Episode 3
Murray's Memoirs takes us back to the early rounds of the 1998/99 season. The year the Dreamteam became the absolute force of the R.D.C.A. It was a fine sunny day that greeted us for our clash against the old enemy Croydon North. With a place in the four up for grabs the Barkers were looking to clinch it with something special. After Fish lost the toss we were forced to bowl. With the new opening partnership of Al Murray (down from the twos) and Tim Newcomb (up from the fours) we were looking for early wickets and Timmy Newcomb provided just that. In a scintilating bowling performance he single handedly had the Northeners reeling at 4 for not many. Timmy claiming all four scalps. Murray chipped in at the other end claiming a wicket and at tea the Croydon North rabble were reeling at 5 for something on a fast Kiloran field. After tea Timmy had to leave for a prior obligation but his job was done. A couple of the Croydon North bats got away until the last few overs when Murray claimed number two. Eventually after a dissapointing second session the Northeners made a competitive 180 at stumps.
Day two we again asked for a special performance and the new opening combination of Fisher and keeper Neil Cullis provided just that. An opening stand of 80 had us set for a flogging. Neil made thirty odd before he was dismissed which made way for the Big Fella. The man who creates this illustrious site, Bryn Griffiths, coming in at the new number three role with the boys coasting. Fish and B.G piled on the runs before Fish departed for a brilliant 75. This brought Big Brad Kesters to the crease. Now at 2/160 chasing180 with plenty of overs in reserve this was Brad's chance to make that huge jump from Chandler 4 to Chandler 3 which in his illustrious career he had failed to achieve to this point. Big Brad did it in style two big sixes saw us over the total and this was going tobe Brad's chance with happy hour bowlers coming on. However,it was not to be a lapse in concentration saw Brad depart for a choppy 16, once again he had failed to make the grade. At the other end B.G was quietly building an innings. He surpassed 50 for the fourth time in his career and was charging towards a ton. His driving was special and he ravaged the disgraceful North attack to all parts of the mighty Kiloran ground. With only a few overs remaining and victory achieved Brynny was in full flight and just 20 short of a maiden ton for the two blues. Could he achieve the impossible and spank 20 in the last couple? The boys were on the edge of their seats but unfortunately it was not to be. He succumbed to an uppish cover drive that would have been four had it not been hit straight at the fieldsman. B.G left the arena to arousing reception from the 2000 strong crowd who had gathered to see the big fella reach his maiden ton. His day was complete, amighty innings.
Ah memories....