Seddon Park - Masters Final - April 11 2021

Attention please. This is you Captain speaking.

Let's start with a thank you to ND. And a big thanks, to all the fans that turned out to watch the Stallions and Creamers do battle in the Masters final.

The day started wet, and after a discussion with the umpire, there was a delay. We did the toss, the Creamers won, and chose to bat.

Taking the field in our new shirts, we started the attack with Rudy and Craig. Both bowled tight lines, but the batsman got of to a fast start. After 8 overs, John had a bowl, and got us the 1st wicket, 83/1. I brought Craig back on, and he and Rudy got the next couple, Next up again was John who bowled well, and Richard. With the screws tighting, DG and I took over. DG picking up a wicket. At drinks, they were 130ish/5. With two retirements.

After drinks DG got another one. We were growing with confidence. Kane took over from me , and bowled beautifully, taking 3 wickets? Liam from the other end, bowled like he always does, and was rewarded. Our fielding was pretty good all day, and the last wicket, was a runout from some good work from Henry. We bowled them out for 183/10.

John and Fozzie opened the batting. Fozzie suffered an injury, and with a runner, managed to get to 30, along with John. A slow start from them, but at drinks, we were 82/0. With Neeraj and DG batting, who was pushed up the order, I was confident. Neeraj got bowled for bugger all. I joined my brother out in the middle for some fun. And then joined Neeraj, out for bugger all as well. Liam look good, getting 14ish. Kane also looked likely, getting 14ish. Meanwhile, DG was at the other end, blazing his way to a quick fire 30, including 2 big 6s. Requiring a run a ball, off the last 6 overs, with 3 retirements. Henry, Rich, Rudy and Craig got us close, and did what was needed, to get runs. But at the end, the Creamers bowled well, and we fell just 13 runs short, with 9 balls to go.

We were in the hunt all day. It was such an amazing day, to share the field, and the NZ changing rooms, with the Stallions, and the ones on the sideline. Next year, we'll go one better. Cheers Baha

