Port Jackson 60s record tough win against Lord's Taverners in Toronto

8th February 2018. Awaba Oval, Toronto, Near Newcastle, NSW

For those who knew Bob Dutchy Holland, a visit to this Southern Lakes ground, just off the M1, where he and his lovely wife Carolyn were assaulted 18 months ago, held sad memories.

Port Jackson travelled early for a 1030 am start to play against Newcastle Lord's Taverners, captained by John "Trunkie" Fryer. The oval looked dry but the deck was tinged with green but hard and well prepared. Losing the toss we were inserted and captain Cameron McDonald had a good batting order at his disposal and with retirement set at 25 or after facing 30 balls, the team was under pressure to get on with it. With bowlers restricted to 5 overs per bowler it was going to be a game where everyone got a go.

Steve Kavanagh and Simon Lyon (back from hospital after a scare!) opened up and after being dropped on nought, Lyon licked his lips when John Fryer opened from the Clubhouse end as swinging full toss after full toss were sent down, one a head high one. Luckily there was little sign of head injury and the fence was found quickly enough as Lyon retired on 25 off 17 balls. Kavanagh soon followed on 26 off 30 balls (compulsory retired) and sadly Wasantha skied a pull shot to be well caught at fine leg by Taverner's captain Fryer. Steve Jones was fluent with his 25 retired and Mike Collins showed his pre season Tour form with a classy 25 retired and Paul Adams followed suit. Chas Viner and Cam McDonald also achieved the retirement score but David Wright was given out LBW after a tough time at the crease. Joe Scarcella, Dave Massey and Paul Thomas knocked it around to post 228-2 off 40 overs. Pick of the Taverner's bowlers was local curator Paul Clarke who bowled a good line and length.

We then had a superb buffet lunch prepared by the LT ladies who are ever present and great supporters.

As the day started to heat up, the Taverners were confident that we had fallen short of the par score on this oval as it get quicker after lunch. Opening bowlers Joe Scarcella and Chas Viner bowled their 2 lots of 5 overs for 62 runs with Joe taking the only wicket and the Taverners were off to a reasonable start with Jimmy Price retiring. But of the following batsmen, only Bobby Douglas playing below his age group, could manage to achieve the retirement score and the innings fizzled out with the hosts scoring 202-7 off the 4o overs. Most of the bowlers shared in the wickets, but Steve Jones was awarded the MOM Wine for his tidy bowling (2-7 off 3) and his rapid 25.