'Undercrab' Muddies take on Rovers for shot at grand final

Friday December 12 2014, 2:20pm

By Steve Doble

Astute Financial Muddies C Grade were undoubtedly the "undercrabs" going into day one of the Two Day comp semi final Vs top placed Rovers.

Last season's semi final between these sides saw Muddies victorious in what was one of the closest fought matches ever and testimony to the never say die tenacity of the local lads.

Winning the toss Taylor opened with Darlington who returned to typical style smashing 42 off 26 balls to deflate the Rovers side.

Ged "Jedi" Walsh joined Taylor at 1/47 and looked comfortable, the pair taking Muddies in a less aggressive state to 1/73 before Jedi played and awful shot to be clean bowled for a good start on 15.

Taylor at this stage looked equally as good as his last "carried the bat" 58no as Doble joined him for the third wicket.

The wicket produced some varied bounce especially outside off but the senior aged pair were keen to build yet another strong partnership and take the team to a launching pad for the last 15 overs which they almost did.

Liking the look of Rovers' 4th change bowler Doble decided to start the onslaught early and struck hard off the first ball he got to face sending the ball high rather than flat to allow deep mid wicket to complete a catch, out for 24 in a partnership of 48, Muddies 3/121.

Evans did not trouble the scorers in the same over which was a shame given his recent contributions and three excellent partnerships averaging 40 so far in the innings.

Taylor remained the rock as "Madcrab" Macca joined him with his unorthodox shot play, amassing the best innings partnership of 55 including some booming shots and a great pull shot well captured by Doble's camera.

Finally Madcrab ran himself out unselfishly for 32, 5/177 with 3 overs remaining.

The end result was a score unattainable in recent years by the Astute Financial Muddies C grade, but the average of their last three digs, 8/190. Again "Golden Rock" Taylor was too good for his opposition, carrying the bat not out 61.

Muddies this Sunday 8.30am at Griffith Park 1 have a great opportunity to make the grand final with some aggressive and tight bowling, strong captaincy and TEAM SELF BELIEF! Go Muddies!