Green Shield Match Report – Round 4 vs Northern Districts 2020/21

T he Greenies boys returned to Manly Oval for their Round 4 clash with ND’s, who like the Tahs, were coming off the back of 3 wins to start the season.

After an early morning walk (or hobble if you’re Liam Toole) through the corso for breakfast, the boys began the morning’s preparation.

Ethan Buchanan went back to back, winning the traditional A-Z competition after some questionable answers for the category of “food” were thrown around, with Josh Lawson maintaining the belief that carrot juice fits into this category.

The Hulios and Nerds faced off once again in Vortex, and after some decisive and ultimately correct refereeing calls from your author, the Nerds snatched a late victory 3-2 after a topsy-turvy match.

Energy was high during the warmup with all the boys raring to go for the clash with one of the competition favourites.

Skipper Josh Cooper went 3 from 3 in home coin tosses after ND’s skipper called incorrectly at the toss, Coops quickly exclaiming “we’ll bat first thanks” on a typically hard and flat Manly Oval wicket.

Charlie Johnston got his opportunity at the top of the order to partner Keelan Mendel, and the boys worked hard to try and see of a tough opening spell from ND’s bowling attack. Unfortunately Charlie was adjudged LBW in the 5th over before the skipper was castled first ball by a seed. Andrew Boulton survived the hat trick ball and worked with Keelan to get the Manly innings back on track.

2-43 at drinks after 17 overs.

Just as both began to look set for a long partnership, Keelan was bowled by the spinner for 23, bringing Roop Dhillon to the crease.

Both Andrew and Roop began consolidating Manly’s innings, turning over the strike and putting the bad ball away, before Roop was out for 20 to a sharp catch while looking to up the run rate.

4-103 at 2nd drinks after 34 overs.

Andrew continued working away and soon brought up a well made 50* with Bailey Lidgard joining him at the crease.

Unfortunately from here on, the Tahs began to lose their way, with Bailey out LBW to their opening bowler before Boults was stumped for a crucial knock of 63.

Some good bowling and fielding from ND’s combined with a few decisions that the boys would love to have over again saw the Tahs bowled out for 156 in the 47th over, despite a handy contribution from Ethan Buchanan.

With 156 on the board, the boys would need to bowl and field very well to win.

Josh Lawson and Marcus Campbell opened the bowling and immediately had a few close shouts, before Josh broke through to dismiss ND’s opener LBW.

Bailey (1-24 off 10) entered the attack and struck immediately in his first over with an LBW to have ND’s on the back foot at 2-22.

Bailey and Andrew (1-13 off 4) continued to apply the pressure and restrict ND’s run scoring opportunities, leading to Andrew castling ND’s skipper just as he started to look threatening. ND’s 3-44.

Unfortunately from here the Manly boys lost their way with ND’s No.3 and No.5 combining for a 75 run partnership to all but assure the result, with a few missed chances in the field proving costly.

Josh Lawson returned to the attack and picked up a consolation wicket, caught by Roop at cover, to finish with 2-29 off 7.

ND’s closed the game out in the 36th over, winning by 6 wickets.

Coaches Gainsy and Rochy quickly reiterated the importance of the Tahs game day goals for the season, to bat the full 50 overs and take 10 chances, factors which weren’t executed today as well as the boys would have liked.

Batting coach Joel Davies and bowling coach Josh Seward both shared some of their green shield wisdom, highlighting the importance for our batsman to build a platform for the latter stages of the innings, and for the bowlers to stick to their plans and stay patient throughout the bowling innings.

Huge thank you as well to Lozza and Dougie for all their help and wisdom for the boys once again, I know the boys all appreciate the support you provide.

Now onto the funny stuff. After falling down the stairs and damaging his leg, fines master Liam Toole had been dedicating hours of time into ensuring the fines for each player were up to date.

So after the debrief from the coaches, the boys got ready to spray some of their fellow teammates. Highlights would definitely be some of Billy’s rogue chat, Sentarou running out two drinks and giving one to Charlie as he was walking off after being dismissed, and Rochy’s radio rap battle.

All in all a disappointing day for the Tahs, however, a great learning opportunity for all the boys to take into the remaining fixtures. With the short turnaround, the boys won’t have to wait long to show their skills once again.

Once again, a huge thank you to all the coaching staff for the wisdom and support they provide the boys every game, and to Harj and Henry for their help on game day in organising everything.

Last but not least thank you to the parents for your help once again in setting up the ground and for all your support of the boys day in day out.

Back on the road on Thursday to face Sydney University in a crucial game for the Tahs.

Points

3 – Andrew Boulton – 63(102) and 1-13 (4)
2 – Bailey Lidgard 1-24 (10)
1 – Josh Lawson – 2-29 (7)

IMPORTANT NOTE: GAME VS ST GEORGE ON 13th JANUARY HAS BEEN MOVED TO TUESDAY 19th AT OLDS PARK.

Signing off,
Will Gustafson