Spoon Avoided....Just. Cutters vs Randoms Oct 16 2014. The Don takes one for the team.

A loss would have seen The Cutters finish at the bottom of the ladder, an unfamiliar honour.
Our reporter is Mark Dowell.

Final game for the season and with the inaugural Captain attending, the finals are lost but pride is on the line for the Cutters as we need a win to guarantee we don't collect the wooden spoon. We lose the toss and we are having a bowl and Dowell receives the shiny new pill. It works a treat - 2 wickets and they are -4 after an over. They scratch out some runs off the Latchford over but the Perry over produces a run out from Dowell and a regulation stumping from Rock. With only 5 on the board Hill is on and the left handed Alex is intent on getting some big runs. Hill puts one full outside off and Alex winds up and smash and its straight into The Don's face and he is down and it is nasty. Fortunately his glasses didn't smash but it was quite a blow just above the eye and he is retired from the game and attended to by Mick and Russ.

The game resumes the ball is re-bowled and its exactly the same and smash it wizzes past Dowell now in the silly mid off position. After all the drama they end up posting just 15 for the first pair - a good result for the Cutters but now we only have five in the field. The Don is recovering.

Next pair are intent on taking advantage of the gap in the field - in particular Shane who hits the ball hard and facing Rock, Dowell, Perry and Hill they manage to compile a handy 39 bringing the score up to 54.

The final pair has the capable Josh - very quick with the ball and pretty handy with the bat and facing Rock first he is caught first ball - its a good omen. They go back into their shell just milking the twos with Dowell back saving the 4's, 5's and 7's but we snare another wicket in the Latchford over. Last two overs and they chose Dowell and Rock to bowl. Dowell gets spanked for a 7 but Perry takes a brilliant low catch the next ball. The score now is 75 and they press off the Rock over for big runs but three catches - two by Rock himself peg the score at 77. That is gettable.

Perry and Hill to start and they are being careful - lots of ones but also not having to hit much as they bowl 5 no balls in the first two overs - we'll take em. The pacey Josh - who is still steaming after scoring just one with the bat - and also lucky not to lose three more runs for bat abuse - bowls fast - but two wides to start is handy. He does get a wicket off his last ball but Perry and Hill are solid. They face the left arm Alex for their last and deal with his awkward inswingers well and post 25 to start.

Dowell and Rock next and are facing the fairly straight forward nude balls from Luke. After seeing the first ball Dowell decides that we need to get after him and drives uppishly but is caught - just at the back. Rock follows up with a 5 but then we have another run out. Final ball Dowell gets the angles right and gets the handy 7 - but after a lot of running and belting of the ball they have just 8. Next they face Steve the captain who from memory puts some work on the ball and Rock and Dowell play him carefully but also getting a three and a four away. Next the pacey Shane and a couple more fours are scored but also a wicket is taken and these two have posted 28 after three . Final over sees Dowell hit another 7 and they end up posting 37 and the score is 62 - just 16 to get for Latchford and a partner - they pick the HIll boy.

Nasty total 16 as you know you should get it but if you play too carefully you can get yourself into trouble. 1st two balls two wickets - not the best start and the Randoms are getting a bit arced up.But the rest of the over is steady with 2's and ones. Next over from Chris has four no balls- one of which Hill steals a run and with a final ball 4 from Latchford we are on 77 and have two overs to go. Second last over is Josh and he is clearly frustrated with the game and tears in and bowls fast - Latchford handles the first ball well. Then he bowls a wide and then a pointless bouncer to Hill to gift us two more runs and the score is now 82. Two dot balls brings up a third ball situation facing the left arm Alex for the last. First ball is caught and then the second ball is a confusing run out and suddenly the score is back to 76. They knuckle down these two and score ones carefully until they reach 79 and then Latchford facing the last ball plays an orthodox defence shot - no run and we win by 2.

A good win considering we were down to 5 pretty early - off to the bar to celebrate a rare win and then Rock and Dowell team to get the Don home. That's it for this season - on to the next season starting in three weeks.

Thursday,16 May 2014 vs Awinwouldbegood

Report by Mark Dowell

The oldest side hey - collectively all felt the sting of that comment and all but the youngest of the side were moving freely in the field - the Captain with a neck issue.

Lost the toss and 'Awinwouldbegood' decided to put us in. Welcoming the Don back to the fold Dowell hogged the strike facing 16 of the 24 balls - this was aided by a bowler reminiscent of Alan 'Froggy' Thompson bowling off the front foot who was unable to control his late moving inswingers and bowled 4 leg sides in a row to Dowell. They managed a reasonable 29 and it was Perry and Hill to bat. As was the case for Dowell and the Don the bowling was sharp and Perry and Hill ground it out taking no chances and posted a steady 34 with no outs. Rock and Vlastuin back in their usual spot and the bowling dictated that they be circumspect. 2nd over though Rock gets a lovely long hop and hits it too well and straight for 7 that bounces back and the run out was easily effected. Not deterred he made sure of the next one which just missed the free jug. A couple of outs in the last over by their sharpest bowler Aiden had them post 24 and we have 87 defendable runs on the board.