Karaka Stallions v’s Pumice Plodders Game Report

Playing Date: Saturday 20th March 2021 Captain/Report: Daniel Gardner Ground - Pitch: Home - Artificial Start Time: 11am (delayed 11:40) Wind: Variable South Easterly 15k Temp: 19 high 24 Humidity: Unknown Overhead condition: Fine with cloudy patches So upon receiving Henry’s email outlining how ”Vital a win” was… it was surprising to see I had been given the task of captain this week. In prep for the big game, I set about getting the batting lineup sorted. Having settled on what I thought was a well balance and experience order with input from several players on their preferred positions, I noticed I had placed Kane & Shane together (6 & 7), they do not bat well together (run outs last time – Shane’s fault I’m led to believe). Anyway, Shane jump at the chance of my suggestion to open the batting (a master stroke on my part as it would turn out). Having successfully won the toss and deciding to bat first, the game got underway at approximately 11:40 (due to the Juniors player on our pitch), after both teams took part in our traditional port shot and Captain’s toast. The opening pair of John & Shane made a great solid start against some good tight bowling from the opposition and after 10 overs we were 0/43 and Shane was back in the pavilion on 32 retired. John had put in the hard yards and seen off the opening bowlers before what could only be described as playing a rash shout and being caught out on 28. The bowlers from the opposition continued to find their line and length and our middle order batsmen struggled at times to find runs and wickets began to fall at regular intervals (Neeraj 10, Baha 7) and at drinks we were 3/81. Liam & Henry resumed after drinks, with Liam finding the middle of the bat from ball one with 2 fours to get underway. This form continued until Liam fell just short of having another retiree for 27. Henry kept things ticking along but was gone for 16. We lost these 2 wickets for 1 run and were 5/127 off 27 overs. This bought Kane and Myself to the crease. While Kane initially struggled to find runs, I was about to have an innings that could only be described as a classical, nay an aggressive captains knock (pretty much how the opposition captain described it… a masterful display, that turned the tables). Actually, I just got lucky and most deliveries found the middle of my bat. So with me retired and back in the pavilion not out 30, Kane then found his timing and began dispatching a few boundaries of his own to keep the score card ticking over nicely. So, we now had 3 retirees in the bank with Kane also retired on 30. Our tail enders went out to bat with instruction to have a go (slog). Garry managed 9, Rudy the comeback kid (returning from a double hammy injury, mere mortals probably would have taken the rest of season off) was out for 2. This then gave the retirees a 2nd chance (with just an over left). It’s never easy to find quick form again (which will play a big part in the oppositions innings)!!! Shane unselfishly ran himself out (good to see the runout trend continuing) going for an impossible 2 in the last over and finishing on 35. Craig finished not on 1, and I was not out 34 with Kane not getting a return to the crease. So we finished on 8/215 from our 40 overs. Runs on the board as they say, score board pressure!? Thanks to Mark, Richard and others for organizing the lunch. So into the field we went with what can only be described as an inspirational pep talk for the ages from the Captain. Our opening bowlers had mixed results, John went for a few but got us the early breakthrough in the 3rd over (1 for 35 off 4). While Kane was on the money from ball 1 and picked up a wicket also (1 for 10 off 4). So we had the opposition 2/45 off 8. First change saw Craig who was his ever reliable self, giving away very few runs early on, 2 runs of his first 2 over including a maiden. As the batters got their eye in the runs started flowing for them and with Craig bowling 6 on the trot, he ended with 0 for 35 off 6, a great effort Craig. Meanwhile at the other end Rudy, coming of what looked like a reduced runup (making no difference to his effectiveness), with his opening spell of 4 overs going for just 17 runs. Baha was bought on just before drinks and we had a couple of missed wicket opportunities. So going into drinks break the Pumice Plodders were 2/114 (with 2 Retirees). The game was evenly poised at this point, but it was noted that we had not had any “Luck” go our way yet! At drinks we had made the wicket keeping change (Shane in for Liam), this was a preplanned change having discussed with Liam earlier in the week that he would be bowling. After Drinks Baha (0 for 15 off 4) & Henry (0 for 20 off 3) continued with the bowling attack without any luck. Liam was then bought on to bowl, choosing to bowl down wind having success in his second over. The key now appeared to be slow bowling. They had also gained another retiree so had 3 in the bank, but now we where into the lower order and the tail with 7 & 8 at the crease. Behind the stumps Shayne had been having mixed results, but as he once again proved, he loves a run out… a brutal run out too I must say (but one that needed to be taken!). At 4/136 off 26 overs we were back in the game (with a bit off luck on the runout). I then bought myself on to bowl and promptly took myself off after 2 overs (0 for 13 off 2). Liam at this stage had switched ends, some good team input on that decision. Liam had immediate results taking another wicket. Rudy returned to the bowling crease taking a wicket and then we manage another run out and we had them 173/7 off 32 overs. The equation For the Plodders was 43 runs of 8 over and their 3 retirees where back in the line up. As mentioned earlier, it is not easy finding quick form when coming back in and so it proved… Well this is where Liam’s bowling took center stage, 3 wickets off the his last 6 deliveries and 2 absolutely spectacular running catches from Kane at long off. The Pumice Plodders Finished 10/188 off 34 Overs So a well earned victory by the Karaka Stallions with contributions all around from the team. Thanks heaps also to everyone for the various input throughout the game, it makes being Captain so much easier. Great to see a lot of non-playing Stallions on the deck in support of us also. Stallion Player of the Day: Liam Fletcher 5/28 off 5.5 overs. 27 from the bat. Pumice Player of the Day: S. Christianson 42 from the bat Result: Karaka Stallion win by 27 Runs

Onehunga March 13

Gentlemen this is your captain speaking. Buckle your seat belts and lets get on with the match report.

Henry made a somewhat rash decision midweek seeing as the game counted for nothing towards the points table and appointed the young brash maverick Shane Blair as captain, deep down hoping he would trip over his fat mouth and lose! The boys got out to Waikaraka Park early and raring to bat first with a strong batting lineup. However Onehunga turned up running scared with only 5 players which meant bowling first was our only option.

