Arousing to the cicadas chirping early on game day Sunday is always a welcoming sign for a quality day of cricket. The scene was set and arriving at the Valley of Peace ground is always a sentimental moment. Picture perfect with blue sky, dappled sun across the pitch and the outfield lush, green and mowed to symmetrical perfection.

The fixture against the Swannanoa Cricket Club is always a challenge. Hardened Saturday players who fight to the end as valid competitors; we were not disappointed.

Winning the toss the Valley inserted Swannanoa CC, for no other tactical reason other than being closest to the bar for the afternoon session. We were a confident bowling squad who bowled deep. The original VoP team had been decimated for COVID 19 reasons losing five players on the Monday prior, following the new traffic light changes. Full credit to Hugo Davison for assisting in completing the team. Several players were on debut, including Jonty Dalziel, Jaime Havill (aka The West Coast Warrior) and Jacob Haley, a promising talent aged 12. Spirits were high after the Friday afternoon net session, even higher after the Friday night rehydration session, which was located in Cougar Town. Claims of future greatness flowed; the details best left on the road.

After a couple of early chances went to ground, Swannanoa were trucking at four (4) an over with plenty of wickets in hand. Full credit to Hugo Davison for an opening spell of ‘freight express’ and The West Coast Warrior, who bowled with flight, dip and bite, for creating early chances.

The first changes, Harry Peeters and Benji Andrews bowled quality line and length completing eight-over spells on the trot, restricting our competitors scoring with minimal reward. Alex Toohey came on as second change from the members end with a vengeance, bowling at pace with movement both ways off the pitch; a miserly spell producing fruit with final figures of 2/3 off 6. An equal foil at the northern end, Sam Sidey, produced a quality bowling performance, seeing his allotted 8 overs out with figures of 3/19 off 8. Jaime Havill came back on for his second spell from the member’s end to tidy up the tail finishing with figures of 4/24 off 7. Supporting final spells from Jacob Haley bowling well on debut.

Supported well in the field and holding our catches, our bowling attack contained Swannanoa to 124 all out in the 41st Over. Highlights for Swannanoa were Lindon Adonis scoring 27 and their Skipper John Whitcombe anchoring the innings with 26.

A glorious Canterbury afternoon stretched out before us, we ate and drank like kings at lunch, perhaps too comfortable glowing in our success from the morning.

Swannanoa brought a consistent line and length and fielded well. Restricted scoring early meant we were under pressure from the outset. Brief partnerships in the top order were interrupted with regular wickets falling. The most significant partnership was built in the middle order with Hugo Davison and Sam Chamberlain. Willy Wonka bringing the chocolate and a pleasure to watch in the middle. Some additional flurries were supported early from Jonty Dalziel and Jim Blakely. At 90/6 with plenty of overs in hand we were positive we could get over the line. Full credit to Swannanoa for their bowling and fielding unit restricting runs.

As the pressure and the beating sun continued, Hugo anchored the innings defiantly, batting himself in and scoring late in the day. Runs from the lower order proved limited and partnerships were broken with regular wickets falling. The VoP was tentatively positioned at 108/9. Jacob Haley batted bravely, keeping out several deliveries. Hugo punished the loose balls clearing the boundary on several occasions and milked the strike effectively to have us 124/9. One to win leaving Jacob one ball to face before the end of the over to rotate the strike.

The game ended in a tie 124/10, leaving Hugo Davison 29 Not Out. As they say, cricket was the winner on the day.

The hosts for the game Scott, Barry, Cameron and Jesse had the bar prepped for an extended rehydration session due to the limited overs and low scoring game. Full credit to Swannanoa for their fielding and bowling attack, bowling line and length and fighting to the end.

A big thank you to the Valley hosts, The Valley groundsman and Swannanoa for a great game of cricket and a great day out.

 

Justin Hayley

 

Valley of Peace CC vs Swannanoa CC post-match presentation

Valley of Peace CC vs Swannanoa CC post-match presentation; check that scoreboard!