A sticky and dry forecast promised Grace's would not be robbed of the opportunity of defeating Octopus two weeks on the trot. The game a week earlier against Octopus proved a heated and controversial affair. The result was a convincing win by Grace's. In turn we waited in eager anticipation to repeat this result on our home ground.
The weather on the day was deadly accurate to the predicted forecast. It was steamy and hot and the winner of the toss would certainly send the opposition into the field. Grace's were sent into the field. Shofiq and Dekock opened the bowling. Shofiq struggled bowling up the slope and into the wind from the freeway end, and Dekock too struggled with his line and length. The quality opening batsmen took advantage of this and after 8 overs were a comfortable 40 without loss. Hardisty so nearly took a screamer in gully off Shofiq; however the gentleman in Hardisty got the better of him, and he indicated the ball hit the ground just before he got his fingers under it.
The timely change of bowlers brought a change in momentum. Hoeksma wasted no time in trapping one of the opening pair leg before wicket. Curtis came on from the club house and immediately sprayed the ball all over the wicket. But alas! He also took a wicket. A few overs later Rocky reached a quick fire 50, which was met with concern by Grace's, as we knew he could get another 50 and reach his century just as quick. But his wicket was secured by a delicious set-up. Rishafi threw down an over-pitched ball which proved too tempting for Rocky. He spanked it straight down the throat of Page fielding at deep mid-on. Elation and arse slapping quickly followed.
The remaining 20 overs in the field were largely characterised by tight, straight bowling and good fielding. Curtis took 4 wickets. Rishafi was unlucky to have taken only one wicket as he bowled with great accuracy and skill. Shofiq's second spell from the other end proved more fruitful - he bowled with better rhythm and picked up 2 wickets. Rishafi's out fielding slowed their run rate, and Wingrove's ice spray was sensational. Octopus were bowled out for 161.
Camberwell and Swinburne opened the batting and got Grace's off to a flying start. Camberwell showed no respect to the opening bowlers, punishing anything too short or too full. Put simply - a delight to watch. Nearly 50 runs were put on in just 9 overs. Camberwell's innings unfortunately came to an end on 30 when he mis-timed a lofted drive and was caught at mid-off. Page came in at number 3 and was unsure what to expect with this wicket, due to his virginal status of batting at Mill Hill. But before too long Page got his eye in, and by watching the ball onto the bat and waiting for the right ball to hit, the 2 Vauxhallarians (aka Swinburne & Page) reached another 50-run partnership in respectable time, taking Grace's to 100. Soon after Page hit 50, Swinburne was caught behind off the slightest of edges and walked without waiting for the umpire's decision. But at this stage in proceedings Grace's had essentially won. Stockinger teamed with Page for 5 minutes to secure a satisfying win.