket, playing for the draw. Not exciting cricket, but Muireston will want to salvage something.

Back home at Muireston CG, the ground expansion has finally been completed. It was a very big job that was undertaken and it has really seen the capacity increased so that it can now hold 29,800. The expected revenues from this are expected to be very large as the Muireston CC fan base continues to grow.

Join us tomorrow, to see how Muireston do in the second day of their FC match against Coast Warriors. Stay tuned :cool:

 

[Pak_cricketer]

Wow, you'll need a miracle if you want to win or even tie this game. Your best bet is going defensive in a shell and hope you last till the end of tomorrow.

 

[navin-boss]

The match will probably end with a draw until or unless Muireston is bowled out for cheaply.
The Ground will be looking cool now.

Nice update mate.KUTGW!

 

[Highlander999]

Day 2 of FC clash vs Coast Warriors, plus, Ramdeen's transfer fee revealed​

So. Day 2 of Muireston's FC clash vs Coast Warrios. Coast Warriors ended play last night on 602-8. Martin Africa would be looking for quick wickets from Mosheau and Tenius who would be opening the bowling this morning.

In a rather strange decision, Conelly decided to stand up to the stumps, with Tenius bowling. It ended up being a very clever plan, as two quick stumpings later and Coast Warriors were all out without adding anything more to their over-night score. The perfect start for Muireston and especially Tenius who ended up with figures of 4-112. Whilst the bowlers headed off for a much deserved break after bowling 112 overs, Chris Conelly and Everett Hawkins jogged off to get ready to face the Coast Warriors opening bowlers. The plan for the bastmen today was very clear. Be as defensive as possible but put away the poor deliveries.

Muireston started off well. Conelly and Hawkins weathered the first few overs and the shine began to disappear of the new ball. However, in the ninth over, Coast Warriors got the breakthrough when Conelly had his stumps sent flying in all directions. He scored 6 off 32.

Martin Africa came to the crease for the first time as a Muireston batsman, with a lot of pressure on his team. But to the dismay of the Coast Warrior fans, Africa and Hawkins, settled themselves into a rhythm of defence and leaving so that nothing the Coast Warriors bowlers did worked. By the thirty first over, the 50 partnership had been reached. Africa had scored 27 off 49, whilst Hawkins, going at a snails pace, had scored just 21 off 107 deliveries.

And still the Muireston resistance continued, led by the capain and the senior batsman. By the 50th over, Muireston were 104-1, with these two nearing the 100 partnership. Unfortunately though, Hawkins then perished. A perfect delivery seaming away, lured Hawkins to prod forward and he edged it behind. He had scored just 33 off 179 deliveries, but he had done a superb job in thwarting the Coast Warriors bowlers.

Robbie Ramdeen in his final match now joined Africa and he was determined to go out on a high. Soon after this Martin Africa made his maiden FC half-century. His 50 had come off 95 balls, which was quite fast considering the circumstances. As the two new batsmen went about re-building the partnership, the Coast Warriors bowlers continued to toil in the heat with no reward.

In the 66th over, the 50 partnership was brought up. Ramdeen was going at quite a pace, having contributed 32 of those runs, of only 55 deliveries. A couple of overs later, it was the tea break and Muireston went in 166-2. It had been a good day for the Muireston batsmen.

Africa and Ramdeen continued from where they left off after tea and Ramdeen soon made his half-century off just 79 balls. It had been a good knock and he had looked in full control. As the evening session lengthened, still no breakthrough was made and the 100 partnership was nearing. However, only two runs short of it, a loss of concentration resulted in him edging it behind, of an ordinary delivery. he had scored 60 off 95 deliveries.

