Boys on a roll!

(above) Silverbach said he couldn't wait to pull out the blue stetson next wknd..

The boys hit the Pambula CC on the weekend, to see if they could do what few teams have managed this year and beat Pambula. In the end it was a bit of a canter, but in truth we were as close to playing to full potential as anytime this year. Again, our bowlers stepped up- Silverbach, The Don, King Kenty, Motty were as good and as economical as a hybrid car for the first 30 overs.

Particularly impressive was Motty with 0-11 off his 8. He was storming in off the long run- his confidence in the pitch justifying why we have to do the best we can when we lay our new track down! If he was a car, Motty would get you to Perth and back on half a tank of gas- that's how economical the boy is! Apparently he's so tight he couldn't pass rasberry seeds:)

back to the start though. arriving a little late- statistical expert Dunko won a toss (at last) and we batted. Bretto went cutting, Barney made his average, Davo wrote another page in his book'741 different ways to get yourself out in a season', theDon came in and smacked about 25 quick ones(breaking his handle in the process), Dunko hit 65, once again showing if one of us hit 50+ we never loose, Maz fired up and threw himself into a punishing drive only to find the hands of part time jockey and captain, mr blocker. The Taylor twins hit one great shot each before falling to the evil that is Leg Spin (thank god I'm bowling swing now), Mick 'Mardi Gras' Woolley hit a few quick ones to the fence and Motty and Pez bought up the rear. Not like bringing up the rear at the mardi gras mind you.

Again, it was the bowling and fielding that broke the opposition- Dunko put down an attemted speccy off Motty, But as always Barney was great behind the pegs, Davo snapped up another flying edge in what pundits of the game are now calling the 'Iron Cordon' and we cut heaps of singles out despite our gaps at mid wicket and cover as the boys are bowling so damn good.

No table this week, but I think if we win next week v Bega at home, we're assured of a finals spot!

yay!

We go to second*-Make that third- got a bit excited there!

Bretto, Barney and Motty thought they'd keep the nudie cricket related activities up...

It was not as hot as the last few weeks, but the cricket was red hot at the Bemboka Lords View Oval on the weekend. We actually won a toss by default (they lost), so we got to bat first. not a common thing lately.

Out we went, and Bretto and Dunko started promisingly (again), only for Dunko to be struck down (again), trying something different. Bretto tried a leading edge, which wasn't so different, and Dave(a little late and previously demoted to give him time to relax), went out to D(umb) Bell- giving him his only wicket for the day.

Barney-stricken with his 9th flu for the year, was sluggish, but kept the ship afloat with Maz until he tried a pull shot which only went up and was caught. Mick came and went and collected the yellow duck fr his efforts- a shame for our resident man gorilla who has been smashing them about in the nets. Might have to keep it on the deck this week big man.

Maz then produced one of the most spectacular dismissals of the year, showing a nice shoulder arms flourish to a ball that sent his off stump cartwheeling towards slips. Won't be leaving too many more of them close to the stumps this year, will ya? The bowler did produce some useful off cutters to KT in the following overs, so maybe it didn't pitch on line. Maybe.

At 6-56, we were up the shitter a bit really, but it was time for the verry long Bemboka B grade batting lineup to step up. Showing the more fancied names how to do it, KT, Bobby, Motty Donnie, with his highest score of the year and a few cracking boundaries, and Pez put on another 114 for the last 4 wickets- 2 of the partnerships (9th and 10th wicket), being the best of the season. It's all about partnerships, regardless of what number you bat, so lets focus on that for the next few weeks till finals.

After breaking the spirit of the young and slightly undermanned Eden side with his Bat, Donnie made them jump and sent another tight opening spell down, setting the boys up for the win. He found the willing hands of Capitain Adreneline, Davo who took a very sharp skewed drive. 1 for 0. Motty took up at the other end, with our man Woolley on UN Peace Keeping duties, and kept things as tight as Bretto's abs (see previous post), conceding bugger all runs and he made a magic play when he probably had one of the Eden batsmen stranded with a direct hit early too. As Davo pointed out, the Square Leg umpire was admiring the clouds up in the sky at the time though, so shook his head.


Donnie struck twice more with Pez being golden hands for the day, taking a great running back over the shoulder catch which had us all jumping for joy. Magic Mick Woolley came back on, and after giving away4 runs in his first 3, also kept things as tight as a gnats coit, beating the edge and finishing with 1-18. Donnie did the damage today though- 3-11 off 5 tight and quick overs. He got his revenge on Belly, knocking him over comprehensively!