Dowell has the first over and is bowling to Aiden - who we suspect can play and Dean. Dowell bowls a careful over but they dig out 10 steady runs. Perry next and he is restricted with his neck issue and while there are no big scores another 11 is added. Rock is given the ball and another tidy over with another 9 added - we need a wicket to stem the runs as they have 30 already. Hill for the power play final over and after a couple of singles a four and then a 7 - they post a solid 45 but it aint over until its over. 

Vlastuin is first to the second pair and one of them has an awkward stance which suggests he may be suspect but it his more orthodox partner who struggles and finally we snare our first wicket off a delightfully pitched ball from Vlastuin and Rock effects the stumping. Next is the Don and after a 5 attempts two sevens which are swallowed by Perry at the back. Vlastuin again and following another catch by Perry they manage a 7 and a 4 and the score has got to 66. Rock for the last over and 2nd ball in Gary goes for another big hit and is caught this time by Dowell. Following that Rock gets one straight back to him and he effects the run out. Another 7 is hit but for the last ball another Perry catch and they post 22 and the final pair need 21 for the win.

In come Glen and James and they are not the most athletic looking blokes in the team and maybe a bit suspect in batting ability. Perry first and creates a third ball situation early after which they hit a catch and they manage only 1 off his over. Dowell next and again creates a third ball but they get 2 - final ball though swings away nicely and Rock snares the catch and only 1 off that over - its looking a bit daunting to get 19 runs with 2 overs to go. The Don next and they can't cope with his flight and snares another wicket - another great catch from Perry and after adding only 2 they need 17 off a final over from Hill - we are feeling confident but you never know in this game and it is the power play. Hill pounds in and they chance their arm and get three twos but 2 run outs stem the tide and after adding only another 1 we win by 15 runs.

A solid victory with everyone contributing - Perry MVP for some great catching, 20 runs and 1/12. Having Russ there always spurs us on and he had the beers organised promptly. I agree - 'most experienced' is more correct than 'mature' given the on field and off field antics at times.

Wednesday May 7th 2014. Bean Flickers

Match Report. By Mark Dowell.

Just 5 of us - but 5 is all we need - no recruiting of arbitrary players - 5 champion players who know each others strengths and weaknesses is better than 5 plus who knows? Rock wins the toss and we are batting and sends Hill and Dowell in. Off to a steady start although Dowell tries to force one and is caught. The 2nd and third overs are wicketless and the runs accumulate and the score is a tidy 23. But the last over sees Dowell have a complete brain fade as he receives three identical balls - short of a length and temptingly hittable but not - and after being caught off the first one gets run out off the next two he faces. Hill had played cautiously only to watch his cousin throw it away. They finish with only 17 and Dowell chucks a hissy fit the likes of which he hasn't done for a year or two with major explitives. Hill tries to calm him but Dowell is right - four outs - all completely avoidable is unacceptable. (Its all a bit weird reporting about myself in third person but it keeps in context - I think) Anyway Dowell is left to sulk which he does for a couple of overs.

In go Rock and Latchford and they get off to a reasonable start but some tight bowling and three wickets in the last over see them add just another 18 and the total is 35. Vlastuin to bat with whoever they pick and they pick Latchford to have another crack. Third ball of the first over and Vlastuin gets something he likes and dispatches it tidily for 7 - handy. An out off the last ball of this over is a little disappointing but that was to be the last wicket for the innings. The next three overs sees this pair grafting runs and rotating the strike sensibly and with no further outs add a very tidy 39 - Vlastuin 25 -  bringing the score up to 74 which is competitive. 

Dowell has the first over and Hill debates whether to have 2 back or 2 up the front. 2 up the front to start and we will see how we go. First ball out - great take by Rock behind the stumps to a faint nick. Next ball is rifled towards the back net but Dowell plucks it one handed on his follow through - fourth ball gets through and Rock effects the stumping - 'imperious' as Paul Sheahan would oft say. Its a good start as they are just -3. Latchford next and one does get through to the back net but another goes straight into Dowell's hands who is covering the back. Hill bowls himself and they are not handling him well - producing a third ball situation. Don't get the wicket but after this over they have only 13 on the board. Hill decides to give Dowell another go - the intent to restrict them. No wickets and 8 runs is not ideal and they finish on 21.

Rock to bowl first to the next pair and delivering a tempter the batsman has a crack but manages to hit it straight back to Rock who says 'thank you very much' and that is out. This is followed by a dot ball and another catch is taken - I think by Dowell. The over finishes with them only making -1. Next Vlastuin and the runs are coming slowly and then one gets through and Rock effects another stumping. This is followed by an attempted hit to the back but Dowell (channeling Perry) fields cleanly and effects the run out. This over sees the score slip back to 18 and we can sniff a victory. Next Latchford and some leg sides and a couple of two's then through he gets to Rock and another stumping taken. Hill decides to bowl himself a couple more wickets would be just the ticket. First ball is hit to Dowell who can't miss the stumps - out. A four is scored off the third ball but then a dolly catch to Vlastuin is very helpful and then the final ball gets through to Rock and yet another stumping and this pair have added 0. But beware batsmen batting with freedom even if they have to score 54 for victory.

