PCA v SCG XI – SCG, Sunday 20 November 2011

The Primary Club of Australia and the SCG XI met in their first match on the hallowed SCG on 20 November 2011 to contest the ‘Canard Cup’. A match report will follow soon.

 

Team captains Brett Papworth (SCG XI) and Joe Scarcella (PCA) at the toss of the coin.

 

Match Report – PCA v SCG XI – SCG, Sunday 20 November 2011

“The legend that is the SCG”

The anticipation, excitement and atmosphere certainly was evident the moment we all arrived at the SCG gates. This was to be a day when life long dreams would come true.

I still cannot believe that I entered this sacred ground steeped in history, walked along the walk of honour towards the members stand and into the home dressing room where the legend of Bradman stood tall. The SCG dressing rooms still have original features from its beginnings that deserves nothing less than to be heritage listed. Photographs of plenty were taken with one notable snap of Richard Priestley with what appeared to be a halo over his head due to the early morning sun over his dressing room locker. It gave him a “god-like” look. Little wonder with a name like Priestley.

There was a threat of rain in the forecast but after a chat with curator Tom Parker, it appeared we were assured of a relative full day’s play. Tom prepared a green top for us on pitch number 1 and we were looking at an eventful first session.

The game was between the SCG XI and the Primary Club XI. With SCG XI captained by none other than wallaby legend Brett Papworth. The Primary Club was led by Joe Scarcella Snr.

We were playing for the inaugural “Canard Cup”. Apparently Canard is French for duck. Something our batsmen were not aspiring to get as runs.

The SCG XI had three debutants. Andrew “Rent a crowd” Williams, Terry McGrath and Mark “Fuzo” Fuzes. They were all given their SCG XI ties by SCC Chairman Bob Adby.

Brett won the toss for the SCG XI and decided to bat. Our side would bat for 25 overs followed by the Primary Club batting 25 and would finish with both batting a further 20 overs each.

This made sure we all got exposure to the experience and became an advantage for the SCG XI.

Openers Norman Kochannek and Mark Fuzes made their way to the middle with heads held high. The opening bowlers from the Primary Club Rob Lavery and Richard Dixon were accurate and got some assistance from the bowler friendly pitch with a fair bit of moisture present. The openers held their own until Mark Fuzes pulled unsuccessfully to be caught and bowled by Lavery for 5. The score was 16. John “Movember” McCormack then strode to the wicket. His newly grown moustache gave him a look befitting of the 1800′s or a more recent Ian Chappell.

Norman Kochannek showed promise with some solid drives off the opening bowlers. Although, in the 11th over of the day, the slow – medium pace of Laughlan Davies got the better of Norman as he feathered a ball to the keeper for 13. The score was 2 for 27. That brought out the captain Papworth. Brett had conviction in his eyes and began to take on the attack with a flurry of boundaries. The Primary Club then brought on both Joe Scarcella Senior and Junior to bowl. Scarcella Junior bowled with pace and was rewarded with the wicket of Papworth caught for a quick fire 20. The score was 3 for 47. Bowling all-rounder Matt Boorer came to the wicket and looked the goods hitting a four before falling to Scarcella Senior.  The home side were in a little bit of trouble losing their 4th wicket. Paul “Vandy” Vanderwert came in with a glint in his eye not unlike the captain. Paul and John McCormack began playing some sweetly timed shots and compiled a score of 4 for 91at the break.

The Primary Club XI certainly had some talent in their side with Michael Lloyd and Damian Cullen opening the bat. The pair began solidly and soon got the better of the opening SCG XI attack of left arm speedster Matt Boorer and Paul “Vandy” Vanderwert. The pair put on a opening partnership of 55 before the left arm spin of Mark “Fuzo” Fuzes deceived Damian Cullen bowling him for 24. Incoming batsman Joe Scarcella Jnr joined the in-form Michael Lloyd at the crease. Joe supported Michael Lloyd as he continued to attack the bowling hitting one six into the Victor Trumper stand that required the SCG XI players to jump the fence go up two sets of stairs and down another to the lower bar area. Unfortunately, there was no bar open to have a quiet beer or two before making the long journey back to the field. The Primary Club XI could have had a lot more on the board if the star attraction of the day Andrew Williams was not fielding so spectacularly at mid wicket. Andrew must have been very well known because his fan club was there in force. Every time Andrew fielded there was a resounding cheer or sigh from the M A Noble stand. There must have been thousands of them by the roar that reverberated around the ground when Andrew swooped on the ball.

