The elite sporting world is largely run for the benefit of rapacious corporate entities and populated by punks and posers, but way back at grassroots level the Nick Shand Memorial cricket still extols the virtues that made the game great in the first place.
The perfect winter weather saw Lomath Oval shining like a diamond stud in a bat’s ear as incumbent champs the Byron Full-Tossers emerged from their holiday lets and beachside condos to tussle with the Geckos, the team that represents no specific locality, but wave their willow for the glory of rapacious corporate entity The Echo.
James called correctly at the toss and chose to bat. Rossco (34) jumped out of the box like a greyhound after a live bait, and although James fell to Mahesh trying to emulate his scoring feats, solid hitting from Drew (37no) ensured the Geckos a firm footing.
Byron’s James Watson (2/9) and skipper Adam (2/11) reeled in the middle order, managing to peg the Geckos back to a fair-to-middling total of 138.
This did not look like it was going to be enough as the Byron top order of James, Adam (34) and Jamie all fired off quick runs.
A run out to skipper James and a mesmerising spell of looping leggies from Trent (3/6) proved the difference as the Geckos enthusiasm in the field brought home the win by 23 runs.
Top votes in the Middle Pub player of the season went to Adam and Trent.
Next week the Main Arm Maulers take on the Suffolk Swingers.
New players welcome; see Shand Series Cricket on Facebook.