It was then decided we had to also lend them 2 of our players plus Baha's son to make it a 9 a side affair and a 35 over battle. Luckily for the Stallions Captain Shane bought his own deck of cards and shuffled them nicely to ensure the Cassin brothers (cassinovers) played for the opposition.

So we had an even stronger side with 9. Kane and Baha started with a bit of movement in the air with Baha unfortunately only getting 1 ball at his son (which was a pie down legside).

Then the wickets crumbled when Craig Grey settled on his usual nagging line and length. Having them 3 down for 20. The Cassins both came in looking for quick runs and big shots after also talking big things. However both went to sharp catches and all of a sudden Onehunga was 5 for 50. Their 2 tailenders came in and hung around to eek out a total of 110/7.

Neeraj and Fozzie opened looking to get it done before the Americas Cup started. However Fozzie mistimed his usual bread and butter pull shot and was out for 4.

Suddenly the Cassins found their lungs again and Henry was quickly brought into the attack. He then proceeded to bowl 4 overs of absolute Licorice Allsorts including 3 beamers at new captain Shane to deliberately send a message. He finished with 0-40 off 4 which could cost him a bowling spot in the next few games. Shane and Neeraj then took toll of what was a rabble of an outfit and quickly retired. Then Liam and Kane finished the job to notch a win by 7 wickets.

A good feed and a few beers and laughs ended an enjoyable but mismatched day of cricket. Until next boys

Stallions v Rosetown Rogues - February 21

Judging by the whattsapp traffic the results of the Stallions/ Rogues match held today has been closely followed.

Therefore I thought I had better squeeze the report out.

Firstly congratulations to Henry and Lolly for rustling up a pretty capable team at short notice, after the call went out Friday at 4:10pm, the squad was filled at 7pm. A couple of handy new Stallions Grant Beare and Steve Wallace, and 12th man Wayne was a bonus given a few broken parts in some of the lads.

It was a very hot day, and the pitch initially was unmowed and unrolled when we arrived so looked like a batters bad dream. The Rosetown boys got the paint, mower and roller out and pretty soon we had a decent deck to use.

We managed to win the toss so elected to bowl first as the pitch was looking great for the ball.

Openers Andrew Cassin (1-7 off 4) and Grant (1-5 off 5)set about their work looking every bit like their 25 year old former selves. Very tight bowling for the first 8 overs saw the Rogues with only 10 runs on the board and two key wickets bagged. Andrew pulled up lame and no sympathy from his bro who refused to administer physiotherapy on Andrews groin strain, so time for a bowler change.

Craig Gray (1-20 off 6) and Baha picked up the batton and kept the pressure on, Baha (0-24 off 3) had a wobbly 3rd over (four 4’s)so moved aside so little bro Dan could turn up the acid.

Daniel gave us a masterclass of variable pitch bowling picking up 3 wickets for 16 off his 6 overs, earning him the man of the match and by drinks we had the Rogues on the back foot at 64/6.

After drinks Daniel, Liam (0-3 off 6), Steve Wallace (0-16 off 6) and Henry (2-7 off 4) finished off the job, Henry very keen to get his bucket list sorted by talking up a hattrick after getting his first wicket. Highly confident, but skills didn’t match. At the end of the 40 overs we had the Rogues at 102/9 and a win was in the wind (or lack of as it was very hot – almost 30 degrees.) Awesome bowling effort and not bad fielding, we took some good catches, Baha got a direct hit runout so a great day in the field.

After an excellent lunch (homemade seafood chowder!) we donned our pads and went out to the pitch.

My fellow opener Liam offered me the strike and we set about the chase. The pressure was off so by 10 overs we were 31 without loss so feeling confident. If only it wasn’t so hot! Both Liam and I managed to get our 30’s despite a couple of close calls where we were lucky.

Baha (18 n.o)and Steve (4 n.o.) came in and kept up the run rate to finish the job, closing out the innings in the 21st over.

Stallions 104 without loss and a win on the way to Seddon Park.

After match was a good time with a few beers and great company the Rogues, a good bunch of guys.