Michael Lloyd retired on a magnificent 51 not out having hit a number of 4′s and 6′s in his knock. Joe Scarcella Jnr and Mark Clarebrough continued scoring runs off a steady bowling effort from Mark Fuzes and John Dunk.

John Dunk is a clever bowler that brings his years of experience from bowling on dusty ovals around Bourke NSW. John told how he played cricket in 45 degree heat and stood on mats as the ground was too hot to be on. John said he would stand on the mat and chase the ball down and then quickly return to the mat.

They lost Joe Scarcella Jnr bowled by a very good ball from the well travelled leg spinner Terry McGrath. The Primary Club XI were 2 for 117 at the 25 over break.

The SCG XI returned to bat their next 20 overs after lunch. Vandy and John McCormack took up where they left off and hit good shots around the ground. Peter Mullane then took the wickets of John McCormack (24) and Philip Booth (4). The score was 6 for 105 and it looked a little shaky. In came Richard “God” Priestley to save the day. He joined the well set Vandy and put on 30 before he was caught off Lloyd for 6. The SCG XI lost two more wickets John Dunk for a duck and the impressive Vandy for a well made and defiant 50. The score 9 for 140. Andrew “Rent a crowd” Williams brought the crowd alive with a dramatic 7 not out before his partner Terry McGrath fell LBW off Davies for a duck.

The SCG XI finished on 151 after 41 overs.

The afternoon became very gloomy as the SCG XI entered the field to defend their total. Matt Boorer loved the overcast conditions bowling from his favoured Randwick end struck early getting the wicket of Richard Dixon caught for one. The SCG XI were in with a chance. The Primary Club XI appeared to struggled under the barrage of pace bowling. Luckily for them curator Tom Parker started to mobilise his troops at the Paddington end with the covers as rain began to fall. We were somewhat concerned as Tom and his men couldn’t move the mechanical sidescreen to enter the field.

So the match in summary was a closely fought draw.

Awards:
Player of the match: Michael Lloyd with his 51 not out
SCG XI best player:  Paul Vanderwert with 50
Sportsman award: Andrew Williams (my opinion) for bringing his fan club along

Sunday, 20 November 2011 will go down in history as a day that I fulfilled a boyhood dream of playing on the legend that is the SCG.
(Match report is courtesy of Norman Kochannek of the SCG XI)

The Primary Club of Australia v Sydney Uni Vets – King’s, 27 February 2011

Due to some early season washouts and the unavailability of the main ground for part of the season because of renovation works, this was the PCA’s first game played at the beautiful JS White Oval this season.

The PCA also welcomed 2 new members turning out for their first game for us; Richard Dixon and Michael Cant, both former Gordon first graders and team mates of Stephen Liggins (himself a recent welcome addition to our playing ranks). Both new boys were to have a significant impact on the day, which eventually resulted in a hard fought win to the PCA.

On inspection before the start of the match, it was apparent that the pitch which was prepared for the match had a disconcertingly long and wide crack down running the length of the pitch and close to the line of a right-hander’s off-stump at one end (and a left hander’s at the other end). The captains agreed that it was better to use the adjacent pitch – which had probably been used the previous day, but didn’t appear to be anywhere near as treacherous as the prepared pitch.

Skipper Joe Scarcella won the toss and elected to bat on what appeared to be a reasonable batting pitch, albeit one with a couple of cracks not far from the popping crease at either end of the pitch.

Michael Cant (a regular opener) kicked off the innings with makeshift opener Bob Stephens. The pair started solidly. Michael showed that he’d not lost his batting skills and technique despite his long lay-off since his playing days. He started well, his defence was solid, and soon starting playing his attractive array of strokes. Eventually he compiled a very solid half century, before his compulsory retirement. His innings was punctuated by eight boundaries. At the other end, Bob also batted well in his unfamiliar role, despatching the loose deliveries and putting on a first wicket partnership with Michael that yielded 44 runs before he was run out for 20. Joe Scarcella Junior. Coming in at first drop, was dismissed shortly thereafter to a brilliant catch at mid-wicket by a youngster and certainly their best fielder, in fact probably the only player on the field who would have been able to pull off the catch.

