from Dave Long, Head of Cricket
The ACS Wandering XI v Black-Bridge CC at Walhalla
A beautiful morning allowed for a pleasant journey to the historic Walhalla village. Most of our intrepid players and supporters met in the township with 3, Ian Hammet, Daniel Smith and David Long making the trek on foot (but without any cricket gear) to the ground which is located at the top of the very steep hill next to the township. The others took the 20 minute, very rough, trip by car. Hammet, Smith and Long reached the top, well and truly warmed up, before the driving crew arrived.
Those at the ground were surprised to see Ravi Henderson appear from the track, looking a bit hot and bothered, with his kit bag followed by his wife, 2 children and 2 dogs. A case of miscommunication the consequences of which may last longer than the match itself.
We arrived to find a BBQ, coffee and a very friendly welcome from our opposition players and supporters.
The legendary ground was a beautiful place to play cricket. The outfield is understandably a bit rough given that it was the result of the gold miners effectively hacking off the top of the hill to create a cricket ground. The ground is small and surrounded by trees and scrub which makes recovering balls hit over the boundary hazardous due to snakes. As a result, a ball struck over the fence is considered to be a dot ball thereby discouraging too many balls entering the snake environment.
ACS batted first with Paul Morrey and Chris Anders taking on a fresh-faced attack. Chris missed out, but Morrey batted well for 26. Andrew Chisholm (52 retired), Jeff Scotland, (18), Sanchif (24), Keith Jansz (50 retired) and Smith (41), who recovered better from the hike up the hill than his partners, all batted freely for us to finish our 40 overs on 9/231. Hammet and Long, possibly affected by the walk up the hill missed out.
After a very tasty burger, the bowling attack kept it tight while picking up regular wickets with Sam Ferguson (3/8) being the standout. Scotland (1/35), David Long (1/22), Jansz (1/21),Sanchif (2/26) and Chisholm (1/22) with Henderson, Smith and Gaurav supporting well. The fielding on the rough outfield was very good. Anders kept very well with 3 stumpings. Black-Bridge being bowled out for 202.
Some lovely cold refreshments ended a great day of cricket played in an incredibly beautiful place against a very hospitable opposition.