Vlastuin first and the second ball is hit to Dowell down back and he effects the run out again. Next ball is a dolly catch to Latchford up front and the feeling is we are home. Rock next and a few runs are scored and then they need to pick two bowlers and its Latchford and Rock. A 7 is scored but another run out is effected by Dowell and they have 31 to get off the final Rock over. A first ball seven indicates their intent but Rock cramps them for room and they can only score twos and the victory is secured. A wonderful team effort again with everyone making a critical contribution. Vlastuin (MVP with 25 and 4/-1) and Latchford for posting a score, Hills bowling as always and captaincy, Rocks brilliance behind the stumps and canny bowling under pressure and Dowell after making a mess of the batting redeemed himself with solid bowling and a Perry like performance covering the back net. Love that sort of a game - Go Cutters!

Thursday, March 6th 2014. Premiership Number 6. But not in the way we might have expected.

Seems just when you think that you have seen it all, well, you haven't.
The Cutters had a great season, losing only one game in the home and away series to a team that we were ultimately to face in the Grand Final.
This was a game that we lost, but in the words of Gloria Clemente, from "White Men Can't Jump"....

Sometimes when you win, you really lose, and sometimes when you lose, you really win.

That's how it turned out. Due to a procedural matter, we were awarded the premiership. Fortunately we had had our photo taken on the night, and fortunately we had the appearance of a team that had just won its sixth premiership.

Second Semi Final vs Hurricanes, Thursday Feb 26 2014

Match Report vs The Hurricanes....by M.W.Dowell

Its Finals time - best time of the season and the expectations are high coming of a near undefeated home and away season. But these are the games that count the most and we need to perform.

All but the Don are there early to watch end of the first semi final - Jims Class Heroes through to the Prelim and we take the field to warm up.

The toss was lost and we are having a bowl. Dowell to open and he sprays the ball everywhere - 4 wides a dot and a one - the Captain encouraging saying it was only 9 runs - but not the pressure requires. Vlastuin and Rock follow - still not a wicket and another 18 runs. The Don is given the fourth over and after a bit of a mixed bag and some rebowls at the end we snare our first wicket - but a solid start of 36 for The Hurricanes.

Next pair face Perry first and with a couple of dots in this over Perry is troubling these batsmen. Vlastuin next and with some indecison from the batsmen an easy run out is secured. This is followed by one thats get through Jarrod's suspect defence for a bowled. The Hill boy next and he does come steaming in and Jarrod's a bit uncomfortable - bowled, run out and then stumped - lovely work by Rock and after a 3 for -5 fro,m Hill this pair have only added 2. Rock to bowl the last over and with a run out last ball the pair have only added 6 bringing the total to 42.

Dowell bowls first to the last pair and carrying a calf injury sustained in the first over he is on target a little better - a run out off the fifth ball stalls progress for The Hurricanes. The Don and Perry follow and while no wickets there a plenty of dots and ones. The Hill boy steaming in again and this pair are uncomfortable - another stumping by Rock and 1's and dots and they finish by adding 23 and the total we are chasing is 65.

Dowell and the Don open and they are circumspect - no need to do anything too risky. Dowell does get one to drive but its along the ground for 5 and after three overs they have reached a wicketless 28. Facing their captain Jack Rust they are reminded how he can really fizz the ball and turn it sharply. After picking up a couple of twos Dowell gets a floating fizzer - last week he went down the pitch and hit it for 7 - this week he opts for playing back but gets tangled and it bounces off his body on to the stumps. The Don facing the last ball is careful but gets an edge that lobs in the air and with the two last over wickets post just 28 - a solid enough start chasing 65.

Perry and Hill and their approach is clear - no risk batting. And indeed in a final that is a quality approach - a chanceless, wicketless innings of ones and twos - also a good smattering of wides and they add a lazy 35 bringing the score up to 63.

Rock and Vlastuin to get us over the line and Rock is also circumspect as he pushes for 2's off the net. Vlastuin supports him well rotating the strike and after three overs they have the score at 83 and just need to see off the last over from Jack Rust to secure the victory. Jack was spinning the ball like a top and Vlastuin decided to shut up shop. They got one stumping which was only their fourth wicket for the match in this final over and we finish at 82.

A solid team effort getting the job done - Hill MVP with 15 runs and a match breaking 4 for -5. The beer was good and we will face either Jims Class Heroes or The Hurricanes again in the Grand Final - have a feeling it will be Jims Class Heroes.  

Dr George Sheehan On Playing

"We are all born athletes.We are all born to play,and play well,although most of us don't.

We should not care about the outcome, because the aftermath will be filled with mirth and relaxation."

from Going The Distance  by Dr George Sheehan

Sunday Nov 25 2012 ...Curry On

The highlights of the Curry On Cup were many and varied.

Perry and Donaldson managed to forget all of the controversy that surrounded our previous encounter with Untitled.They focused their energy on winning the game and the result never looked in doubt.

With injuries and overseas trips depleting our numbers we were pleased to have Tyler Keating, friend of Rachel Vlastuin help us make up our required 6.

His fielding was outstanding, resulting in a team total of 9 run outs. Tyler was quick, but the most important part of his game was his ability to anticipate well.He seemed to know where the ball was going before it even did.

The captain was later heard saying,"He's the best fielder we have had".High praise indeed when you consider all of the players that have preceded Tyler.