Ian Camejo was next in. Ian and Michael had a strong partnership before Michael’s forced retirement. Stephen Liggins came and went early for a ‘globe’. Ian’s batting stance at the crease was as unusual as his batting was effective; his was a hard-hitting innings in which he punished the loose deliveries with several boundaries including a couple of sixes. He was eventually dismissed, caught very well on the boundary, unfortunately only couple of runs short of his half century. Jason Bates, coming in at 4th drop, batting with Ian, also managed to find the boundary a few times and batted in his usual no-nonsense big-hitting style, compiling 24 runs before being unfortunately run out by the new man in, skipper Joe Scarcella (sorry for that, Jason, you’re right – it wasn’t a smart call on my part !!).

Joe was joined at the crease by Richard Dixon. The pair batted strongly to steady the ship after a couple of quick wickets threatened to cut short the innings well short of the allotted 37 overs. The partnership took the score from 153 to 239 in rapid time, and featured good authentic batting – quick running between the wickets (the pair stealing quick singles and turning 2’s into 3’s in the big outfield), combined with putting the loose balls away to the boundary. Richard’s innings was particularly aggressive – it included four 4’s and 3 big sixes – and he, too, eventually reached his half century before retiring.

The final total for the PCA’s innings from the allotted 37 overs was 7 for 242. It was a very good score that was always going to be difficult to beat.

The Sydney Uni Vets openers included a promising youngster (still playing Green Shield, i.e. Under 16’s), a very good batsman who showed maturity beyond his years who ended up hitting a half century. Richard and Joe jnr opened the bowling for the PCA. Richard bowled with good pace and aggression but Joe jnr was bowling too short and the batsman scored quick early runs. Michael Cant was brought on to try and contain the runs and, after a loose first over, did his job well.

Stephen Liggins replaced Richard after his first 5 over spell in which he took a wicket and looked threatening throughout. The skipper came on to replace Michael at the other end. Together, the pair bowled very well to pare back the run rate. Stephen bowled unchanged for his 7 overs. He bowled tightly and with good variation, and was unlucky not to have picked up a couple of wickets. Joe bowled full and straight, as the wicket demanded, and was rewarded with 3 wickets, all bowled.

To its credit, the opposition fought back with some big hitting from a couple of their middle order batsmen, who took toll of some loose bowling in the latter stages of the innings to get a sniff of an unlikely victory. However, when Richard and Joe jnr were then re-introduced into the attack, they bowled tightly and managed to ward off the threat. Ultimately, the batsmen found the task too difficult and finished 30 runs short.

Result:
PCA 7-242 (37 Overs) def Sydney Uni Vets 7-207 (37 overs)

The team:
Joe Scarcella (c), Michael Cant, Richard Dixon, Stephen Liggins, Bob Stephens, Joe Scarcella jnr, Ian Camejo, Russell Thomas, Peter Buscall, Jason Bates, Ted Harvey, Bill Stephens

Batting:
Michael Cant 51 n.o.; Richard Dixon 52 n.o.; Ian Camejo 48; Joe Scarcella 28; Jason Bates 24: Bob Stephens 20

Bowling:
Joe Scarcella 3-29 (6 overs); Richard Dixon 2-31 (7 overs); Stephen Liggins 0-31 (7 overs); Michael Cant 0-24 (6 overs);

Match report – PCA vs Barker Old Boys at Barker No.1

Sunday 20 February 2010

Muggy conditions greeted the combatants as they arrived at the picturesque Barker College. Some last minute changes to the PCA lineup saw a reduction in the team’s Lloyd ratio but a 100% increase in the Stephens representation with Bill making his second appearance. At the toss fortune favoured the Primary Club and the meteorologically inspired decision to bat first was made.

Mike Lloyd got the side off to a rollicking start with some adventurous strokeplay. At the other end both Joe Scarcella and Roger Christie (on Primary Club debut) suffered the misfortune of finding Hanlon in the gully (surely the most athletic fieldsman yet seen at a PCA fixture). In the end it was Mark Clarebrough who provided the calm ying to Mike’s raging yang and together they took the team to 3/72.

