WEST GIPPSLAND WOMBATS – OVER 70s
The West Gippsland Wombats played Endeavour Hills/Bayside at Endeavour Hills on Tuesday 21 January where a close game of cricket eventuated.
Fred Debono, the Wombats captain, won the toss and decided to field first.
Rob Gara and David Green opened the batting for the Combine; with the score on eight in the third over Gara 4 (14) was bowled by Jim Gregory.
Green then retired 14 (30) before Peter Hockey 13 (26) was bowled by Brian Mitchell.
The score had reached 41, when the Combine lost two wickets.
Greg Sebire 2 (5) was caught by Jeff Phillips off the bowling of Brian Mitchell and Bruce Stammers 4 (3) was caught by Fred Debono off the bowling of Pieter Loos.
At 20 overs the Combine were 4 for 56.
Ron Kasputtis 16 (30) and Dave Jamieson 7 (30) had both retired before two wickets fell for one run. Max Roy 19 (27) was bowled by Mike Newton and Ian Longmuir 0 (3) was stumped by Brian Mitchell off Pieter Loos bowling.
Peter Oakford 22 (30) retired, before, in the 40th over, Rob Wilson 3 (16) was run out.
David Green had returned to finish 40 (52) not out and the Combine were 7 for 153
Wombats Bowling: Brian Mitchell 4-2/4, Pieter Loos 8-2/23, Jim Gregory 4-1/7 Mike Newton 6-1/24, Rod Pallot 2-0/17, Fred Debono 2-0/8, Graham Davey 4-0/10, Brendon Thomas 6-0/27 and Keith Houghton 4-0/20.
The Wombat’s innings did not start well as Rod Pallot was bowled by Ron Kasputtis on the third ball of the first over for a duck.
Jeff Phillips 18 (18) (three fours and one six), Keith Houghton 14 (30) Brendon Thomas 11 (21) and Fred Debono 5 (30) had all retired before Graham Davey 1 (3) was caught by Bruce Stammers off the bowling of Peter Oakford on the second last ball of the 20th over; the score 2 for 83.
When the score had reached 98 the Wombats lost three wickets for one run, all wickets were off the bowling of Greg Sebire.
Pieter Loos 33 (17) caught by Bruce Stammers, Jon Martindale 0 (2) caught by the bowler and John Moore 4 (15) bowled.
Brian Mitchell 16 (29) retired before Mike Newton 26 (22) was bowled by Peter Hockey.
The last pair added 10 runs to take the Wombats total to 154 in the 36th over.
Russell Ferguson 15 (13) and Jim Gregory 0 (7) were both not out and guided the Wombats to victory.
Combine Bowling: Greg Sebire 8-3/26, Ron Kasputtis 8-1/24, Peter Hockey 7-1/37, Peter Oakford 7-1/30, Rob Gara 2.1-0/9, Max Roy 2-0/13 and Dave Jamieson one maiden over.
This was a great win by the Wombats in trying hot conditions.
Their next match is against Geelong at Pakenham.
-John Moore-