Nov 15 2012. Big Guns Prove To Be Just A Bit Too Big

Andrew Fossett, The Don,The Skipper,Gilligan,sorry Chris, and Chris's bother  Barry discuss The Cutters 94 to 91 loss to Big Guns

New recruit Andrew Fossett is in receipt of some Don wisdom.

8th Nov 2012 - A New Season Begins

This week's reporter-Captain Perry

Perry wins the toss and we decide to bat. We are only 5 but we’re quietly confident. There’s a new kid in town so Hill bats with Paulie. A steady start with a surge in the last two overs adds 37. 26 coming from the last two. Perry and Foss in next. Foss comes out warming up a little like Punter. Similar to the opening pair, a steady start and just the one out. Foss looks very comfortable and once he’s worked out the scoring zones he’s off and away. 46 added which included a promising 28 from the debutant. Last pair in and they pick Paulie for another bat. 2 outs from the first two balls but then they slowly crawl back out of the hole they dug and make 26. Paulie was doing the KP with reverse sweeps and back of bat shots to impress the crowd. Anyway 109 on the board was a good score but 5 in the field would be a challenge.

Perry opens with Dowell absent. No wickets and they push it around for 1’s & 2’s. Vlastuin next and he breaks through with a couple of wickets. Paul & Foss finish and the batting is a little more aggressive. 21 scored and the skin make 29. Danger pairing of Stutsel and Sarge in next. Hill is given the ball and Stutsel slugs 5 off the first ball. The rest of the over is quite tight. Perry next and although Stutsel is contained Sarge scores 5 this time. Oh for a 6^th player to reinforce the back net as both 5’s were stoppable. Paulie dazzles in his over with 2 wickets including a straight drive catch which was heading low and towards the back net. A 10 run play. Hill finishes off the pair but Stutsel breaks loose and slaps one to the back net. 47 off and we have a game on our hands. 33 required by the last pairing. Vlastuin starts with a great over, 2/5. There was a runout off a 7 which stopped them in their tracks.  Foss in next and it was great until the last ball 7. 16 needed from the last 2 and they’ve picked Chris & Paul to finish off. A mixed over with a nice caught and bowled taken adds 9. They need 7 to win. Paulie gets hit for 4 off the first, and again it’s due to the gap in the field. They scrape to a run in front after 3 and Paulie bowls a lovely dot ball for the fourth. 2 balls to go and we need a wicket. A short ball is hit to the back net but it’s taken quickly and the throw misses by a ball width with the batsman a metre short of his ground. Oh so close. 2 off the last and 119 seals a 10 run victory.

To sum up I’d say not having a 6^th was the difference. But every cloud has a silver lining and Foss’s batting, slow inswing bowling (reminiscent of one J. Clewlow) and nice keeping (reminiscent of one J. Clewlow) looks the goods. We look forward to next week.

The Grand Final. 1 Nov 2012 9pm vs Barnies .Number 5 In The Bag.

Match Report .... a wounded ..Mark Dowell

It is the Big One - The Grand Finale and The Cutters are there early with Fraser and Cowley, The Hill Clan, Most of the Rock Clan and Vlastuin's better half to soak in the atmosphere and to cheer the Cutters on. Its Show Court one as it should be and the nerves are jangling - you can smell it (or is it just those t-shirts) never mind. Hill is doing one final pouring over stats of The Barnies - his cousin suggesting - just go with the flow of the game. But how will we go without our spiritual leader?

The toss is won by Hill and he chooses to bat first. The regular opening pair of the Don and Dowell are in first - they have been here before and they know what to do but can they get it off to a solid start. A solid but not pretty first over had 10 runs on the board but 2 run outs in the 2nd weren't what we needed. In frustration The Don goes for one and it is in the air - side net fieldsman has one grab and another and then it dribbles for a much needed four. Dowell trying to get one though the field has to stretch for the run and pulls his hammy and he is hobbling. 3rd over collects a vital 8 runs the total now 20. But Dowell playing too carefully dollys an easy catch 1st ball of the 4th over. The Don does the same from the third ball from innocuous bowling - some wides and extra ball gets the score to 21 but not really enough - but not a total disaster.

Hill and So next and the runs come but a 4th ball caught was unfortunate. 2nd over is facing the tempting Evan but 2 runouts are effected - some sharp fielding from the Barnies and the score is rising very slowly. Power Play 3rd over sees another 2 wickets and 4 more runs and they have only added 10. Last over and the score is creeping along and then second last ball So is bowled and there is a bit of anxiety amongst the faithful. So puts that behind him as he spanks a final ball 5 adding 20 for the pair - the total a so so 41.

Enter Rock and Vlastuin - first over and the sharp fielding continues despite Rock and Vlastuin middling the ball. Facing the pacey Luke another run out is effected 1st ball and they struggle to get him away - the total is only 47 with 2 overs to go. Power Play over and they are facing the fiesty Karl and their is a steely determination with these two. Rock is hitting the ball almost too well but Vlastuin plays smart at the non strikers end, staying in his crease as Rock makes his way down and fieldsman shatter the stumps at the bowlers end only to find it is not out - Vlastuin scampering to the other end - brilliant steely stuff by the oldest bloke in the team. A glorious 7 from Rock off the last ball of the 11th over has brought the score up to 66 - it looks like we may be able to post at least 70 something to have a real chance of defending. But these boys are focussed and the strike rotates each ball - a great four from Rock and then a final ball five from Vlastuin to push the score to 80 and the applauses from teamates and the gallery said it all - a brillant batting performance by both men when it was needed most.