After weathering a tight spell from Rodgie, Mike fell for a very entertaining 48. Rob Lavery (who takes great joy at writing about himself in the third person) played some agricultural shots and, with good support from Mark and another debutant, Liam Cole, a strong total was building. Towards the end of the innings Liam put his foot down and formed rapid partnerships with both Lockie Davies and Bob Stephens. The eventual total of 168 looked a good one but rumours abounded of some significant strength in the batting lineup of the Old Boys. Little did they know of the venom possessed by the PCA’s attack…

Marcus Lloyd, who became the first current Barker student to take part in such a fixture, achieved schoolboy nirvana in his second over removing sportsmaster Steve Thomlinson courtesy of a spectacular catch by wicketkeeper Roger Christie. Ben Crossing, who bowled with abounding penetration but scant luck at the other end, provided a tight foil to Marcus’ attack and helped him earn a second scalp. When Lockie Davies trapped Thomlinson Jr plumb in front Barker were teetering at 3/52. However Barker’s key pairing of Beverley and Rodgie were now at the crease.

Good lines from Liam and Lockie made things difficult for the batsmen and almost brought the breakthrough. Unfortunately the ball slipped from Lockie’s grasp, leaving Liam to opine that Lockie may owe him, “a few beers, possibly a dozen.” A tight over from Bill after drinks provided the pressure that allowed Rob to eke out the dangerous Rodgie. When Joe ripped through Dunn then Beverley (courtesy of more Christie acrobatics) the game was in the balance with Barker needing almost a run a ball from the last 10 overs with only 4 wickets in hand.

Alas it was not to be. Marvell and man of the match Eastman managed to keep out the extraordinary swing of Mike and the return of Marcus and Rob to guide their team home with two balls in hand.

Still, a fantastic day was had with high quality cricket complimenting the stunning surrounds.

Result:

Barker Old Boys 6-169 (34.4. overs) def PCA 6-168 (35 overs) by 4 wkts

Batting:
Michael Lloyd 48, Rob Lavery 36, Liam Cole 31 n.o., Mark Clarebrough 17

Bowling:
Joe Scarcella 2/19, Marcus Lloyd 2/53, Laughlan Davis 1/20, Rob Lavery 1/28

Rob Lavery
21 February 2011

Forthcoming matches – Cricket 2010-11

For information about playing for the Primary Club of Australia or if you are a current player, please contact Joe Scarcella at joe.scarcella@crownlift.com.au or joescarcella@hotmail.com

The Primary Club is a social cricket club, who welcomes players of all levels to join their ranks on a social basis. Perfect for that former player looking for an occasional game.

November

Sunday 21 November
St Joseph’s College 
St Joseph’s No. 1

Sunday 28 November  
NSW Blind Cricketers 
Barker No. 1

DECEMBER 2010  

Sunday 5 December
Northern Suburbs 
Barker No. 1

Sunday 12 December
Cindy Mackenzie BC Foundation 
Kings Old Boys

Sunday 12 December
Shore Invitation XI
Shore No. 1

JANUARY 2011  

Sunday 16 January
Old Sydneyians 
Shore No. 1

Sunday 23 January 
St George Vets 
Barker No 1

FEBRUARY 2011  

Sunday 6 February 
Lords Taverners
Kings Old Boys

Sunday 20 February 
Barker Invitation XI 
Barker No. 1

Sunday 27 February
Sydney Uni Vets 
King’s No. 1

MARCH 2011  

Sunday 6 March  
Mystery team – to be advised
King’s No. 1

Sunday 27 March 
I Zingari 
Camden

APRIL 2011  

Saturday 16 April
Sunday 17 April 
PORT MACQUARIE WEEKEND – Details TBA

PCA v Cricketers Club of NSW at Camperdown Oval – Sunday 17 October 2010

The CCNSW captain won the toss and elected to bat. The opening bowlers Rob Lavery & Joe Scarcella bowled very well in tandem, each taking 2 wickets from his allotted 8 over spell. Rob bowled with good pace and extracted some good lift from the rather docile track, and he always troubled the batsmen, while at the other end Joe was bowling good line & length & getting some swing. After both bowlers had completed their 8 over spells, CCNSW were in a precarious position at 4 – 53.

Unfortunately however, the PCA team was short of a couple of bowlers and we were unable to capitalise on the good start. Bob Stephens and young Michael Bates bowled reasonable tightly for 10 overs or so, but without success. We then had to rely on some overs from a few part-time bowlers and,  as a result, the runs were coming freely for the CCNSW batsmen. Bob’s young son Will, who filled in for us at late notice, bowled very well for his tender years and was rewarded with a wicket, clean bowling a batsman to claim his first wicket for the PCA. Will was quick to remind his Dad that he had one more wicket than his Dad, and Bob was heard to comment to his team mates that the drive home was going to be a long one!!

