Being put in to bat allowed Swans Openers Theo Holland (35) and Mike Nash
(34) to make a wonderful start with 87-0 off the first 5 overs. From there on
the woeful days events began. A total of 5 run outs (3 again revolving around
Swans Captain Chris Elfes) saw us 118 all out in the 9th over.
As if this wasn't bad enough Swans squandered 2 golden oppurtunities in the
first 3 balls of Des Haines's opening over to run out the oppositions most
capable batsmen. Despite 2 further grossly fumbled run out attempts, all 4
bowlers actually kept us in with a chance. Phil Holland with 0-17 and Chris
Elfes 0-16 almost gave Swans a chance of victory but with only 5 needed at the
start of the final over a relieved Oakdale won the match by 3 wickets with 3
balls spare.
The best Swans can now hope for is mid table respectability but to do so we must
win our last 2 games. Batting & Bowling does not appear to be the problem,
however, running between wickets and running out the opposition leave an awful
lot to be desired....
Swans dominated from the start, amassing 203-4 off their 12 overs thanks to Mike Nash (45 no), Theo Holland (32) and especially to man of the match Ryan Norman (58 no). Ryan's innings was a mix of hard hitting shots as well as some delicate off side glances which defied his normal no 11 label. In reply Ellingham struggled to cope with the spin bowling of David Haines and the accuracy of Ryan. Despite Swans being a bowler short, Ellingham never scored quickly enough and finished at 170-4 looking well beaten.None of Swans success would have happened without the debut appearance from junior player Tom Large who stepped in at the last minute to allow Swanage to field 6 players. Despite a first ball duck as his welcome to league cricket he produced a monumental catch "champagne moment" with a superb reflex catch at square leg,
Swanages first indoor league team for several years produced
an unexpectedly good performance before collapsing magnificently
and losing in the last over. After overcoming their nerves Swans,
and in particularly David Haines, bowled tidily and kept a
competent and aggressive Winton side to a good 162-3 off 12 overs.
In reply, pinch hitter Ryan Norman started well, Mike Nash and
Theo Holland confidently got to grips with the game and put
Swanage ahead of the run rate. Both retired at 25 not out and
when captain Chris Elfes hit his first ball for 6, Winton heads
dropped. At 140-2 off 10 overs. newcomers Swanage should have
cruised to victory. Unfortunately, 3 suicidal run outs left
Winton celebrating with 3 balls to spare and Swanage all out.