So now to defend this total. Dowell is not moving freely but does open the bowling. They are playing carefully and ones and twos flow but a fifth ball run out (sorry guys can't remember who) was handy and they have 6 on the board. So next and the runs continue to flow and the ball is thrown to the Don. Third ball is pitched beautifully and the snick is taken cleanly by Rock. This is followed by another well flighted delivery past the bat and Rock effects the stumping with great efficiency - a couple of handy wickets. Power Play final over and Vlastuin has the job - a second ball caught is handy but some runs are scored and they finish at 30 and a good start for The Barnies.

Hill puts himself on for the first to a pair that we suspect has one of their best batsmen and with 2 dots and only ones and a wide they only get 5 off the first. Rock next and a second ball caught and bowled is very handy. But this pair are struggling and off Rock's last ball they finally get one away where Dowell in attempting to stop the three has the ball dribble into the back net for four - but as he gets to it they have set off to steal another run - Dowell throws it accurately to keeper Donaldson the full length of the court - the Don gathers and effects the run out and this pair after 2 overs have added just 3. Vlastuin next and they are being very careful now but an uppish drive is hit straight to Hill fielding at silly mid on and wraps everything he has got around it to take the vital chance. Following a great dot ball from his final ball the score is 37. Hill is going to bowl himself - Dowell suggest he should hold himself for one over for the final pair - but he is channeling our spiritual leader - if we get some more wickets its going to put a lot of pressure on the final pair. No mistaking that as the first ball is a dolly catch to Dowell. Next ball is a gem and straight through and rattling the stumps and this pair don't know what to do and finish adding only 5 to the score - great decision and backed up by good accurate and fast bowling by the Hill boy.

Final pair which is the captain and Karl the fiesty but statistically best batsmen - but they need to make 46 to win - can we keep tham at bay. So first and after a first ball wide collects three dot balls amongst some runs - only 6 added a good start. The Don next and an attempted seven off the second ball is swallowed by Dowell and we feel it is getting a little beyond them - but looking at the scores at the same time after 10 overs Cutters were 47 while the Barnies are 50 - it can be done. Rock next and Karl senses the urgency off the last 2 balls having added only 6 so far he gives himself room to leg but Rock bravely follows him and gets him all tangled up - dot - dot - brillant stuff from Rock and Karl knows he has missed the opportunity. The Final over and they are on 56 needing 25 to win off the hobbling Dowell - and its the Power Play. First ball is not good - a rank full toss that is called a no ball and belted for four - ouch - the gallery have gone quiet. With Karl facing up well to leg he is intent on one thing, hitting sevens - Dowell puts one wide outside off - he can't get it but it is also called a wide. Next is more in line and Karl spanks that for 4 and the score has reached 68 - 13 for the win three balls to go - can be done. First ball is a dot - next is a dot and they get one off the last and they finish on 69 and The Cutters snare a great and hard fought team victory.

After Karl threw his bat at the stumps in frustration The Barnies were very gracious in defeat. Off to the bar to enjoy the free jugs and to get our medals. Rock MVP for some great batting (brilliantly supported by Vlastuin), his usual great work behind the stumps and some canny bowling that netted 2 for 4 - his second over was daring and shrewd following the batsmen to leg brilliantly. Hill studies bore fruit as captain - his bowling changes were the right ones at the right time - his own bowling typically menacing. Vlastuin brilliant with the bat 19 with Rock's 20 - steady with the ball and reliable in the field. The Don ground it out to get the innings started - very effective with the ball with 3 for 12 and for that gather from Dowell while keeping - critical. So made a crucial 18 in the middle pair and made many stops as the anchor man down back. As for Dowell the couple of whiskeys have numbed the hammy nicely - ground it out with his mate to get a start, bowled serviceably and stopped quite a bit down back hobbling about. But all in all a great team effort.

She was a dirty, unkempt woman.

Often,his mother would be on the bus,too.

Oct 25 2012 - Barnies. Second Semi Final

Untitled - Thursday Oct 18. Last home and away game.

Match Report

1 Game to go and the double chance needs to be secured - 2 skins will do it. With only 3 of Untitled there at the start of play The Cutters leadership group opted to let them bat first. (Excercise for the morning - who would be the leadership group at The Cutters?) Dowell opening to a left right combination and there intent is to get down the wicket and hit the ball hard to the back. Perry effects a sharp run out off a solid shot to get the first wicket. Vlastuin for the second over and off a perfect length the batsman is beaten all ends up and Rock effects the relatively easy stumping. This is followed by a great bit of fielding by the bowler who then flicks it back on to the stumps and after 8 balls they are just 2 - but they are still striking the ball hard. Perry for the third over and twos and threes come steadily. Hill for the last over to what we suspect may be their best pair and Hill has an over he would rather forget - didn't help that his cousin dropped a catch that went for four. With some good ball striking they recover from the shaky start to post 40.