Because we finished so early, the Rogues bid us farewell and the team started a victory pub crawl home and fining session (excluding the Skip and Steve, as we had to get home). Last update at time of writing this the van was still in Whatawahta at the 3rd pub home!

My thanks to fellow Stallions for a very enjoyable day, making captaincy easy today, and Rogues for giving us a great outing. Fozzie

Stallions v Kauri Stumpers February 14

A lovely Sunday morning, Mark Harvey had arrived early and set everything up so everyone was enjoying a relaxing cuppa as todays captain walked into the clubrooms (on time for once). As game time approached the toss was had, the Stumpers won the toss and put us into bat. With the Fozzie bear running late, Baha stepped up to open the batting, unfortunately 4 balls later he was back in the hut for no score, one down for no score at the end of the 1st over, and it seemed to be getting even worse as Neeraj edged the 2nd ball he faced to the keeper who generously dropped the catch. From that point on the Stallions took over, slowly at first but when Neeraj smashed a 6 the score took off, this spurring him on to his 30 and a well earned rest from the heat, then John got to 30 and joined him in the shade. Rob joined in with a quick fire 14 that kept the score board rolling. Now we had Liam and Kane at the crease, Kane looked at ease while Liam struggled early before drinks. At the half way mark, the Mighty Stallions looked in fine fettle, with only 2 down for 106 and 2 retirees and 2 more looking most likely to get there as well. The break seemed to be what Liam needed and he raced thru to his 30, bringing Shane to the crease for his first game of the year, and thus, his first action was to give an admirable impression of Henry (whom he had replaced) with a "Yes/No" call leaving Kane cut off at the knees and Run Out for 21. With guilt written across his face, Shane set about making up for his misconduct. He was joined by Daniel who surpassed his brother's score then holed out attacking the boundary. Gary came out to join Shane, who did his best to run out Gary as well, but instead the boys beat the ball 3 times to run a 4. And as they kept running, the score mounting quickly, but just as he was getting into his work Gary popped up a catch, which was finally caught by the opposition. The Runs kept piling on as todays Captain helped Shane through to his 30, thus erasing his earlier faux pas. This bought the number 10 and 11 batsmen together, who hit out for quick runs ultimately sacrificing their wickets for the greater good of the team and bringing the retirees back in, who piled on the runs in the final few overs. Stallions bowled out on the final ball for a mighty 220. Notables, Shane 39, Liam 37*, Neeraj 31, John 30.

After a refreshing lunch put on by the Prez (thanks Mark) the stallions trotted out with confidence abound.

John and Kane opened the bowling, a good line and length making it almost impossible for the openers to score. Unfortunately the batsmen managed to keep their wickets until the first change. This bought on Liam and Craig who also hit a good line and length suppressing the run chase, while the runs were not coming, neither were the wickets and it wasn't until the 12th over we made the breakthrough, when a catch was offered up to Kane off Liam's bowling. Their number 3 batsman was run out without facing a ball, but the Stumpers steadied and plodded on to drinks. At Drinks the Stumper's had amassed a paltry 61 runs for 2 wickets. With drinks over, Richard and Baha took the ball. After each bowler had a rusty over the captain struck, with 2 wicket maidens and a 3rd wicket in his 4th over, but while Richard's luck was in, Baha couldn't buy a wicket, he just bowled to well and the opposition just wasn't good enough to get out. Needing some overs from the part timers, Gary, Daniel and Rob, rolled their arms over. While he couldn't get a wicket with his bowling Baha was the pick of the fielders, running tirelessly and throwing himself about in the field and snaring a very sharp catch off Gary's bowling. Where Baha had no success bowling, Daniel once again surpassed his brother quickly taking 2 wickets with his aimless pies, and ending the Stumpers misery. Notables, Richard 3 -12, Daniel 2 - 5, Gary 1 - 7, Liam 1 - 13.

Man of the Match went to Liam who had a fantastic day with bat and ball, finishing the day behind the stumps, an all round superman. He also won the Hardest Man (head) of the day as well, when on the penultimate ball of the innings he was struck in the head from a top edge while keeping. While a fantastic clunk was heard as the ball ballooned off his eye brow, it was nice to see the genuine concern from all, as highlighted by Kane's enquiry "is there any blood?" Like the hardest of the hard our man rose from the dirt to take his place behind the stumps once again, only for the same edge to be hit from the very next delivery, this time to his credit Liam took the catch (instead of heading it again) to end the innings.

