Nykøbing Mors vs. Århus

Århus’s fight just not enough in Nykøbing Mors

Århus arrived in Nykøbing full of confidence, with a strong batting and bowling line up we hoped for a good days cricket. Simon was captaining his first league game and unfortunately lost the all important toss. Nykøbing as we would have done elected to bat first. This gave them a slight advantage as the ground was sodden and a light drizzle was present for nearly the whole of our time in the field. This made bowling and fielding difficult

Simon eleted to give the new ball to Samanthe and Phil neither of which bowled to their potential. With a wet ball and a slippery run up, bowling quickly, was not an option. Samahthe ended with figures of 5-37-0 and Phil 4-20-0. This gave Nykøbing the perfect start and both their openers looked comfortable as the runs came easily. Nik Replaced Phil at the top end and Nikhil replaced Samanthe at the pavilion end, and it was Nik that got the first breakthrough bowling their opener for 39. Nikhil struggled despite his endeavors and finished with figures of 4-32-0. Nik could not find any more wickets and finished with figures of 6-39-1. With Århus in need of wickets and a way of slowing the ever increasing run rate, Simon brought Josh and Ranjith on to bowl.

By this stage of the game the Nykøbing number 3 batsmen Mogens was well into his stride and any hint of a lose ball was being severely punished. With the run rate up over 7 Århus needed a wicket. It was Josh (and Thomas) who gave Århus the much needed wicket. Mogens hit one high into the deep mid-wicket region and Thomas jogging forward took a very good catch which gave Århus some momentum. Wickets began to fall now, with Josh picking up two more including the important wicket of the other opener who was out for 51. Ranjith by far Århus’s most economical bowler taking 2 scalps in a very controlled bowling performance. Henrik the Nykøbing captain had settled in on his way to an unbeaten 31 while the wickets were falling around him. For the first time in the game the the run rate had slowed and Århus were coming back into the tie.

The rains then came, which saw us take and early lunch. During lunch both captains decided to end the Nykøbing innings with 32 overs bowled and the score at 209-6. Josh ended with figures of 7-54-3 and Ranjith 6-22-2.

There was a feeling of disappointment amongst the Århus changing room as we knew despite the diffflcult conditions we could and should have bowled and fielded better.

Århus required 210 to win from 32 overs. Alex and Phil opened in better conditions and things began brightly for Århus. Scoring at 4 an over both openers appeared comfortable and worked the bowling around for 1’s and 2’s until Alex was caught out for 24 in the 11th over with the Århus total being 42. Nikhil joined Phil and the two very quickly began a good solid partnership picking off easy singles and putting the bad balls away. The pair put on 69 in just 8 overs with a run rate of over 8.5 and took the total run rate to over 6. It was the first time in the game that victory was attainable in the eyes of the Århus camp. With the score 111-1 Nikhil was then given out to a harsh LBW decision it looked as if it may be to high and going down the leg side. We were however in no doubt that the decision was given in earnest. Nikhil also scoring 24.

Samanthe, then joined Phil and there was (as always) some confidence around Samanthe’s batting. However his first ball was a very well timed back foot defensive drive, straight into extra covers hands and we lost Samanthe first ball. The score still 111 and nelson had struck at Nykøbing. Jens strolled to the crease and began where Nikhil had left off pushing 1’s and 2’s as well as a huge six over mid wicket. Just as the partnership between Jens and Phil had reached 37 and the pair were feeling comfortable and ready for the final onslaught, Phil missed a straight one and was bowled for 74. Århus were now 148-4 from 25 overs needing 62 from the remaining 7 overs. Jens was run out 13 for his endeavors and Ranjith followed shortly after caught for 7. The score now 166-6 with 4 overs remaining. A tall order for any batsmen. Nik, Oliver and Simon all gave their best but Århus ended 32 short on 177-8.

There was some discussion whether or not the decision to stop the Nykøbing innings 8 overs early (with Århus coming back into the game) was the right one. However the rain that in sued just 15 minutes after the game totally vilified Simons good decision to stop the innings early to give us a chance to complete our innings.

177 from 32 overs is a good score and had Århus bowled with a better line and length this is a game that was winnable for the away team.

/Phil