Vlastuin to the next pair which includes the 6 foot 20 Dravish who struggles to get bat on ball. 2 dot balls are followed by a stumping by the Don - then a caught and bowled and a run out and the birthday boy looks like he is going to have a good one with a 3 for -6. The Don next and after a couple of leg sides gets a run out and a bowled. Vlastuin for the Power Play and they are starting to strike the ball well scoring 3 fours. Similarly of Rock they get more runs but a timely run out pegs them back and they add just 19. Dowell to the final pair and while its tight he can't snare a wicket. Perry next and a sharp chance is taken by the Don on the second bite. The Hill boy next and he is a bit cross about his first over and it shows snaring 1 for 3 with a sharp run out effected by his own fielding. The Don last and a caught and bowled and a last ball 7 have them post a total of 90 to chase. Lets see how we go.

Dowell and the Don first and facing the chucking Sunatha we see him off with out incident. With the Don facing the wayward Hirun he recieves 5 no balls in a row the fifth because of not informing of change in direction which we get an extra run. A half tracker has Dowell's eyes lit up and while not getting the seven a four is scored relatively safely. The next over has three more no balls but has one run out. The final over they make an extraordinary decision to put Hirun on again. He bowls the first three deliveries legally and the score has crept up to 32 - nine to get the skin. Dowell then receives 3 gift no balls which are all rebowled and now the score is 38. Finally a legal delivery and 2 is scored and then another and Dowell sees off the last to finish at 42 and the all important skin - although the win should be secured from here - but lets not get ahead of ourselves.

Hill and Perry and they set about their steady accumulation Hill finding the pace and length to his liking as he pushes some well placed threes - they rotate the strike well and the score is building tidily. Just the one out in the last over sees them post 33 and with 75 on the board the final pair of Rock and Vlastuin need just 16 to get over the line. With birthday boy facing they are run out first ball - oh well got that out of the way I suppose - this is followed by a typical Rock drive for 4. A run out in the second over has the score creeping up on the total. A solid five from Rock in the power play over has us up to 94 with an over to go - one of the chuckers Sunatha to bowl the last. 2 leg sides - a run out and a close stumping chance (that went our way) had them score another 4 for the last and the win is secured.

MVP to the Rock - Mick's birthday present and it is now on to games of significance next Thursday at 9pm - been a while since we have been in finals and I for one am looking forward to the pressure. Go Cutters!

Thursday 6 August 2009 vs Sub Prime

Match Report.

Well this match had a bit of everything including a potential dust up and a remarkable bit of mathematics on the score sheet.

Not sure if we won the toss or not but we were having bat. So and the flu infested Dowell (got out of bed for the team) opened and faced some steady bowling. After two overs they were going steadily but in the third over power play Dowell went for one and was bowled. So followed suit and after another run out in the fourth 21 was posted. Then Hill and Vlastuin are in and the runs compile slowly with Sub Prime able to keep the bowling tight. 23 is posted and we are building. Final pair is Rock and Black and Rock swinging freely picks out a couple of fieldsmen for run outs and some threes and fours while Black deftly picks off the constant leg side inswingers for two. Another 21 and 65 is on the board not enough it is felt but you never know in this game.

Dowell opens the bowling and picking up a wicket keeps it tight and they have only 4 on the board. With Vlastuin, Hill and So following they did manage to get a couple of lucky shots away and compile 27. New pair and Black is thrown the ball. Despite one 7 getting away 4 wickets are taken including the usual clean work by Rock and a spectacular one handed catch off the top net by Black himself and Sub Prime are under pressure. The approach from Sub Prime was to keep swinging and Dowell and Hill at the back were given a work out. The second pair managed to post 29 with a strange final ball incident off Hill. The batsemen decided to wander down the pitch leisurely while Hill was running in. Hill decideds to not deliver the ball stops and sends him back to the crease. Matt the mouth for Sub Prime at the non strikers end has a go at Hill, Hill responds. Delivering the last ball the batsmen employs the same tactics of wandering well down the pitch - Hill bowls stright over his head - a little too high otherwise Rock would have effected the stumping. Calls for no ball and the like was asked for but the umpire said the ball was good. And then there was a little verbal with the usually quiet Dowell jumping into the fray and arguing with the whole team through the net. Calls from Hill and Black got Dowell back on the game.

So with 10 to defend can Black weave some magic? and he did! First ball eyes light up whack and Hill positions himself perfectly and takes the catch. Three more wickets follow and Black has taken 8 for -8 in his two overs and we are in with chance. So followed and more wickets came including a third ball run out. Rock to bowl the 11th and a full toss gets despatched and they only need 3 off the last over. Dowell has the last over and following discussions with Hill, Dowell suggests keeping three up the front as they are probably going to creep their way to the total. First ball to the better batsman and he carefully gets two. Next a full length ball and a healthy edge is caught by the forward placed So. 4 to get and with the better batsman on strike Dowell manages a dot ball with a near stumping as he falls foward playing carefully. Unfortunately Dowell then bowls a straight full toss and it is despatched to the back - 7 and they keep the last two out to win by three. Without that opportune delivery the pressure could have mounted.

