Seconds suffer another heavy defeat

Victoria elected to field first, in an attempt to give themselves a small target to chase. Things went according to plan early on, as Victoria took the first two wickets with only 15 runs on the board, as Jordan Marshall ran out one of the CIYMS openers, and Craig struck for the second wicket shortly after.

James McVey and Jonathon Bunting got themselves a wicket each, with the score now on 44. Victoria again struck twice in quick succession when Steve Johnston had P Smith caught and bowled, before getting rid of Matchett with his next delivery.

CIYMS were now six wickets down with 68 runs on the board, but still had 21 of their allotted 35 overs to bat, and still had their opener, A McGonigle, at the crease.

After a partnership of 20, Johnston struck again, to leave the visitors on 88-7. However, despite the commanding position Victoria were unable to kill the innings off, allowing a 67 partnership to develop for the eighth wicket, when Craig Marshall bowled McGonigle for 86. CIYMS finished on 180-8, leaving Victoria with it all to do.

Victoria began their reply with Jonathon Bunting and Matthew Parks at the crease. They started steadily, and were beginning to build a healthy partnership with 30 runs on the board before Parks was bowled through the gate.

Unfortunately, wickets then began to fall regularly, as Steven Adair was harshly adjudged leg before wicket, and Bunting also fell victim to a leg before wicket appeal, while nicely set on 22.

Craig Marshall and Steven Johnston managed to amass a partnership 28 for the eighth wicket, before Johnston was stumped, and Craig Marshall was last man out, scoring 18, leaving Victoria 68 runs short.

This was a disappointing defeat for the home side, who had a strong 11 picked, but fell victim of not being able to kill off the CIYMS innings, making their run chase a much harder prospect.

A lack of application with the bat also told, as numerous Victoria batsmen were unable to push on after making a start.

CIYMS Innings:

C Marshall 7-0-43-2

S Johnston 7-0-18-3

Victoria Innings:

J Bunting 22

C Marshall 18