The CCNSW made 6 – 231 off its 45 overs. Considering the slow outfield and long boundaries, chasing that total was always going to be difficult.

Dylan Calder, making his debut for the PCA, opened the innings with Jason Bates. Jason fell quickly, and Mark Clarebrough came to the crease to join Dylan. The pair were travelling well; Dylan was playing with great confidence, displaying some lovely drives & attacking strokes, and Mark was also accumulating the runs. Dylan reached 41 n.o. and had to retire, and Rob Lavery joined Mark at the crease. By the time Mark departed, the team had added 95 before the second wicket fell, and we were on track to chase down the runs. Mick Cahill, making his debut for the PCA, and Rob continued to build the total, each batting with good purpose and aggression, and each contributing 30-odd runs. However, the wheels fell off after that, with the next 6 wickets falling in rapid succession. It was a disappointing batting display, given the promising start made by the top & middle order.

Result:   CCNSW 6-213 (45 overs) def PCA 148 (36 overs)

The team was:

Joe Scarcella (c), Rob Lavery (vc), Dylan Calder, Mark Clarebrough, Mick Cahill, Steve Cahill, Jason Bates, Michael Bates, Richard Cooney, Bob Stephens, Will Stephens.

Batting: – Dylan Calder 41 n.o., Mick Cahill 32, Rob Lavery 30, Mark Clarebrough 22

Bowling:- Rob Lavery 2-20 (8 overs),  Joe Scarcella 2-33 (8 overs), Will Stephens 1-18 (4 overs)

PCA v Bradman Foundation XI at Bradman Oval – Sunday 31 October 2010

The PCA captain won the toss and sent the opposition in to bat, hoping that there would be some early life in the wicket. The opening attack of Joe Scarcella and Jock Baird bowled tidily. Jock made an early breakthrough, trapping one of the openers in front. The second wicket partnership proceeded well for the next 10 overs or so, both batsmen accumulating runs and keeping some tight bowling out, before Joe Scarcella bowled the other opener.

With the fall of the second wicket – at a relatively modest 2-49 after 12 overs – PCA member James Braddock, came to the crease. After a cautious start and a couple of lucky breaks including a close run out and a dropped catch by Geoff Glover off his own bowling, James then proceeded to bat beautifully. He attacked the bowling, playing some very forceful drives on the off side and down the ground, as well as several savage pull shots for six to the shortish square boundary. Ably assisted by his batting partners, and aided also by some loose bowling at times, James finished up with a fantastic century (105 n.o.). His innings ultimately proved to be the difference between the 2 sides.

The BF XI finished their innings of 45 overs at 4-236. On the smallish Bradman Oval, it was an imposing total, but not beyond the reach of the PCA if we batted well.

After we lost one of the openers (Andrew Pedley) early, things were going reasonably well with Geoff Glover and Damian Cullen at the crease. Geoff was bowled for 17, and despite looking comfortable and playing some lovely shots and looking set for a big innings, Damian (34) followed soon after. Trying to hold the innings together for the PCA was Marcus Braid, who was well settled and batting beautifully. However, another couple of wickets fell very quickly, both batsmen trapped LBW on a wicket that was keeping very low at times. At the other end, Marcus continued to bat with confidence and while he was still there we still had a chance to win. Joe Scarcella joined Marcus at 6 – 100 and together they tried to steady the ship. After solid partnership of 52 came to an end when Joe (16) was caught & bowled. The run chase was beyond us in the end, but the highlight was Marcus’s excellent innings of 85.

Despite the recent wet weather and threat of more of the same, the day turned out to be a lovely day for playing cricket. It’s always a pleasure to play on the Bradman Oval.

The team was:

Joe Scarcella (c), Rick Glover (vc), Geoff Glover, Andrew Pedley, Damian Cullen, Marcus Braid, Jason Bates, Peter Mullane, Damien Bray, Bob Stephens, Jock Baird.

Batting: – Marcus Braid 85, Damian Cullen 34, Geoff Glover 17, Joe Scarcella 16

Bowling:- Jock Baird 1-23 (6 overs), Joe Scarcella 1-28 (9 overs),

UK Cricket Tour – game results

Monday 9th August
Knaresborough CC 3/234 (D.Thompson 1/21) drew Primary Club Aust 7/147 (M.Falk 29, J.Cameron 22, D.Thompson 21) at Knaresborough Yorkshire.

