I really didn’t feel like writing this report, but not doing it would have been a cop out. Anyways, the long and short of it is that the Rollers have forgotten how to play cricket.
Sunday’s defeat to the Strikers was our sixth on the trott – never before have we even lost six in an entire season.
We’ve had a few brandy sessions to deliberate the reasons – losing key players, revised batting system, getting old – but the harsh reality is we need to rediscover our mojo, especially with some tough games on the horizon.
At Brackenfell on Sunday, the hosts took first strike on a flat track – and they made us toil. Tim (65) was in fine form as he and Gilli put on 46 for the first wicket, though Michael van Dewenter (2/31) gave us some hope with two wickets in three balls.
However, the respite was brief as debutant Werner smashed his third ball for a one-bounce four over midwicket en route to an aggressive 88, before Riaan put the cherry on top with a brisk 41 as Strikers posted 227/5 in 35 overs.
The Rollers’ lotto system again didn’t play along, but we got off to a decent enough start, getting to 49/1 after 11 overs, with debutant Simon Drennan looking good for his 21.
However, six runs in six overs put us well behind the run-rate, meaning a strong tail had too much to do to chase down the steep target.
Michael (19), Abrie Esterhuizen (15*), Jarryd van Wyk (28) and James Lamprecht (31*) tried, but it was never going to be enough as the Rollers finished on 160/9, 66 runs short of the target.
There were a lot of glum faces in the dressing-room afterwards, though the mood perked up spectacularly when were informed of the brandy special – R60 for three doubles and coke!
So stuck in we got, showing that while we are utter shit on the field, we are still a force to be reckoned with in the bar.
Thanks to Riaan and his team, and you’re welcome for us bowling you into form…
SCORECARD
Batting Tom Stapylton-Smith 8 (1×4) Simon Drennan 21 (1×4) Hannes Carlson 12 (1×4) Michael van Dewenter 19 (2×4) Abrie Esterhuizen 15* (1×4) Johann Roux 0 Hannes Moore 1 Jarryd van Wyk 28 (1×6, 2×4) James Lamprecht 31* (3×4) Neville Cooper 0 Ryan Cooper 2
Extras: 24 TOTAL: 160/9 (35 overs)
Bowling James Lamprecht 7-1-33-0 Ryan Cooper 7-1-42-0 Tom Stapylton-Smith 7-1-42-2 Michael van Dewenter 7-0-31-2 Hannes Carlson 6-0-49-1 Hannes Moore 1-0-21-0