Maz chimed in after an astute fielding change when he popped out from behing the S.L umpy and ripped a wild return into Barney who almost lost his arm reaching to catch it before taking off the bails. Dunko rated himself a good chance of getting the run out even if it went past, the poor bastard was so far down the pitch. Handy wicket and result of some great pressure from the tight team game we're playing:)

Again, the boys were as sharp as a Gillette razor in the field again, and speaking of sharp, Maz was quick to grab the ball when Motty finished his spell and god bless him, he needed to make up from letting that ball go that bowled him. Skippy is now his nickname as he went on (along with KT) to clean up the tail, and denied Pez a bowl in the process. Maz finished with 2-7 from 2 and KT with 2-9 from 3 and was spot on the mark as he was last week. The bowling really does look good at the moment!

Far South Coast Cricket B Grade One Day Competition
Team	P	W	L	D	Total
Pambula	17	13	3	2	89
Wyndham	16	11	5	2	79
Bemboka	17	9	7	2	**67
Eden	17	9	8	1	66
Merimbula	15	6	8	4	60
Kameruka	16	7	10	1	**54
Tathra	16	6	11	1	51
Bega Angledale	16	2	14	1	*30

Off to Pambula next week. be nice to knock over the runaway competition leaders before the finals. Look forward to more tales from the Bemboka Incredibly Georgeous Sports Nude Action Group (BSNAG)this week.

See you at training. Morning sessions this week.

Go Bemboka!

End of season Pool Party!

Bretto was packing heat all night...

To celebrate Valentines day last week,the lads finished up at the Bemboka Sports and Social club and headed to party central, namely Drakes backyard for some summer frolicking. Those who weren't there were dissapointed, the ladies that were there were dissapointed (the boys said it was pretty cold), and some spouses waiting at home for some Valentines day fun were VERY dissapointed.

Motty was later found eating a bun at the pie shop the next day and found his phone in a bun when he dropped it into the dough mix. Works fine, but the sound is a bit doughy(groan).

Anyways, those who didn't receive a phone call from Thai Massage professional (happy endings his specialty), Dave 'Ming Lee' Allen, should feel jilted, as the author of this piece felt as though he was there for 10 seconds before his battery went dead during his midnight wake up call:)

All up, a magnificent bonding session had by all. Photos should adorn next years Cricket Club Calendar- sure to sell like hotcakes when the airbrushing is complete!

Go Bemboka!

Not a foot wrong at Kammy..

Tears flowed Saturday night, but no one could find the cathedral...

The boys took the dirt road (no pun intended), to Kammy on the weekend, looking to consolidate a place in the top 4 for this week at least. With the top 3 to come in our last 4 games, it will be a run to the finals more exciting than drawing on a pissed bloke with a marker pen.

Dunko took and promptly lost the toss. Not an important one this week, but it's wearing a bit thin. Out we went with Master opening bowler Silverback Woolley coming up the hill to start. He would end up taking 4 for the day, which should have been 5, but for a slight error in judgement by the umpy on a caught behind. Being the batsman that it was, no one was surprised not to see him walk, but he was reminded of that an over later which he was slightly offended about. Walkers have a clean conscience..

in the field, the boys were impeccable. KT, riding high after a morning visit to the Beach and a ring he presented to Robin, grabbed everything that came thru in the air. Bobby grabbed both of his chances, Donnie bowled straight and fast, Motty went for far less runs than dunko normally does from one over. Dunko, bucking his form at training even took a catch in the gully, which was kept strong all game to support the really accurate bowling.

So, well before luch time, KT led the boys from the field with his match ball and his chest out, Bretto and Dunko already scheming to make the runs without loosing a wicket.

25 balls into his innings, Dunko was useless enough to get bowled around his legs, with Bretto seeing them big and large at the other end. Davo came on out and made a fairly swift 12 before calling a quick single to fine leg and was run out by a direct hit that bounced twice. Most agreed that he was the only one in the team who wouldn't have made the run at a canter...

In the end, it was Bretto's day with the bat. He made up for his opening partner by hitting his first 50 for the year and did it pretty well too!

A big up for Pez and Kevo who made the trip down from Canberra to make sure we played with a full team. Thanks a lot boys- you've stepped in at some really importnant times this year and never let us down.

A fond farewell to latter season batting hero Jimmy G (see headline pic) , who will start work at Canberra's answer to PriceWaterhouseCoopers. Won't be long before the man is running the show no doubt.

Speaking of leavers, Maz took leave to Canberra for the weekend. Be good to have hime back next week, but that didn't stop most of the boys making fun of what he might be up to on Saturday...

Eden next week. We have the top three to play in the last 4 games, so we couldn't ask for better conditioning if we make the finals series. They knocked over Merimbula on the weekend, and Tathra lost, so a little bit of breathing space for a game. Beating Eden would work a treat!

