Match Facts:
Date: Sunday, February 9, 2023
Location: Nerrena Cricket Ground, Nerrena (Gippsland), VIC
Time: 1.00pm start
The Big Picture:
After a couple of years away from the scenic capital of the Cricket calendar (say that ten times fast), The Quokkas return to Nerrena this weekend for another celebration of inclusive Cricket while admiring the vista.
I can’t actually remember how many times we’ve made the trip down there (5? 6?), but it isn’t nearly enough.
After getting absolutely walloped the first couple of times we went down there, we managed to even the scoreline for a while, before Nerrena have wrested dominance in the last couple of games.
That’s hardly the point though, it’s all about doing our best and enjoying it on the way.
The last game was quite insightful for me personally, I had one bloke hit me for just about the biggest six I’ve been hit for (there is a compelling list of the top 10), then his daughter bowled me after getting one to jag in off the cut strip. Anyone else may think a family vendetta was on.
Regardless, it should be great fun.
Nerrena: Where childrens arms go to disappear
Form Guide:
The Quokkas are probably in the best form they have been in for 10 years, with an incredible mix of veterans providing cricketing-canny and new recruits providing energy and exuberance. Oh yeah, we are also scoring a lot of runs and bowling and fielding well.
This weekend may be a bit of a challenge as it will be played to YPCA rules, though the dreaded LBW is included, so the stats won’t count and the straight one will get you out (don’t think that’s a Wu Tang line…yet).
In the Spotlight:
The ultimate team-man, Ray Jayner, has changed his game this year to forego individual awards for the betterment of Quokkas everywhere.
While his batting average is down to 14.0 for the season, his strike rate is up to 1.33, often against opening bowlers. This has taken the pressure off those around him and sewn the seed of doubt into the opposition.
His is the type of game that is best suited for the Nerrena game and we look forward to a big one from the TFB.
Team News:
Everyone loves a game in Nerrena and as a result we have a squad bulging at the seams.
- Prez
- F1
- Ed
- Dutchy (c)
- Radar
- Jay
- Alex
- Animal
- Local?
- Big Dog?
- Rev
- Fargo
- Big Dave
- Oscar
Pitch and Conditions:
Nerrena is the loveliest ground we get to play on, surrounded by rolling hills and barely a scuff in the turf to be seen.
Its looking like a top of 35 on the coast, so it should be a little cooler inland (and hopefully with a breeze), though its going to be a warm one so hydration is very, very important.
Stats and Trivia:
(We are out a bit this week due to the Vic Hotel scorecard not coming in yet)
Quotes:
“My only regret is that I didn’t join earlier”
- Fargo, on being asked if he is enjoying playing with The Quokkas