All in all a great team win for the Stallions, it was a game where every player played a part and as captain for the day I had nothing to do but sit back and watch. Thanks Lads. Rich.

ACS January 24 - Henry Cassin

Our captain “Billy the legend Perham” did not want to do the report and asked if I would do for you. Mate you owe me a drink or two for this.

The weather didn’t look good as the heavens opened up in South Auckland with our farmer from Mercer saying it is pissing down and we won't get a game in. Relying on the weather there was no forecast for rain and as we all know they are never wrong we decided to continue and head out to Te Atatu Peninsula for a good match against ACS.

The weather wasn’t that great with continued showers, the two captains went out to the middle of the field to decide to play on the grass or artificial pitch. Thank God for Larry the ACS captain wanted to play on the grass pitch. A quick coffee and a port, Billy playing his last game for the Stallions won the toss and decided to send ACS in to bat.

The openers did well with Gus bowling his 6 overs in a row hitting the pads in front numerous times that would have had 6 or so back in the changing rooms on a Saturday game. But having figures of 0-9 off six overs shows how tight the big man is.

The other opener John, the import from the UK, was struggling into the strong south west wind for line on length but managed to pick up a wicket getting Julian out for a cheap 5.

With Junior Tonuni fresh from his Friday night games, AB vs Black Caps, we knew he was prone to get an edge or two. Rudi managed to get the edge to have our skipper catch the danger man for 22. With consistent tight bowling from Rudi, Craig, Henry and Liam we had them at 5 for 55 after 20 and still no one reaching 30.

The games continued having them at 6- 99 with ten overs to go they limped towards the 37th over and with John finding his length managed to get two more wickets to have them all out for 139.

After a healthy lunch provided we noticed the Stallions tail was quite long so we needed to ensure our top 5 batsman would do their part in the game to get us home only needing 3.5 runs per over. The opening bowlers were very tight as well giving very little runs away, with the patience of our openers we lost our first wicket in the 8th for 11 runs. The run rate increasing by 10th over we were 2 down for only 14 runs. Now the run rate needing to be 4.2 we saw our opener John hit his staps and Daniel blazing a six quickly reached 16 off about 10 balls before being caught out trying to hit the leather off the ball. Being 3 for 59 at the half way mark needing another 81 runs so the run rate came back to 4 an over and manageable. John had reached his 30 just prior to 20 overs having a long tail we needed one or more to get to 30 for insurance for the last few overs.

Henry finding his new cover shots hit his way to 30 but loosing three of his playing partners in the meantime, not from runs outs but poor shot selections. Henry can't be blamed for that then.

Henry departs the pitch with Gus and Billy left to bring the final 32 runs with 10 overs to go. Gus went out quickly and having Rudi with Billy to bring home the bacon Rudi ran down the pitch for a certain single had a double hamstring episode and fell to the ground 4 meters short of the crease.

The good sportsmanship by the ACS didn’t have Rudi ran out (in case we needed him back at the end), decided to re bowl the ball. Rudi was carried off by his team mates and pampered to have him right in case we needed him to come back on.

So John came out to assist the captain to bring the team home. John playing the man of the match performance bought the Stallions to their 4th win of the season in the 39th over with Billy the captains knock of 10 not out .

Another Stallions hanging his boots up with the life time figures of:

Well done Billy on your 58 games for the Stallions. Its been fun having you behind the wickets encouraging the bowlers and I hope Rachel enjoys more time with you. On behalf of the Stallions thanks’ for being part of the team and thank Rachel for allowing you to put Sundays aside for us.

Onehunga Tournament January 17

The Onehunga tournament is a good time to catch up with the other players and have a good yarn. It was great to see people who have played against each other many years ago catching up on old times. It was good to see Kane and Andrew reminisce with Macka and others from the Counties Crocks.

