Semi-final: 16 and 17 March 2019 vs Clovelly CC at Rowland 2

The First XI Apaches’ summer campaign has drawn to a close after heavy rain brought an early end to the semi-final contest.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Pat Foley and Bryan Seymour immediately set about putting pressure on the Clovelly top order. Albeit on a slow field, Clovelly only managed 18 runs for the loss of their skipper – LBW to Seymour – before the drinks break.

Al Yap was introduced after the drinks break and immediately produced chances, which were mostly taken. Sujee took a wicket with the first ball of his spell, and the Apaches went to tea in a strong position with Clovelly on the ropes at 6 for 79.

Taking to the field after tea, a brief shower blew over the ground, interrupting play for about 20 minutes. Although the ground dried quickly, inevitable moisture on the ball was an advantage for the Clovelly batsmen.

Nevertheless, the Apaches remained focused and alert in the field; and in doing so looked much more like the finals team than they have in recent weeks. Sustained pressure lead to wickets falling consistently, and Clovelly CC was bowled out for 120. Both Al and Seymour ended up with four wickets.

Confronted with the requirement of 121 for a first innings lead and likely grand final berth, the Apaches had 50 minutes remaining on Day 1 to reduce the deficit. Enter Will Sammuri.

Will was not available for Sunday’s play and from the get-go he slammed the Clovelly attack, putting one opener out of the attack with 11 runs taken from one over. One pull-shot for six came right out of the screws and nearly landed on the pitch at the toilet block.

Eventually, Will managed to avoid middling the ball and was caught for 36 under darkening skies. But by then major damage had been done to Clovelly’s lead. Sujee joined Will’s opening partner VB (9*), but another shower ended the day’s play early. The Apaches ended the day at 1 for 46 and strongly placed for Day 2…

… which never happened. Constant, and at times heavy, rain poured throughout Sunday morning and into mid-afternoon. Shortly after the scheduled start of play, it was clear there would be no possibility of a result, and so ended the Apaches’ summer season.

The last round of the regular season had seen poor weather help the Apaches secure the last finals spot; and so it was hard to complain when luck ran against us.

All the same, some bright spots emerged from the second half of the season:

  • Blake Milligan’s breakthrough 6 for 33 against Botany United in Round 10. Blake had looked dangerous for a number of games without the figures to back it up, but managed to tear through the Botany middle- and lower-order to claim a well deserved trophy. Unfortunately this was also Blake’s last appearance for the Apaches this season, but we hope to see him again next year!
  • Fred Watkins brought his left-arm pace to the Apaches in his debut for the club. He put in a number of superb spells of bowling. His two matches yielded two 3-wicket hauls – his best figures of 3 for 21 coming against Souths Juniors in his Round 11 debut.
  • Morley Goodchild has continued his excellent development as a pace bowler, [putting in a number of solid performances for the Second XI. His best returns included 5 for 50 against Botany United in Round 12 and 4 for 29 against Captain Cook Dolphins in Round 2. He also stood up for the First XI team in the final two rounds and bowled impressively.
  • Second XI captain Dereck Cameron, whose 136 against Captain Cook Dolphins in Round 2 was the highest score for Apache this season (and unfortunately, ahem, the only century).

The Apaches’ awards night will be held in April with more details to follow shortly.

1st inns. – Kingsford Apaches won toss and elected to bowl
Al Yap – 4/30 from 11.5 overs
Bryan Seymour – 4/55 from 21 overs

2nd inns.
Will Sammuri – 36
David Venn-Brown – 9*