Martin Africa then took the meaning of the nervous nineties to a whole new level. He entered the 90's in the 73rd over. By the time Dirk Bolder, the new batsman, was dismissed for 19 off 48 deliveries in the 93rd over, Martin Africa was still on 99 not out It seemed the pressure had got to him and in the very next over, Africa was bowled on 99 The crowd still showed their appreciation for a great knock in difficult circumstances. Africa scored 99 off 218 balls

Muireston now collapsed in a big pile on the ground, with only Belgrave providing any further resistance. The tail were easily dismissed and by the end of the day's play, Muireston were 288-9, with Belgrave on 37 off 48 deliveries and the Number 11, Goodhead on 1 off 12 balls.

Tom Baker, will be hoping that these last 2 can hang around for a bit of time tomorrow morning, so as to play for as much time as possible. Any hope of a victory has gone now, the draw will be a victory for Muireston.

Martin Africa led from the front today, showing why he is the right man to skipper Muireston this season. Everett Hawkins and Robbie Ramdeen also played well today with very good supportive roles to Africa. Shaun Belgrave should also not be forgotten at number 6. He remains on 37 not out and looked in good touch. If he can protect Goodhead, he could easily make his 50.

Tomorrow should be a very interesting day of cricket and it is going to be very close. Stay tuned to find out what happens.


In other news, the transfer fee for Robbie Ramdeen was released. Coach, Tom Baker had been hoping for ?1,000,000 at best. However, he was shocked to see that Ramdeen sold eventually for ?1,347,998 far more than he is actually worth. Ramdeen was said to be pleased to feel so valued by the interested teams and appeared to be happy with the move to Willmott's Winners a Division V side in England. It was good to see Ramdeen and Muireston parting on such good terms. Undoubtedly, he will be called on to bat tomorrow, and hopefully he can make a big contribution in his farewell match.

Well a busy day here in South Africa. Join us tomorrow, for the final day of this tense FC match against Coast Warriors.

 

[navin-boss]

Unfortunately Africa missed his Century.But still a great contribution towards the team as a captain.hmmm..Muireston should probably looking for a draw here.Lets see whats happening.

Good writings mate.

 

[Highlander999]

Final Day of FC clash, plus, XI for Friday's OD match posted​

So Day 3 dawned at St Georges Park. It looked like it was going to be a very hot and humid day, so tough for all players.

Goodhead and Belgrave strode out, looking to add a few more runs to the total, or at least waste some time. They lasted just for two overs, without scoring, as Goodhead had his stumps re-arranged. Still it was two overs wasted. This meant that Muireston would have to survive 108 overs of play. It was going to be tough.

Hawkins and Conelly strode out once again after Muireston were not suprisingly asked to follow on. Things started off better for them this time, and it took until the 16th over until a breakthrough was made by Coastal Warriors. A very thin edge went straight through to the keeper, and Coastal Warriors had their first wicket, 19-1. Hawkins had scored 12 off 48.

It looked like Conelly and Hawkins had decided to switch roles, as Conelly batted how Hawkins had the day before. It was painful to watch and many of the crowd were dozing off. Luckily Africa kept them awake with some cracking shots, showing what good form he is in. The lunch break arrived with Muireston on 54-1 and the Coastal Warriors bowlers having to go back to the drawing board.

Once again after lunch, Conelly and Africa continued from where they had left off, and th 50 partnership was reached. Africa also began to slow down and the game began to really toil as a breakthrough never even looked close to being made. Eventually in the 55th over, Africa made his half-century. It had come off 117 balls. Africa had been very agressive if you look at the fact that Conelly was still on 23 off 168 deliveries.

Finally a breakthrough was made by Coastal Warriors in the 58th over. Conelly, looking to be suffering from the heat, missed a straight one and had his middle stump up-rooted. He had done a marvellous job though. He had scored only 26 runs, but he had wasted a lot of time, being there for 183 balls Muireston were now 100-2

Robbie Ramdeen in his final innings for Muireston strode out. He shook Africa's hand as he arrived at the crease and then settled down. There was a lot of pressure on these two and there was still a lot of time left in the day.