Well, we lost the toss and we were sent out to field. This game not having any bearing on the Northern Districts competition it was a good opportunity to have some of our old favourites to play. Lester played his 113th game (he said his target is 200) , Billy is having his last season due apparently to the body packing up but the way he played I think he has more in him and Craig Laloli finding a weekend away from the batch to play his 35th match.

Crocks had lost their first wicket in the second over by a hard reflex catch at point to give the Stallions an early breakthrough. With the tight bowling from the openers of Gus and Kane we had them at 38 for the first 10 overs for one. Counties Macka had a couple of lives being dropped managed to get his 30 so after 23 overs we had them at 6 for 96 with Henry on a hattrick having the batsman crowded but to no avail.

By the 25th over they were 107 for 7 and with only two in the bank we have the opportunity to bring on the part timers . Unfortunately the lower order batsman took advantage of this and scored 71 runs in the next 10 overs.

We managed to finally get them all out for 197 in the 39th over.

Some good bowling from Gus being tight as always , Kane getting a couple as well as Craig, Rudi having dropped catches didn’t add to his tally giving Craig more distance as leading wicket taker. Andrew and Billy bowled well and Henry having figures of 3-12 from 4 overs shows what happened when he doesn’t bowl his typical beamers.

Having a sausage for lunch and a lot of fluids due to the high humidity we had Rob and Andrew opening. Rob having his new lady friend here to support we expected great things but unfortunately he couldn’t impress her with the bat and was bowled around the legs cheaply. Neeraj also was done by a good ball sending it straight up in the air for the wicket keeper to take with his big mittens. Being two down for 18 in the 4th over Kane, Andrew and Henry scored quickly all retiring being 96 in the 15th over we were looking very good to finally take revenge against our earlier season defeat.

The rain clouds came and the game was delayed for about ½ hour, we need three more overs to make an official game of it. We managed to have 112 after 20 overs for three so well ahead on the Duckworth Lewis system. Unfortunately the pitch became very unpredictable and the bounce was even worse having our giant Gus calling for a helmet as the ball was bouncing as high as his head.

The wickets were falling, runs stop flowing, meant we ended by the 24th over we were 7 down for 128 runs. The recycles came with Andrew continuing his good batting reaching his maiden half century for the Stallions and getting his average above his 8.02 prior to the game. Gus holding up one end for as long as he could as we had overs on our side needing 72 runs off 17 overs at an average of 4.2 per over did well but due to the wicket pitch runs became hard to get did the honourable thing and running down the pitch to slog like any good no.11 batsman can missed it and was found stumped.

Having two returnees in and a third padded up we needed 42 runs with 8 overs to go. Unfortunately, Kane could only manage one more run to his tally left the Cassin brothers to bring the team home and make their late mother proud watching from above.

The bowling was tight and runs difficult to come by, we had three overs only managing three runs the panic set in and we took risks running between the wickets. The older brother thinking his 6 years younger brother would be as quick or even quicker than his older brother called for a second run but over estimated his pace leaving Andrew short by a meter or two.

A good knock by Andrew however being run out on 60 left the Stallions short by 35 runs

The speeches by all captains were great, and Craig Lalloli going up to receive the bat for our “Burt Sutcliff “ award which we won last year was an honour and attached is the photo. The food was great and another good day at the Onehunga tournament. Thanks to cricket and mate ship, Henry Cassin

Stallions v Hamilton Planks January 10

Well upon arriving in Hamilton and without any hesitation on winning the toss the captain decided to bat first, even without a pitch inspection! And what an inspired decision it turned out to be!

Promoting himself back to opener, the team got off to a measured start before losing Neeraj at 36 and the skipper at 54, out trying to slog the slow bowler whilst on 29, the team stumbled along to 7 for 109 around the drinks break.

The Planks thought they were home and hosed and an early finished beckoned, more fools them as they didn’t count on the vastly experienced, all be it disabled, Richard holding up one end with the ageless club President at the other! Richard finished with 23 not out with 15 singles and Mark ended on 13 including a cracking 4 which would come in very handy later in the game. Baha’s 26 and Daniels 19 helped us reach 163.

