After a delayed start due to Honest Trundlers arriving from Queenstown via Invercargill a day late, the battle commenced for the 17th Anzac Trophy game. The Honest Trundlers work in codes with numbers and nicknames such as Baldy, Brewery, Harmy, Action, Saint and the like, so it’s sometimes a mystery just what’s up. An interesting bunch with a long history of tight games at the Valley.
A slow start from the Valley with only 45 off the first 20 overs, in the split format. The Trundlers blazed away in their response and were 75/2 at the lunch break. With the Valley then required to set a target a fresh approach was taken for the second twenty. Stern words from the skipper about a mini “bazzball” approach saw runs starting to flow with the help of some friendly bowling in the middle stages. Phil Harris 35 retired and Paul Bateman 30 retired and an unselfish approach by the Valley middle order, plus a late flourish from Tim Fulton and skipper Ryan saw the Valley ending up with 172. This left The Honest Trundlers with five an over to retain the Anzac Trophy.
Mention must be made of Harmy, a bowler brought on to free up the game but he ended up with 3 scalps to show the established bowlers how a different approach with surprises-a-plenty can help take wickets.
The last twenty was an intriguing battle. The Valley, without its strike weapon in Geoff Olsen who claimed he had broken bones in his foot, left the Valley with a modest attack that sprang into action.
All the bowlers contributed with Tim Fulton 2/31 playing a key role. If you haven’t seen Tim in action is worth attending the Valley to watch. It’s an action that resembles a wind turbine going backwards with a broken propeller set on the side of a steep hill.
Baldy for the Honest Trundlers provided an exhibition of clean powerful hitting with seven boundaries in his 30 retired. Along with Action’s 40 retired, the Trundlers did their very best to take the game deep. Tight bowling from John Durning 1/23 and skipper Ryan 2/19 in the last few overs closed the game out in the last over. The sight of Baldy wanting to return to the crease to continue the onslaught had the Valley players fielding like demons to save runs. VoP keeper Tony Penny had a great day with the gloves (two catches and a stumping). The visitors needed 2 off the last ball to tie but the Valley fielding remained strong and picked up a final ball run out.
Mention must be made of two fantastic boundary catches taken by Trevor Thornton and Tony Danenberg that helped reinforce the cricketing term, “catches win matches”. They resulted in two key batters returning to the pavilion when victory was near.
The first Valley victory of the season.
Hosting the Honest Trundlers with their team culture, sportsmanship, and generous nature makes the game a must for Valley members and friends and I do recommend that you mark now in your calendar for next year as must must-watch day out at the Valley of Peace.
Long may the Honest Trundlers return.
Valley of Peace – 172/6 P Harris 35 rtd, P Bateman 30 rtd, T Fulton 20no, defeated
The Honest Trundlers – 170/8 Action 40 rtd, Baldy 30 rtd, T Fulton 2/31, L Ryan 2/19
Lance Ryan, Valley of Peace Captain
