Halverstown Win Against Phoenix Park Away on 10th May 2009

Match Report and Pictures:

Halverstown won the toss in the 80 over (40/40 with max 8 overs per bowler) match and elected to field due to a green topped hard pitch. Daljit and Danny opened with 6 and 5 overs respectively, followed by  the returning Matt Pitt who then delivered 5 overs in tandem with a very tidy Paddy Dowling who completed his spell of 8 at one go. Final bowling figures were, Daljit 8-2-1-25, Danny 8-0-2-40, Paddy 8-2-1-26 (was 1 wicket  for only 9 runs after 6), Matthew Pitt 8-0-3-31 and lastly Arjit 7-0-3-3. Arjit was required to only bowl his 7 overs as Phoenix were dismissed for 166 in the 39th over. An extra over was therefore given to Halverstown who then had 41 overs to get 167 to win at 4.1 runs/over which proved crucial. Highlights of the fielding were Matthew Ruddock's very high great catch, taken at deep mid off,  as well as Robbie Devenish keeper initially going wrong way  catch - we believe Rob made the catch thanks to the pre-match Red Bull he had!. Best moment of the day was Danny Ruddock's slow delivery to dismiss/bowl Phoenix's best middle order batsmen (L Bradley)- his umpiring Dad had a really large and proud smile from ear to ear beaming from square leg.

On the batting front a good opening start was made by Laurie Pitt and Geoff before Laurie fell with the score on 25. Rob Greene came to the crease and with Geoff achieved a partnership of 120 before he fell to a LBW on 49. Geoff went on to score 71, in partnership with Robbie Devenish, before Geoff was also dismissed to an LBW. Robbie tried to steady the ship with Richard Greene, Daljit Singh, Matthew Pitt who all all fell successively and cheaply, before Danny Ruddock closed off the one end and got the rotation singles to allow Robbie to hit two magnificent pull shots off Phoenix's main strike and U13 prodigy Irish National  bowler (T Anders)- to achieve the victory with two balls to spare. Robbie scored a credible 15 not out. A very good and deserved victory achieved by Halverstown. . 

Thanks to Alan for umpiring and also to the two Matthew's (Pitt and Ruddock) who saved the day by playing after late withdrawls by two selected team members. Special thanks also to Hugo, Robbie Devenish's friend for temporarily fielding in place of Matthew Ruddock - he did a great job.

Team talking to Alan Ruddock Dad (with red jersey on). Rob and Richard Greene and Alan and Matthew Ruddock		David Pitt			Daljit
Danny	Matthew Ruddock	Arijit,Danny and Robert Devenish