After a pretty average lunch we took the field confident if we bowled well and took our catches we had a chance. WRONG! After 20 overs they were 80 odd with 2 retired! With the skipper not putting up with any inaccurate bowling the openers were replaced by Ruby and his miserly bursters and at the other end Henry trotted out his usual assortment of liquorice allsorts, including 3 or so beemers!!

As slow bowling had worked for the Planks the skipper bought himself on with immediate effect with a lovely stumping from Liam and at the other end Richard got his meat pies into action and wickets started to fall!!

Suddenly the Planks are 145/6 and the boys have a sniff. Some more judicious field placements from the skipper and a couple of excellent catches from himself and Neeraj in the outfield and the Planks are 158/9, game on!! The first of their 3 retirees has returned, but with great bowling from Baha at the death,we rolled them for 161 and the Stallions celebrated in fine style! Baha’s 26 runs and 3/6 off 4 overs, plus all his running in the outfield got him the man of the match award. Richards runs and 4/41 must have run him close!!

Well done guys on a true team effort and let’s hope we continue on our winning way. Cheers, Phillip

Stallions v Morrinsville November 15 Away

History in the Making?

No we are not talking about the 22 boys in black who lost to the Argentina. We are talking about the 11 MEN IN RED from Karaka who went down and clinically disembowelled the much fancied Morrinsville Creamers team.

With a 1/3 of the stallions team away on rep duty, limited bowling stocks, playing on grass, the task at hand for Captain Baha was similar to Donald Trump trying to cure Covid. After a late-night talking tactics it was simple, bowl first and chase. Toss won by Morrinsville; we were batting.

The two Foster brothers did a stellar job seeing off the new ball. Rob out in the 4th over for 2. The ever reliable Liam Fletcher did a fantastic job at steading the ship along with Dave and we were racing at 19 off 10. With Fletcher putting himself in the bank for 30 we started to believe. Baha and Fitzpatrick saw us to 70 at drinks. Baha got squared up and hit in the nuts and never recovered offering up a simple catch to gully. With some graceful style and magical footwork Phil Cassrels hit the ball all over the Morrinsville showgrounds but fell short for 28. Henry ran like only Henry can and along with Liam at the end saw the 11 MEN IN RED from Karaka reach a respectable 179.

Liam Fletcher 42* Daniel Fitzpatrick 30* Phil Cassrels 28

With possibly the best ever warm up in Stallions history we were ready to go and this is where the influence of Baha as captain really started to show. His field set innovations and bowling changes were on point. The way he manoeuvred his 9 pawns all over the field today would have impressed Beth off The Queens Gambit (good watch on Netflix at the moment) he simply out captained Morrinsville and it was so fitting that when the number 11 skyed one in the 39th over who was there underneath to catch it BAHA. Morrinsville all out for 158

Phil Cassrels 1-14, Henry 1-23, Richard Keesly 1-20, Baha 1-19, Daniel Fitzpatrick 3-10,

Liam Fletcher 1-4

GOOD TEAM WIN BOYS, EVERYONE CONTRIBUTED. AWESOME GAME TO PLAY IN.

THANKS BAHA FOR INVITING ME TO PLAY.

Stallions v Cambridge Antiques November 1 Away

After a dubious looking forecast during the week, the weather gods played their part and Sunday dawned fine and clear and promised a great day for cricket. On arrival in Cambridge the outfield was damp and a strong westerly wind was blowing straight down the pitch, so after winning the toss we decided to bowl first in the hope the outfield would dry during the day and help the run chase.

