Muddies struggle as Rovers dig in



Tuesday 9 November 2010

Muddies struggle as Rovers dig in

 

The Port Douglas Court House Mudcrabs probably finished day one of their two day game in the C Grade Cricket Far North League having had the better of the day's play. 

But they didn't have it all their own way.

According to Captain Steve Doble the team should have been more in control after having been 5 for 90 in 35th over, only to collapse to 114 all out just 7 overs later.

Good early work by Josh McConnell (18), Dave Joyce (16) and S.Miglioranza who just fell short of his half century when run out for 47, meant that there was a reasonable total to bowl at when opponents Rovers went to the crease.

Opening bowlers Dave Joyce and Matt Schiesser struck in their second overs leaving Rovers on just 2 for 12 after 4 overs. 

All looked good for the Muddies as they once again applied early pressure which has become their trade mark for winning this season.

However, they couldn't break the resolve of Prest (24 n.o.) and Woolf (3 n.o.) who dug in and carefully played out the last 11 overs of the day finishing without further loss of wickets on a respectable 2 for 38. 

The Muddies opening bowlers will have to strike early again next week to test Rovers depth of batting and to reach their first target of a first innings lead.  Only then will they be able to think about an outright win from the second innings. 

This should be an interesting tussle.  The second day will be played this Saturday at the Muddies home ground from 10am.

Go the Muddies!