Episode 2
Murray's Memoirs for this week takes us back to the vital clash of season 98/99. The top of the table clash between the might of the Dreamteam and the strength of an undefeated Ainslie Park. I remember it vividly. The team was primed for their first game after Christmas. The one dayer that would give one team the right to be favourites for the premiership and take top place on the Chandler 3 ladder. The vital toss was won by John Fisher and he had no hesitation in batting first. That brought young Darran Arnott to the crease. Young Arnott was keen to impress the selectors and make the transition to the magoos and he started shakily. He played upishly but all the time but the ball fell short of fielders. He was riding his luck but was still there which was the main thing. Gradually as the innings wore on he became more confident. His shots were more textbook than the original strokes and he shot into the forties in no time. He was set for a big score when some !@#$ pulled off a blinder of a catch at slip. Arnott's words when he came back to the pavilion "ironic that isn't it?" He departed for forty something but had built a platform that the other blokes could build on. Eventually after a fair bit of a schilacking and after happy slasher time including one huge six from Donna, the Barks reached a formidable total of 227 after their 35 overs. That meant that the Ainslie Park rabble would have to go at over seven an over against the might of the Barkers attack. Fat chance. Mick Piggott was the best of the bats with a debut 50* for the Dreamteam and everyone was amongst the runs with thirties and forties everywhere.
The Ainslie Park mob set out after the runs with Murray and Newcomb opening up. Who could forget the two Timmy Newcomb overs that went for 21 runs. He was promptly dragged and spelled for the rest of the afternoon. Meanwhile Murray was bowling alright but getting edged everywhere until Donna took a brilliant diving catch. Yes you heard right Donna took a brilliant diving catch. From then on it was a procession with Mick Piggott ending up with a five wicket haul and Dasha three for. But undoubtedly the highlight of the match was that catch from Donna. The ball was played gently back to Donna, straight back to him and he dropped it and not only dropped it but it hit him in the nose as well. What a classic.
Ah memories......