It is always a pleasure to host our Australian cricketing brothers as we battled again for Trans Tasman cricketing supremacy against the Honest Trundlers XI.
Having lost the toss the Valley of Peace was sent in to bat. Ably led by Phil Smith (53 not out) and Dave Gibbons with a hard-hitting 43 the Valley reached a useful 216 for 7. The game was to wax and wane as the competitive Trundlers strived to regain the coveted trophy. With Rick Galloway 37, Stuart Spalding 34, James Orford 32, John Lindsay 30 and Theo Stratten 22, a close finish was in store.
The Valley bowling attack was anchored by Stan Woolliscoft and his wily leg-spin 2 for 10 and was supported by Dave Gibbons 2 for 20. It was a delight to watch Gordon and Tim Fulton combine in a lengthy spell at the bowling crease finally helping the Valley come away with a hard-earned win as the Trundlers made 207 but fell 9 runs short of their target.
The fixture is a home and away event each season with honours shared near equally over the last 12 years. It would be a brave opponent who would claim Trans Tasman cricketing supremacy at this time and we look forward to that very healthy debate continuing in the months and seasons to come.
Brent Bailey
