H2 258-6; Leinster 229-9.
H2 won by 29 runs
This weeks 12th woman Sarah K Reece
Long day, I feel weary now
dark
joy
badly in need
of another wicket
here in the shadows
where I hear the wind stir
and the bails fall again
here on the square
a voice almost speaks
another over
I feel something stirring inside
keep going, keep going
until the fight is won
After one of the longer games we have played, H2 eventually edged out a close, highly competitive match against a very good Merrion team up in Observatory Lane.
Another win of the toss, into bat we went, a wicket down in the first over required a period of rebuild and after 10 steady overs we were 22-1. The rate pushed up, but the fireworks started when Avanish joined the party, in a display of explosive batting include several monstrous sixes over the net, he hit an impressive 113 off 60 balls. In this carnage he was joined by Tanzeel who hit an excellent 53, in the largest H2 fifth wicket partnership of 160. Brandon joined the party late on hitting a couple of big sixes to ensure a highly competitive total of 258 was reached. The 40 overs bowled had taken 3 hours 20 mins and the feeling was the match was going to go the distance.
Merrion started well with 58 on the board before the first breakthrough came for H2 in the tenth over, with Avanish showing he could also work his magic with ball as well as bat. The bowlers kept going with good accurate bowling, which was needed on a high scoring pitch. Arun and Avanish both picking up 2 wickets apiece. Ahsan came back for a second spell to take a vital wicket as the game moved into a tense phase, later wickets and good death over bowling by Matthew and Tanzeel saw the game to a close and the job done and a 30 run victory, which was in the balance until the final overs.
This was a hard-fought win with all the bowlers performing well and putting in huge effort. There is still work to be done to improve our fielding but a good day at the office.
Two wins from two in the league is a great start to the season which continues next Sunday away to Rush.
Thanks to the team for their effort and those who umpired and also to Matthew for doing all the scoring. Having people to umpire and score are vital for all teams and much appreciated.
Jim Hodgson 3/6/25