This game was washed out by a sudden storm, which would have seen us secure a home semi final, but alas we missed out by just 1 and a half points. Batting first we were in big trouble at tea at 7 for 88 but two fantastic partnerships between Barry Jordan and Paul Mclean of 87, then Barry and Aaron Dyer of 115 saw us reach 273. It was a marvellous innings by Barry of 115. Armadale were 6 for 148 when the storm hit.
Canning 273 drew with Armadale 6/148.
Barry Jordan 115, Aaron Dyer 39, Paul Mclean 35.
Steve O’Neil 3/22, Mark Richards 2/38.
Semi Final. Vs Maddington.
We lost the toss and bowled with Maddington in a very defensive mode with only 11 runs in the first 11 overs but we soon got amongst the wickets having them 5 for 58 just before tea. They hung around all afternoon but we finally dismissed them for 171 leaving us all day Sunday to score the runs. It was a terrific display by all the bowlers and our fielding was tremendous.
Sunday began very badly for us seeing us slump to 4 for 30 and in real trouble, then enter one talented James Todd in a serious run scoring mood and with Mark Delamere anchoring at the other end we passed the score with 20 overs to spare. The 131 run partnership between James and Della was a privilege to watch with James making 117, with 98 of that coming in boundaries and Della a patient 29no. This team has so much depth in it’s batting, look out Phoenix here we come!
Canning 6/175 defeated Maddington 171
James Todd 117, Mark Delamere 29no. Mark Richards 4/36, James Todd 3/25.
Grand Final Report
The drought is finally over, after 21 years of fruitless blood, sweat and tears the Canning Districts 3Bs have overcome a very strong Phoenix side to win it’s first 2 day premiership since 1981. With the club celebrating its 75th year, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
We lost the toss and then waited to see Phoenix decide to bat first, which put a smile on one or two faces. The skies were smattered with rain clouds and James Todd declared that rain would be the only way Phoenix were going to win this weekend. We had instant success with Aaron Dyer taking 2 wickets in the 3rd over and putting them on the back foot, exactly where we wanted them. He then followed with 2 more and they were teetering at 4 for 27, then with the score on 48 a game winning piece of fielding from Marty Torrance saw their best bat stranded half way down the wicket and Mark Delamere gleefully knocking down the stumps to the roars of a noisy Canning support squad. Then another stunning piece of wicket keeping by Barry Jordan off Paul McLean’s bowling in the last over before tea saw them reach 6/51 at the break.
We were right on top and we weren’t about to let that go with James bowling a terrific spell they slumped to 9/80 and then a nuisance last wicket stand of 26 was finally ended with an athletic catch at first slip by Dennis Todd off Marty to end their innings.
We had 55 minutes to stumps under darkening skies so Chris Wisse and I planned to just see if we could make it through without losing any wickets. Unfortunately I got out with 15 minutes to go but we made it to stumps at a very strong 1 for 40 with Wisser looking rock solid on 31no and Dennis Todd on 2.
Sunday saw clearing skies and the boys were in a positive but tenuous mood as we started the run chase. Wisser got out early for a well made 33 but the bowling was very tight indeed, with Dennis and Mike Todd putting together a patient 47 run partnership leaving Mike and James to finish it off, with a flashing pull to the boundary from Mike sending the crowd into a frenzy and the players rushing onto the ground to celebrate this outstanding performance.
It was an honour to captain this talented bunch of cricketers this season and I would like to thank every player that has played in 3Bs this season for their commitment and positive attitude which has seen us win the ultimate prize after being so close in previous seasons. We were determined this year was going to be the one, and it showed in our approach to the game in the finals with us only losing 9 wickets in the 2 finals.
Thankyou to all the supporters that graced us with their presence during the final, it was very much appreciated by the whole team.
Match Scores: Canning Dist 3/110 defeated Phoenix 106.
A Dyer 4/20, J Todd 2/28, M Richards 1/29, M Torrance 1/6,
P Mclean 1/4 , S O’Neil 0/16.
C Wisse 33, D Todd 27, M Todd 27no, J Todd 9no, M Richards 6.
Man of the Match: Aaron Dyer.
Man of the final series: James Todd.
Canning Districts Cricket Club
