by Steve Doble and Nathan King

The Court House Hotel Port Douglas C Grade Mudcrabs just failed to take the first innings points in their two day game at the Port Douglas Sports ground against Rovers on Saturday. 

On Day One, the Muddies had failed to score enough in their first innings finishing with just 114 all out despite a promising start by the top order batters.  Rovers resumed Day Two on 2 for 38 but despite a solid all round effort by the Muddies bowlers, they slowly but relentlessly closed in on their target successfully finishing their first innings on 124 all out, a lead of 10 runs to take first innings points. 

Muddies star for the day was Palmer who finished with 4 for 21 off 13 overs, with Dave Joyce adding to his seasons impressive haul with another 2 for 48 off 13 overs, and Matty Schiesser who produced 2 for 23 off 11 overs.

However, the damage was done by Rovers number 3 batsman, Prest who scored an excellent 51 before being caught by Simeon Miglioranza off Simon Cody. So with an hour and half still left of the day, the Muddies went in again to see if there were any bonus points to be salvaged.

The crowd was entertained by openers Dave Joyce and Josh McConnell who put on a powerful display of big hitting reaching 54 in just 6 overs before Joyce was caught on 32 having hit two sixes and three fours in his innings. McConnell continued the onslaught finishing his innings of 36 having hit 4 fours and a six before being caught behind.

Ryan (31) and Carling (11) also hit well and the Muddies finished on 8 for 118 at the close of a disappointing day.  This was the Muddies C Grade first defeat of the season and illustrated the need for the team to build on the early work bat right through to number 11 if they are to keep their winning momentum going.

Simeon Miglioranze was awarded the Rattle n Hum Man of the Match Award.

3 Grade Score Card

The B Grade Muddies whose season has finally got going played Innisfail at Innisfail TAFE on Sunday to complete their two day match. But for the weather the Muddies were comfortably on track for an outright win.

On Day One, Innisfail won the toss and elected to bowl. Douglas opened up with Sam Evans and Shane Palmer (playing in his last game for the club due to relocating for work) when the first wicket fell on 13 runs with Evans being bowled for 3.

Captain Nathan King came in at number 3 and together with Palmer put on a 33 run partnership before Palmer was caught at deep mid off for 26 with the score on 2 for 46. This bought ''Golden Arm" Keith Taylor to the crease at number 4 where he combined with King for an important 73 run partnership before King was adjudged lbw for 56 with the score 3 for 119.

Haig Varcoe came in at number 5 returning to the club after a season off due to work commitments and added 10 to his tally before being bowled with the score 4 for 142. With Taylor still batting solidly Daniel Harris joined him in the middle and decided to stamp his authority on the game hitting the Innisfail attack to all parts of the ground making a quick fire 59 not out including 5 sixes. This took the score to 4 for 222 and Taylor making his well made 51 not out. 

King declared to unleash his fresh fast bowling line up on the tired Innisfail top order, and with 13 overs in the first day's play remaining the Muddies wasted no time in picking up their first wicket in the fifth over with new recruit Ben Vikionkorpi clean bowling the Innisfail opener.

The flood gates were then opened with Matt Mitchell and Daryl Mison also picking up wickets to have Innisfail in trouble at 4 for 8 at the end of the first days play.  With the weather threatening the second day's play, the Muddies were keen to take early wickets and secure first innings points. 

Enter Matt 'Powelly' Mitchell who combined with Vikionkorpi (3 for 6) to rip through a shell shocked Innisfail batting line up to have them bowled out for a total of just 17 in 25 overs. Mitchell finishing with man of the match honours with astonishing figures of 10 overs 10 maidens 6 wickets for no runs.

2nd grade score card.

Diary Date

The first fundraiser of the year for the Muddies, Trivia Quiz will be held at Plantation Resort on 10th December from 6:30pm. Entry is just $5.00 per person to play with 4-6 in a team.

There is a mass of prizes to be won including one night at the Sea Temple Resort, a 12 week fitness programme, jet ski hire, Court House Hotel Bistro voucher, $50 Rattle 'n' Hum voucher and much more.