By Doug Barnes

The Astute Financial Muddies C team have batted and bowled their way into a commanding position against a rash Rovers team in the Muddies first home game of the season.  The two day fixture was a game of two halves with the Muddies outperforming Rovers in every aspect of the game.

On a spongy pitch that appeared to offer plenty for the bowlers, Captain Doble won the toss and confidently sent the visitors in to bat.  

The Rovers opening batsmen started in a positive manner and moved to none for 28 with some free flowing stroke play from Jones Walker (25) one of only two Rovers batsmen to reach double figures. 

The bowling combination of first timer, Pete ‘Happy’ Gilmore and veteran Doug ‘Greedy’ Barnes swung the momentum with a consistent and probing spell.  Gilmore starting his Muddies wickets account with 3 for 18 off 10 overs, unlucky not to get another with Barnes dropping a difficult catch at second slip, but still showing that he is a bowler more than capable with the new ball.  Barnes bowled to the conditions and returned the decent figures of 5 for 16 off 10 overs.

Keel Sorenson took one wicket in a rusty but solid return to the bowling crease and Ryan Doble was steady with 0 for 18 off his 3 overs.  Darren Wall was solid with the gloves taking 3 catches.

At tea the Rovers were 9 for 68 with numbers 10 and 11 showing the batting fortitude that was needed by the lackadaisical top order. Strangely, Rovers declared at the interval hoping to replicate the success the Muddies had bowling.  It appeared to be an odd decision and turned out to be exactly that.

Steve Doble and Darren Wall opened that batting and realising that to overtake the total, application of the batsmen was the key, set out in a steady manner.  The two were chanceless in reaching the paltry total and by the 30th over had overtaken the Rovers score and secured first innings points.

Wall was eventually dismissed for a gutsy 41 and Doble a rock solid 34 to continue his good form with the bat this season.

Rovers ninth bowler, Bishel taking both wickets. Sheldon Walz and Garry McDonald remain at the crease and will be looking to take to the Rovers bowlers early next week to add some runs before putting the Rovers back to the sword and pushing for an outright victory.