Evaluating the score sheet the umpire got himself totally confused as he added negative numbers as positives including awarding the final pair a total of 27 when they only made 13. This also included one of the last pair making 30 which should have been 17 and being awarded MVP. Black with 16 runs and spectacular bowling figures was clearly the MVP. Interesting game.

Thursday 14 May 2009 vs Royals

10 pm games are not always the best - I was asleep in the comfy chair after a couple of obligatory wines and had to be woken to get to the game. Hill deputising as captain lost the toss and the Royals decided to have a bat. Dowells thrown the ball and beats the bat first ball and Rock siezes the opportunity to effect the stumping - brilliant keeping and were off to a flyer. Following some powerful hitting they manage to get 13 off the over. Vlastuin Jnr followed then Hill and Vlastuin Snr. Dowell dropped two catches at the back off Vlastuin Snr as the Royals cranked up the power hitting. 59! after 4 overs and things were not looking good.

Shaking our heads and banishing Dowell to the front and out of harms way we set about putting the breaks on. Donaldson first and had this second pair second guessing. Rock was having one of those nights behind the stumps with 4 maybe 5 stumpings - brilliant - even rubbing off to Donaldson keeping for Rock as effected another. Anyway the second pair were kept to 22 or so and on to the final pair.

This pair seemed to be content to play straight cricket shots and milk the runs - swung out a bit in the power play 3rd over and got themselves a bit caught in the final over - again Rock taking his opportunities. The total a daunting 113!

Donaldson and Dowell in first with the aim of building steadily but the new rules come in to play - a free hit off a front foot no ball allowed Dowell to have a go at one early - 4th ball seven and we were on our way. With Donaldson playing good cricket shots and Dowell taking his chances a tidy 45 was amassed after 4 overs. We've got chance.

Enter the Rock boys Snr and Jnr pinch hitting for Vlastuin Jnr and these boys had some fun. Snr was seeing the ball well - just following on from his form behind the stumps and belted what was reasonable bowling everywhere with Jnr backing his eye and scampering between wickets. 50! and Hill and Vlastuin Snr have only 19 to get.

The decision was to just get to the total no risk and 113 was reached after 11 overs. Just to make the final over a little interesting Vlastuin was caught off the first ball - but they steadied the ship got to 115 and Vlastuin kept the last one out. A great victory with everyone making a contribution also considering the bowling of the Royals wasn't that bad except they did bowl 13 extras with three free hits. Rock very unlucky to not be MVP as apart from his flawless 27 with the bat his keeping kept us in with the chance - if you call chasing 113 a chance. The beers were beautiful after that one.

From you faithful correspondent M. Dowell

Grand Final 5 March 2009 vs Doo Don't Bowl

The Match Summary - In long hand.

This was Grand Final night and there was a quiet confidence about the Cutters prior to the match as we watched the exciting last overs of the Div 1 Grand Final.

The toss was lost and the Doos’ put us in. Dowell and So were sent in for the first two overs accumulated runs at the minimal rate of 1 per ball. By half way through the third over they were 22 and looked set to accumulate a tidy 30. But a couple of run outs and a second last ball wicket saw them finish at 18 – not quite the start we were after.

Enter Hill and Perry and from the first ball these boys got in to stride. Playing sensibly and confidently with good well placed cricket shots they soon had 26 or so off two overs. With no outs the captain and his deputy had righted the ship with a classy 38.

Enter the finishers Rock and Vlastuin – Rock striking the ball well was caught with some flukey flick of the wrist run outs. Vlastuin did his usual grafting of runs and scampering between wickets but with the runs ebbing and flowing in the high 60’s Vlastuin struck a second last ball seven, just missing the jug signand a perfectly struck off drive, to push the score to the final 80.

It was a score that was defendable now to keep the Doo’s big hitters quiet. Dowell was given the opening over and bowling to one of the best batsmen Andy was pleased to see a defensive push off his legs for a possible one, but So pounced cat like on the ball and in a clean pick up and throw hit the stumps – first ball wicket and -6 – the dream start. Hill followed keeping the runs down followed by So – and while the runs were accumulating the fives and sevens that plagued us in the semi final were kept at bay. Perry bowling the fourth over managed several dot balls to keep the dangerous Andy off strike for all of the last over. 27 for the first pair and a reasonable start.

Their second pair though were not noted for big hitting or their speed between wickets and they were under pressure to give the final pair something to aim at. Vlastuin and So bowled next and run outs were made and catches were hit and taken and the tension was building. Rock was given the 7^th over and it was telling. Three wickets and some great fielding by So and Vlastuin and at the end of the over Rock 3 for -7.

Perry bowled the 8^th over and was tidy and the second pair had only added 5 – the total only 32 – 49 for the last pair to get – with some tight bowling we should win – but its not over until its over.

The captain decided Dowell first and Hill last with Vlastuin and Rock in between.

Again avoiding the double bonus ball Dowell kept that to 2 and with some further deliveries nothing was getting away. But in a lapse of concentration Dowell banged one in too short and wide and full toll was taken 7 runs and the confidence boost for the Doo’s that maybe they could do it. Fortunately through some great keeping by Rock a wicket followed the next ball to negate the 7 a little but 11 had been taken off that over. Valstuin was next and some lusty hitting and some uncharacteristic misses in the field saw another 15 accumulated. 23 to get and Rock is bowling. Another tight over from the bearded lad left Hill to defend 13 for the tie which would have been won on skins to the Doo’s.