Gus opened the bowling and set the tone for the day by taking the prized wicket of the opposition captain with just the 2nd ball of the day. A great opening spell from Gus (2-18) and Craig (1-33) had the opposition in trouble at 3-51 after 12 overs. We dropped a few catches in the field but managed to keep the scoring rate down and Jon (0-15) and Baha (2-18) took us to drinks in a good position with Cambridge on 4-83. The fielding improved in the second 20 with a great runout from Henry and catches being taken around the ground. The bowling didn't drop a beat either, with Rudy (2-13) and Henry (2-32) continuing to pick up wickets along with some tidy overs of spin from Phil (0- 10). Baha came back to take the final wicket caught in the deep by Neeraj. A great performance from the bowling unit had Cambridge dismissed for 151 in the 31st over. After lunch we set about the run chase with great confidence given the low total of 152 for the win. Jon and Neeraj opened the batting and after some typically lusty blows Neeraj unfortunately fell to a great inswinging delivery for 14. Jon continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over while Rob came and went for 7. After drinks we managed to get myself and Jon back in the bank with a couple of solid retirements for 33 to set up what looked to be a comfortable victory. However, the bowlers were soon to have their way again as Baha (7), Phil (1) and Henry (3) all fell in quick succession. Rudy came to the crease but soon lost Gary (2) and Gus (1) to give Cambridge a sniff of victory with us still needing about 30 off the last 10 overs.

But it was not to be, Craig (5 n.o.) held up one end while Rudy (27 n.o.) continued to tease the fielders with some cracking fours and plenty of singles, bringing home the 4 wicket victory for the Stallions with a couple of overs to spare.

All in all it was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Rudy was deservedly player of the day after a great all round performance. It was a pleasure to be skipper for the day. Cheers, Liam

Stallions V Counties Crocks October 18 2020 Home

The sun shone over Karaka Sports Park to welcome Counties Crocks, the visiting side for the first competitive Stallions game of the 2020-21 season. Few Stallion players joined the welcoming after a mix-up over the start time. Also, some players were no doubt enjoying a lie-in after celebrating or commiserating their preferred political party’s successes or demises in the general election the night before. When the team was assembled and ready, we looked resplendent in our bright red shirts, which Henry would no doubt have taken to be in honour of a landslide victory for Labour. Some players were even heard to comment that he deliberately selected a port with a particularly red hue to mark the occasion. The toss was won by Jon Lucas on his Stallions captain debut. The decision was, however, somewhat taken out of his hands based on the number of players present at the time, so the Stallions elected to bat first. The skipper opened with Rob Craig and the pair faced a tight opening spell from the Crocks’ bowlers. Rob Craig (9) fell early, followed by Neeraj (8) shortly afterwards, which brought Liam Fletcher to the crease. The two batsmen saw off the accurate openers and slowly the runs started to flow a little faster, with both Jon and Liam retiring. Kane Matich (19) and Rob Foster (12) added some useful quick runs in the middle order, and Baha (30 not out) accelerated the run rate further with confident, firm shots. The lower order (Henry (1), Gus (3), Rudy (6) and Craig Grey (9)) kept things ticking along nicely and, although not getting into double figures as individuals, worked well together with Baha to keep the run rate up. In the last few overs Jon Lucas (47 not out) and Liam Fletcher (35 not out) returned to add some valuable extra runs and help the Stallions post a competitive total of 189. The Crocks innings looked like it would get off to a flyer with their opener laying straight into the attack with some lusty blows. But Kane Matich laid a well-strung trap, having him caught at point by Neeraj. Kane, along with Gus (0-22), then bowled tightly and tidily to keep the run rate below the target for the first 10 overs. Baha (1-21) then came into the attack and quickly found his rhythm to bowl a tight spell. Rudy (0-20) and Craig Grey (2-33) also bowled well to batsmen who were looking to increase the run rate. Wickets, though, were hard to come by. A few missed chances allowed the batsmen to hang around long enough to keep the Crocks moving inexorably towards the target total. With less than 50 needed off the last 10 overs, the task for the Stallions to contain the Crocks was always going to be a tough one. As the game headed towards the conclusion, Jon Lucas (1-21) struggled for line and length, allowing the batsmen to keep the total advancing, and even Kane Matich (2-26) coming back into the attack could not turn the tide. The Crocks reached the target with 8 balls remaining. After the game the two sides enjoyed watching the All Blacks obtain a victory over the Wallabies. The cricket presentations were held at half-time in the rugby and Baha was deservingly named player of the day for the Stallions. The result was not what we hoped for, but overall the performance of the team as whole, and as individuals, gives plenty of optimism for a successful season ahead.