Wednesday 11th August
Walton CC 6/177 (P.Scott 2/16, D.Thompson 1/8) lost to Primary Club Aust 6/181 (D.Thompson 36, M.Falk 35, R.Thompson 35, G.Verco 20) at Walton Yorkshire.

Monday 2nd August
Primary Club Aust 5/160 (P.Lanham 51, D.Thompson 35*, R.Thompson 18, M.Falk 17) lost to Saffron Walden CC 5/164 (C.Hambleton 2/18, M.Falk 2/33) at Saffron Walden Essex.

Friday 30th July
Primary Club Aust 10/179 (R.Thompson 34, J.Dedman 29, D.Thompson 28, M.Fulcher 25) lost to Primary Club (UK) 4/182 (J.Dedman 3/30) at Beckenham Kent.  PCUK retain the “Primary Ashes”.

Thursday 29th July
Primary Club Aust 6/154 (M.Holmes 34, J.Dedman 26, M.Falk 23) beat Richmond CC 10/137 (A. Luff 3/32, J.Baird 2/18) at Old Deer Park Richmond. 

Wednesday 28th July
Primary Club Aust 10/147 (A.Luff 40, M.Falk 30*, P.Lanham 29, J.Dedman 25) drew Wembley CC 9/134 (M.Falk 4/25) at Vale Farm Sudbury.

Blind Cricket NSW vs Primary Club of Australia

One of the great joys of playing cricket for the Primary Club of Australia is the opportunity to play Blind Cricket against the Blind Cricket NSW team.

For those who don’t know what Blind Cricket is – this link will explain the rules: http://www.blindcricket.com/GENERAL/about_the_game.htm

This game was played on the 21 March 2010.

PCA v I Zingari at Camden – 28th March 2010

This was the PCA’s last game of the season. I Zingari hosted us at their picturesque home ground.

The PCA captain Joe Scarcella struggled to field a team due to a number of last-minute withdrawals. This is not an uncommon occurrence at the end of a long season, as our experience tells us. With the help of several I Zingari players who didn’t make the host team, we did however manage put a much-weakened side on the paddock.

The hosts won the toss and elected to bat first. Our young opening bowlers Joe Scarcella Jnr and Sam Cox were at best steady, but not penetrative, against a solid opening pair, in what was a very strong batting line-up. Our change bowlers, Jock Baird and Joe Scarcella, came on after 12 overs with the score at 0-53, and had some success in taking some wickets and keeping the scoring rate down to a respectable rate. However, the captain had very few bowlers to call upon from there, so we had to rely on part-timers to complete the overs. Our opponents took full toll on the attack in the latter overs, scoring at a very heavy rate.

The top scorer for I Z’s, PCA member Marcus Braid, batted very well and eventually made 85 n.o. However, he offered a simple catch early in his innings which was inexplicably dropped. He also was given the benefit of the doubt for a close caught and bowled chance off the captain’s bowling. He definitely made the most of his chances, while we were left to rue what might have been…

I Zingari lost only 3 wickets in its innings, finishing their 40 overs with an imposing total of 3-231.

It was a target that was always going to be hard to beat; and so it proved. The opening batsmen Scarcella Jnr and Story started steadily enough against some good bowling but the run chase against the strong I Zingari attack was proving too difficult to chase.  Mark Clarebrough, coming in at first drop, batted strongly and along with the captain, made a useful contribution. From that point on the wickets fell on a regular basis, without threatening the total at any time.

For I Zingari, Sandy Tubbs starred with the ball, taking 5-30 off his 8 overs.

Despite the lop-sided match, the teams did enjoy a lovely lunch and post-match drinks day in the fine autumn sunshine.

Bowling:
J. Scarcella 2-32 (11 overs); J. Baird 1-27 (7 overs);

Batting:
J. Scarcella – 25;  M. Clarebrough – 14; P. Scott – 16 n.o. ; R. Bowden – 13; M. Story – 13
Joe Scarcella

29 March 2010

PCA v SCG XI at King’s – 7 March 2010

After several days of heavy rain, it was an unexpected and pleasant surprise that nice weather greeted us on the weekend, which allowed us to play the inaugural match between the PCA and the SCG XI at the beautiful J.S. White Oval at King’s. The match had originally been scheduled to be played at the SCG XI’s home ground Drummoyne Oval in November, but had to be postponed due to the unavailability of the ground.