Second ball and a classic toe crushing Yorker from Hill dug out just by the batsman left the ball just in front of the stumps. Rock pouncing on it ignored the stumps at his end and threw to bowlers stumps – out! – a brilliant effort and crucial bit of cool thinking by the veteran keeper. Next ball another lusty hit, but hitting the side net and back net Perry calmly put himself in position, catch taken and it was beyond reach. Bowling an uncharacteristic leg side no ball was a reminder to finish it off but following a last ball seven the y feel 5 runs short and a great victory to The Cutters.

A great team effort – man of the match So for three or four run outs great catching and some telling stops together with 15 with the bat and some canny bowling was well deserved; the captain Perry for a solid 20 with the bat, frugal bowling and his typical coverage of the back net; Hill also excellent with the bat, and great bowling as always in the pressure cooker of the final over; Rock, unlucky with the bat but a telling two overs and as always the Cutters secret weapon behind the stumps; Vlastuin for his scampering runs, the timely 7 and some great fielding and then Dowell – well he made three but made up for it with a lot of cheering and beer drinking.

Fantastic game lads – roll on to the next one I say!

Grand Final 6 March 2008 vs A Team Whose Name We Cannot Safely Use On The Net

Chigurh won the toss and sent Stabbin in to bat. Tight bowling & fielding restricted the powerful hitting opening pair to 18. Next pair added 27 but some brilliant end of innings bowling from Hill, Rock & Donaldson saw the next pair add 2. 47 to chase. A nervous start from Dowell & Donaldson added16 with the stumps rattled on a couple of occassions. In the scheme of things it was enough to launch an assault. A dour 31 added by Hill & Perry with the loss of no wickets and scores were level. Rock & Clewlow added amusement at the end with 3 run outs off 4 balls to drag us back level with 14 balls remaining. Once the running was sorted they powered away with some lusty stroke making which included the only 7 of the game off the last ball to Junior. We finished with a 69. Overall a brilliant effort which was set up by some great bowling and fielding. This made the batsmen's job that much easier. A season high 5 stumpings to Phil saw him take home his second Russ Cowley medal. Not to forget 4/-1 with the ball. Thanks to all who came along to support us. Carlos, Christine, Russell, Tom, Pete & Tim. Apologies to Christine for bellowing out instructions from behind the net.

How Sweet It Is ! - The Grand Final 8.10pm July 4th 2007

Much strategising was done in the days leading up to the GF about when to bat, who to bowl etc and hard decisions were taken . The Cutters won the toss and batted , deciding to "put the runs on the board"and put pressure on the younger Bogan's. A brilliant opening stand of 35 from Donaldson and Dowell got the team off to a fantastic start. 23 from Perry and Hill and a very solid 28 from Vlastuin and Rock meant that the total that the Bogan's were looking to beat was 86.No mean task .

Tony and Brendan managed 32 for the first pair and the Bogan's looked like they were on their way.The Cutters put the clamps on Ash and James and some super bowling from Donaldson held them to 20 .

Mark ( their gun) and Rob needed a substantial 35 to win the game . No mean task !
They seemed up to it though, advancing the score to 81 with one over to go. 6 balls to go, 6 runs to win. A tie would see The Cutters triumph as they had already won two skins.
A one off the first ball meant that 5 off 5 was the ask.
Mark hit the second ball back to Hill, the bowler who ran to the bowlers stumps , and took the bails off. Run Out!. Now 8 were needed off 4.Much tougher .The next ball , Phil Rock affected a great stumping and the elusive premiership was looking a reality.3 off the next ball meant that 8 was needed off 2 . Mark dragged the 5 th ball onto his stumps meaning that The Bogan's needed 11 off the last ball to win . A legal ball was all that was needed, Mark was welcome to hit a 7 off it . A donkey drop legal ball was delivered, Mark swung, Perry takes the catch,Bogan's make 73 and The Cutters snare their second premiership, winning 86 to 73.

Phil Rock was named man of the match.

A fantastically exciting game and the consensus was that Bogan's and the rest of Div 4 were more worthy opponents than The Cutters adversaries when they won their first premiership.

Perhaps the most significant event of the post match celebrations was the announcement from the captain, Richard Perry, that officially................

THE MONKEY IS OFF THE BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Preliminary Final - 1st July 2007

The Cutters batted first and accumulated a serviceable 85 and tight bowling made sure that the Camels were never in the hunt,managing only 61. It was on to the "Game of Significance "against the Cutters nemesis Bogan's Heroes.

First Semi Final - 27 June 2007

Beam Team were The Cutters adversaries and the Cutters lost the toss and batted first making 91 .Professional bowling and great strategies held the Beamers to 81 and our heroes moved onto the preliminary final to play Eot Lemac spelt backwards.The camels had finished on top and were a polished, athletic outfit.

Qualifying Final - 20th June 2007

The Cutters batted first and compiled a very serviceable 92. The Bogan's , though were up to the task and sent the score to 3-0 as they rushed to 107, thanks mostly to 4 7s and a total of 33 from Mark Bogan.The Cutters now found themselves in a cut throat First Semi Final .