Far South Coast Cricket B Grade One Day Competition
Team	P	W	L	D	Total
Pambula	16	13	2	2	88
Wyndham	16	10	5	2	73
Eden	16	9	7	1	65
Bemboka	16	8	7	2	**61
Kameruka	16	7	9	1	*54
Merimbula	14	5	8	4	54
Tathra	16	5	11	1	45
Bega Angledale	16	2	14	1	30

I'll add the table when it's released later today..

Go Bemboka!

no heroes in the heat v tathra:(

Similiar to the feeling of those dropped catches...

Off we went to sunny Bega on the weekend, to brave the heat and the Tathra unpredicatbles. Dunko stepped in to lose the toss on the teams' behalf which really set the scene for the day.

Out we went, and early wickets were the order of the day. A couple of Mick Wooley specials (9) also flashing past the edge, which as always Mick was keen to politely point out to the batsmen. Our boy from the south really has made the new ball his own, and it's good to see.

Whould have made a differencehad the senior players hold their catches too. Dunko was first cab off the rank. Burohp on single figures smacked the ball at a very catchable height to his left and it was left rolling about on the grass. 'hurried onto me' was the piss poor excuse. chance one. Next over, Dunko made one of those odd field changes, only to see Burohp smack the ball straight at Jimmy- this time same result. Jimmy said I was only doing what you did O'Reilly. He didn't say that hurling the ball at the stumps and donating 4 overthrows made him feel better, but it made Dunko feel great.

Bretto did the job with the ball, Barney donated the gloves to Maz and rolled his arm over,we had a wicket which the umpy didn't agree with and the kid didn't walk- we'll keep and eye out for him in the future. Easier to walk and pretend you're a good bloke than to know everyone on the oppostion will think you're a cheat forever? Kenty bowled a couple of their hackers, but was struck down by the heat. Standing two feet closer to the sun takes it's toll on a man. It was a tough day in the field with 10 blokes, but everyone except the two knobs who dropped catches put in well and did their best for the team.

Tathra did quite well in the end to get to 188. The boys had the job ahead....

A new look opening partnership which included team funnyman Bretto and the wristy Dunko strode to the wicket to start the long haul. Not quite as large a run chase as the week before, but probably a greater task with only 9 wickets in hand.. Surprisingly by the time the jovial Bretto tucked his bat under his arm and headed for the showers, the boys had cruised to 46, only 2 short of the best opening stand of the year.
Maz was next to enter- his older brother reassuring him that if he rotated the strike, he'd hit the boundaries. Didn't take long for that plan to fail as Dunko was trapped in front and given the bad news by big Kenny at the other end.

Jimmy and Davo came and went, Maz looking on dissaprovingly at the other end as the senior batsman on the day. Just not the boys day, Dave copped a hideous gash under the eye from a brief violent fracas with the Tathra keeper left him feeling bloody and bruised. Jimmy simply wanted to give himself an uppercut after he got out.

Barney joined Maz and made his regular handy contribution, 29 this week, but with Maz ticking along like a time bomb with a flat battery at the other end, he would surely get his 50- provided there was another 90 overs remaining. Al and Bobby came out to try to push the total along and gained some valuable experience. Al going too hard and Bobby forced to go too slow due to the tight Tathra bowling. Keeping the score ticking over is the key lads. And keep the ball on the deck until you can hit it way over the fence Al. Next time.

Hope still bloomed though, with experienced pair KT and Mick(with a dinged up hand) remaining for the last wicket stand. 14 was the best the boys could do with the tight bowling, but a pretty fair effort for the bloody hot day when some tosser lost the toss and we had to field in the hottest part of the day..

I think we need to keep winning from here!

Far South Coast Cricket B Grade One Day Competition Team P W L D Total Pambula 15 12 2 2 82 Wyndham 15 9 5 2 67 Eden 15 8 7 1 59 Bemboka 15 7 7 2 **55 Kameruka 15 7 8 1 *53 Merimbula 13 5 7 4 53 Tathra 15 5 10 1 44 Bega Angledale 15 2 13 1 29

5 games to go and it could come down to the wire! Jimmy and Mcloskey leave us this weekend, so we need to chase players and we need to make the four so Dan and Jimmy don't end the season in tears.

Dave made the valid point after the game that we haven't lost a game this year when one of us has made fifty, which has to be the goal of everyone who walks out with a bat this year. There isn't anyone who hasn't made a fifty in the squad, so one a game is a must!

Well, at least we didn't have to fill in the scoresheet as winners for the day:)

Kammy this weekend- keeping the ball on the ground will see us knock up a solid total after we win the toss. we will win the toss.

