We enjoyed a good day's play today with Tas Tigers Second Eleven playing the ACT.
The ACT cricketers are only part-timers and club players. It is hard going for them against full time pros. ACT were all out for 196 in the first innings.
They made 100 in the first session and Tassie were lucky to get 4 wickets, with few other balls beating the bat. The run out for the 2nd drop effected their chances of posting a decent score.
Neil-Smith appeared to bowl the fastest I've ever seen him bowl. I think he has recovered from injury. Really worried the ACT with his pace, line and bounce.
All rounder Aidan O'Connor, aged about 18- 19, has increased his speed through the air, taking 2 wickets. Kieren Elliot made up another experienced Shield bowler, which was all too much for the ACT.
I'm enormously impressed with former NSW right arm finger spinner, Raf McMillan, now playing for Tas. He took 2 wickets in successive balls. He was accurate, got slow turn and loop. If Kuhnemann isn't playing for the Tas Shield team on national white ball duties, McMillan needs to be in the Tas Shield team.
Giant left arm pacemen, Marcus Bean, also bowled some hostile spells, but struggled with the consistency of the other bowlers.
The ACT's Evans opened the attack with some hostile bowling. I don't think Docherty and Thomas will be able to sustain their pace, as Docherty's action takes a huge amount out of him with so much physical effort required, whilst Thomas carries extra kilos.
It seems ACT 35yo all rounder, S Murns, apparently a customs officer, or defence worker, was the impressive bowler. He bowled nagging medium pacers, with the ACT keeper standing up to the stumps. He had a nagging line and length, but appeared to get balls to skid and kick off the pitch. Scrambled seam?
He dismissed the very impressive opener Tom Dwyer, Ricky Ponting's nephew, LBW. Murns could have had him the previous ball too. Prior Dwyer made an imperious 27, with some glorious shots and good shot selection but struggled with Murn.
Must have been Tas 1-50 ish when I left at 5.30pm as pleasingly the ACT wrist spinner came on - Krunker?
The old stand/pavilion we sat in had possibly the best view I've ever seen at a cricket venue. The old Tas Cricket Association ground is the most scenic sportsground I've watched sport/cricket anywhere.
We sat next to the ACT coach and had quite a good chat. We feel like the Second Eleven games have increased our red ball cricket viewing from 5 to 7, 4 day games this season.
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