By the time tea arrived, the score had moved onto 116-2, with 11 of those coming from Ramdeen who was being agressive by the standard of the days batting. Once again the break did not affect the two batsmen and they continued looking good. The 50 partnership was reached, and the two batsmen began to look at nearing the 100 partnership. Martin Africa was also closing on his own 100 and began to get the 90's jitters. Memories of the previous day looked to have surfaced as he sat on 96 for a very long time.

Eventually though a bad delivery arrived and he crashed it away for 4, to reach his century :happy A massive leap in the air, was Africa's celebration as he brought up the first 100 of the season for Muireston. A few overs later the 100 partnership was also reached in the 95th over.

Muireston looked on course for getting the draw a fantastic result for them.

Then disaster struck.....

Two wickets in one over, left Muireston reeling as first Africa and then Ramdeen, three short of his half-century, left Muireston on 211-4 with two new batsmen at the crease. Belgrave and Bolder looked very nervous out there, but they only had to survive a few more overs. Nerves got the better of Bolder though as he was trapped LBW in the 101st over. Two overs later, Mosheau was also trapped LBW, with Muireston now 232-6 and Belgrave batting with the tail once again.

Muireston only had to survive only hdad to survive 4 more overs. Could they do it?

In the 105th over Holt lost his middle stump and then the very next over there was the massive wicket of Belgrave leaving Muireston 232-8 and in serious trouble.

The final over arrived, with Stanford due to face it.

107.1 . Lynch to Stanford
Everyone looks to long leg, but it's taken a leading edge, landing short and wide of the slips.

A very lucky moment for Stanford, it could have gone anywhere.

107.2 . Lynch to Stanford
Well bowled, and that is well left by Stanford.

A good leave by Stanford. The ball rose sharply, and Stanford backed away as it missed on height. Only 4 balls left......

107.3 . Lynch to Stanford
Defends to the off, cover quick to field.

A good solid forward defensive, meant that the Muireston fans could breathe easily for another delivery.

107.4 . Lynch to Stanford
Good ball on off stump, pushed back towards the bowler. No run.

Stanford was coping with the pressure brilliantly as he just leant into that and pushed it with soft hands. All Stanford had to do was survive two more balls.

107.5 . Lynch to Stanford
A lone appeal by the keeper for a catch is met with bemusement by the umpire.

A frantic few seconds for the Muireston team as Duffy went up, but the umpire quickly shook his head.

STANFORD HAD DONE IT, THERE WAS NO WAY THE MATCH COULD BE LOST!!!! :happy

107.6 . Lynch to Stanford
Good length. Forcefully blocked out to cover.

The last ball was fended off and the Muireston boys began to celebrate. You would have thought they had won, with that reaction, but looking at the quality of the Coast Warriors team, it was like a victory. All of a sudden celebration music could be heard coming out of the Muireston changing room:

Ramdeen was carried out with a bottle of champagne, whilst Martin Africa was awarded MOTM in his first match for Muireston. What a result.

Unfortunately, the Muireston boy could not celebrate the result for too long as they had to be on the coach back home for their OD match the next day. Ted's Loosers were a slightly better team then Muireston, but these two have played twice before. The first time, Ted's Loosers won, but the last time, they were thrashed by a rampant Muireston side. This was going to be a close match.

Here is the XI for tomorrow's match

Hawkins
Conelly (+)
Africa (*)
Bolder
Filan
Belgrave
Mosheau
Holt
Pretorius
Tenius
Goodhead

So Filan comes in for the vacant place by Ramdeen's transfer. Filan had looked in excellent form during the 20/20 matches in the season break, so let's hope he can continue this. Pretorius also comes back into the team, meaning Stanford goes back to being twelfth man.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's match and Friday's player interview.

 

[Left_Hander]

Their ratings in the batting were much better than your's and it showed.

You seem to be having a good cup run. There are a lot of bots in South Africa right?

This story makes me want to restart mine . I might be able to do that in a month's or so time because I will be finishing school but I don't think it will be anything long term.