The weather Gods had the final say on the weekend as threatening thunder and lightning show coupled with light rain forced the players to leave the field, only to not return early in the A Team's run chase against Old Trinity, washing out a promising and exciting game.
Old Trinity batted first and were immediately in difficulties, with the old war horse Gary Bennett and the young tyro Will "Doc" Bonwick picking up early wickets to have the T's reeling at a barely believable 6 for 29. A stirring fightback with an excellent 82 run stand helped Old Trinity post a very respectable 7 for 134 off their 40 over allotment. Gary bennett finished with 2 for 18, while Will Bonwick captured 2 for 30 in an outstanding bowling display.
For those that witnessed the semi final between these two teams at this very ground two seasons back, would appreciate that even on a dry day, a total of around 140 is defendable. On a dark overcast day with a very slow outfield and light rain falling, 134 was not going to be easy to chase down on Hudson Oval.
The Old Scotch run chase got off to the worst possible start when the usually dependable Cam Melville was LBW for a duck and the score on 1. This season's star performer with the bat, Sam Shearer, was the next batsman dismissed cheaply for 4 and the score on 11, to cast a long shadow over the Old Scotch camp. Tim Hosking who had been looking solid was joined by Matty Mitchell and the two set about playing some fine counter attacking strokes as the lightning and thunder got close and louder by the minute
With the score on 32 in the 9th over, the lightning flash and thunder crack was dangerously close, and the umpire wisely called the players from the field. As the players prepared to wait half an hour from the last lightning strike to restart, the rain started falling heavier on an uncovered pitch. Within 10 minutes, it was obvious that a resumption f play would be impossible and the game was abandoned, with both teams feeling they were in the box seat.
The Celebrities were scheduled to play at Melville Oval at Scotch on Sunday, but the pitch was left uncovered and during Saturday afternoons downpour, by 3pm, the pitch was under water, rendering any play the following day impossible.
This week, the Celebrities on Saturday take on Old Trinity at Trinity playing fields, while on Sunday the A Team take on Melbourne High at Scotch.
Make your way down and support the boys. In the mean time...