Hydration time:)

Maz said it was the only stuff he drank in Summer....

From resident sports science guru and regular editor of this blog.. Possibly plagarised from Sydney Cricket assoc. release...

HYDRATION TIPS
PREPERATION FOR COMPETING ON
HOT AND/OR HUMID DAYS

BACKGROUND

Experts believe that as little as a 1-2% decrease in the body’s fluid
levels can be enough to negatively affect performance through a drop
in energy levels, decision-making and your body’s ability to cool-down.

Prolonged dehydration in hot and/or humid conditions may increase
risk of heat stress.

This document is intended as a brief checklist to assist athletes that are
at risk of dehydration. For more detailed advice it is recommended that
athletes speak to a medical expert or sport scientist.

DAYS LEADING UP TO GAME DAY

Aim for 3L of water on each of the 2 days prior to the game.

Consider adding salt to food and electrolyte formula (i.e. “gastrolyte” or
“hydralyte”) to drinks if it is very hot/humid.

Minimise alcohol, a known diuretic.

Use urine colour to check hydration status.
 Clear urine = good hydration
 Dark yellow urine = dehydration
Brown urine=visit to doctor (Davo)

GAME DAY

Upon waking have 1-2 glasses of water.

Over the course of the morning aim to drink 4-6 glasses of fluid (water
or sports drink best). If you suffer badly from cramps add some salt or
electrolyte formual to drinks.

DURING THE GAME

Look for all opportunities to ingest fluids

Add extra scheduled breaks.

Water or sports drinks are recommended.

Look for every opportunity to cool down
 Use of ice vests/cooling fans where possible.
 Recover in shade where possible.

Be aware of heat stress
 If athlete shows signs of heat illness (exhaustion, cramps,
dizziness or collapse) seek immediate medical support.

POST-GAME

Weigh athlete after game to measure fluid loss.
 1kg weight loss = 1L fluid loss. Aim to drink 1.5 x fluid lost in
the 4-6 hours afterward (water or sports drink best). Athlete
should have returned to pre-competition weight within 6
hours.

Use ice baths or cold showers post-match to cool the body down and
assist recovery.

Minimise intake of caffeine and alcohol.

Davo steps up to (almost) save the day!

...Dave had even made his own poster for Saturday's game!...

In a first for a lot of the boys, we had a tie on Saturday, which could quite easily have been a loss if not for the heroics of one man and his new bat. Dave Allen had a bit of a rough call when throwing down his grenades with a shout for LBW, but alas his appeal was turned down. After that, he bacame more Mr Cricket than Mr Allen for the afternoon. He was as active in the field as Dunko's mouth and when he went out to bat man, did he mean business..

Merimbula had hit 192, Bemboka had grassed a couple of chances(unfortunately the two loyal fill in players), and we'd drank 30 litres of water in our 40 overs.

Bemboka went out after chasing the ball around in the dry Bemboka heat for 3 hours. They started poorly when they lost Brett Dunham playing his Tendulkar like wristy flick (maybe you should leave the wristy flick for the bedroom) and Dan Southam early-at 2-17, 192 looked a long way off. Dave Allen and newly crowned batting king Jamie Glen came together and added 60, Duncan O'Reilly added another 50 with Allen before Bemboka were 5-48.

All this time Grimmer was looking like death warmed up due to his strenuous hydration schedule of vitamin B. Would he survive the day in the field?

The lower to middle order didn't have much luck- Dave trying unsuccessfully to run them all out, but Anthony Foord joined Dave Allen 26 in a truly gripping final overs runchase and found himself on strike with scores level.

Ball by ball commentry from Foordy obviously calmed his nerves as he looked pretty relaxed out there. A well flighted ball had Foord's eyes lighting up, but unfortunately his ambition did not match his timing and he lost his off stump. A fair result really between two of the most evenly matched teams in B grade this year, played in oppressive heat.

Cricket (and the sun) the winner on the day.

You could say Grimmer was too, bearing in mind he was still alive(when he left).

Tahtra in Bega this weekend (read up Kenty). series level at 1-1 with them, so hopefully we can finish 2-1 for the season. God knows we need to keep winning! Table below...

Far South Coast Cricket B Grade One Day Competition
Team	P	W	L	D	Total
Pambula	14	12	2	1	78
Wyndham	14	9	5	1	63
Bemboka	14	7	6	2	**54
Eden	14	7	7	1	53
Kameruka	14	7	7	1	*52
Merimbula	12	4	7	4	47
Tathra	14	4	10	1	38
Bega Angledale	14	2	12	1	28