The Fifth Grade finals are this weekend – Nick’s team for his first “Senior” season.  The team came second in the league, the semi-final was washed out, so they are playing now in the Grand Final.

It did not start well.  The team they are playing are a very good bowling side, and shortly after I (David) arrived, Glenbrook-Blaxland CC were 5-57.  Their number 3 was holding on in there, but after the next wicket fell, in went Nick.

“Get your eye in first ….”

All the rest of the team were saying “just stay there and support Brad”, and “get your eye in, Nick”.

That’s exactly what he did.  Next wicket to fall was Brad (95, poor guy) after a 51-run partnership for the 7th wicket.  Nick was on 13, after 24 overs.  It was a very slow outfield with long grass.

Click to enlarge

Then in came Luke Morgan (Nick’s friend and contemporary in the team), and a 49 run partnership ensued (in 7 overs) – but now with Nick in the driving seat.  it was wonderful to watch.  At one point Nick hit their best bowler (who had been “sledging” Nick) for 15 in an over (including two 4s and a 6).  Fortunately I was there with my camera, and so was Sue.

This looks like another “Watch out, Dad” moment, but this time I was beyond the boundary!

.

When the end was nearing (it was an 85-over match), Nick hit out once too often and was caught. I don’t think he was too upset by this stage.

From 5-57, Nick’s team reached 9-195 by the end, so they have a good chance of victory on the second day.

What ARE you doing? You can’t leave me NOW!

As a final note: Luke clearly wasn’t impressed when Nick was out ….