The PCA Captain Joe Scarcella won the toss. With a couple of late withdrawals, and the late arrival of the 2 replacement players (including an opening batsman), we decided to send the SCG XI in to bat. It was a risky call, given that our opponents were fielding a strong young team with several grade players – including one first grader, and their captain Andy Balbirnie who was an Ireland U19 cricket rep.

Our opening bowlers Chris Lloyd and Joe Scarcella (Jnr) bowled with good hostility. Chris trapped the opener in front in his first over and finished with good figures of 1-25 from his 6 overs. At the other end, Joe Jnr continued with his excellent bowling form for the PCA in this, his first season with the PCA, bowling an excellent line and length and getting enough outswing movement through the air to cause the batsmen some headaches. His accurate pace bowling was well rewarded, clean bowling the other opener with a swinging yorker and claiming the No. 4 batsman LBW. He finished with excellent figures of 2-15 from his 7 overs.

Change bowlers Laughlan Davies and Joe Scarcella (Snr) took over the attack and continued to ask questions of the batsmen with some very good, persistent and accurate bowling. Laughlan bowled very well, his 9 overs of accurate medium pacers completed without success in terms of wickets but troubling the batsmen regularly. At the other end, Joe also bowled well, tying the batsmen down with accurate swing bowling and frustrating the batsmen who were showing clear intent that they wanted to take control of the match with aggressive batting. With excellent support from his fieldsmen, Joe took 3-29 from his 9 over spell. Marcus Braid came into the attack to bowl his off spin. He, too, bowled very well against the batsmen who were clearly out to accelerate the run rate and accumulate a score our opponents could defend. Marcus finished with the excellent figures of 2-12 off 4 overs. The other bowlers – Bob Stephens, and late replacements James Loughhead and young Sam Cox – performed creditably too, Sam picking up a wicket in his first over in his debut match for the PCA.

The SCG XI finished with a total of 9-168 from their 45 overs. From the PCA bowlers and fielders, against a very strong young team, it was a truly excellent performance in the field to restrict them to a target that was very ‘gettable’.

Our run chase started well. Openers Chris Lloyd and Marcus Braid batted steadily against a good bowling attack, pacing the scoring well and keeping us on target all the way. When Marcus fell for 10, Mark Clarebrough came in and, with Chris, continued the run chase at a steady rate. Chris stepped up his scoring rate, playing some lovely shots and finding the boundary a few time, including a glorious cover drive. He looked set for big score but nicked one behind and departed for 28. Joe Jnr came in and got out a few overs later, caught on the deep mid wicket boundary trying to punish a loose delivery but failing to clear the outfield.

That brought Damian Cullen to the crease. Damian, not a batsmen who likes to prod and hang around or to let bowlers get on top of the batsmen, started solidly and looked to consolidate in a partnership with Mark. The runs were coming steadily and both batsmen looked solid against some very good bowling. After getting his eye in, Damian set about to attack the bowlers in his usual manner. He played some excellent aggressive shots, accelerating the scoring rate as he hit several boundaries to all parts of the field including a massive six over the longest part of the VERY BIG JS White Oval. He batted superbly, bringing up his half century before retiring. At the other end, Mark was batting steadily, mixing caution against the tight bowling with aggression to the loose delivery. His knock of 39 (retired) kept the innings together. When he retired we only required about 16 runs to notch up the win. However there was a late order collapse -  that is, until Laughlan Davies and James Loughhead steadied the ship, their last wicket stand of 15 finally taking us to victory.

The victory capped off a wonderful day. The boys from the SCG XI provided very stern competition, but most importantly all the PCA players were unanimous in the view that they played the game in a fantastic spirit. Over a few post-match drinks and the mandatory post mortem, both teams agreed it was a great day. Both captains hope and expect to see this become an annual fixture.

Result:  PCA 7 – 171 (43.2 overs) def SCG XI 168 (45 overs)

Batting:  D. Cullen 50 n.o. (retired); M. Clarebrough 39 n.o. (retired); Chris Lloyd 28; M. Braid 10; L. Davies 10 n.o. ; J. Loughhead 6 n.o.

Bowling: J Scarcella (snr) 3-29 (9 overs);  J Scarcella (jnr) 2-15 (7 overs); M.Braid 2-12 (4 overs); C. Lloyd 1-25 (6 overs); S. Cox 1-23 (3 overs)

Joe Scarcella
8 March 2010

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