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About Baulko
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We welcomed three new players to the team this year, Dave Danks, David Mansley and Kam Brar. Josh Freeman was our "reserve" player and it was always enjoyable and appreciated when he played, often required at short notice. This was really a season in two distinct halves: 2006 and 2007. We started off the season with a flyer of a one-day limited overs game; batting first we scored 5/252 off only 33 overs running at over 7.5 runs an over. Ben scored his first of two centuries this season (130 not out) and combined with skipper David Banks (84) in what was a record fourth wicket partnership of 206. New team Sydney Supersonics came out with all bats blazing and, in a nail-biter were finally dismissed for 244 with an over to spare. Sadly, we did not win another game that year and at Christmas time we were bottom of the table. We had many very close games, but we were on the wrong side of the ledger. We were still playing well but our confidence was down, and we did miss the strike-power of the ever improving Will Cartwright in the bowling department. As an aside, Dave Danks organized for the majority of the team, a season of Indoor Cricket at Castle Hill, as both a bonding exercise and (hopefully) to attune our skills a bit more. This paid dividends, as we won almost all of our games and hoped this would rub off on our outdoor form. We ended up winning that competition after a come-from-behind win in the semi, and we were indomitable in the grand final. This indoor form, I believe, helped us in 2007. Also, Banksie had a golden run in winning the toss for every game (except the Grand Final). Here we were, bottom of the table (by a long way actually), and after doing the math realized that we needed to win EVERY game to make the Grand Final. And that's exactly what we did! We played exceedingly well as a team, which was obviously helped by some outstanding individual performances. Our fielding improved and suddenly the catches were sticking, our bowling was on target and our batting was very dominant. Two of the standout games just before the finals were against semi-finalists Winston Hills and The Bulls. The game against Winston Hills at their home ground saw us batting on the first (very hot) day. By the end of the day we had ground their bowlers into submission, finishing on 5/375 (the highest score that I personally had been involved in), with the gifted Ben Dooley scoring an amazing 190 with Matthew Hardy scoring his maiden century (100 not out) on the very last ball of the day! How he scored those two runs he needed when the ball was only really dropped at his feet is a story in itself! Remember how I mentioned earlier that Ben and I had the record 4th wicket partnership from the first round, well we (or more correctly I!!) only held that long term record for four months! As Matt and Ben put on a massive 260 for the fourth wicket. This could possibly be an all time BHCC record? Winston Hills did make a game of it the following week but never looked like getting the runs and it turned into a practice session for both teams. The team was on a massive high as we turned up to play The Bulls at our home ground, Ted Horwood. Again won the toss and batted. Remember how I said the score against Winston Hills was the highest I have been involved in, well a couple of weeks later that record was also broken! We finished with 9/381, with Greg McLoughlin scoring a chanceless 206. I knew Greg was a good batsman, but I really didn't know he was that good! His potential finally turned into big runs, playing strong cricket shots to all parts of the ground, with the ball always finding the gaps. He was very measured during his first 100, with his second 100 coming up in almost no time. It was carnage. Personally, I was so proud of Greg's achievement and I was the one letting his Dad know (holidaying on the Central Coast) on the mobile of his progress. But maybe if Peter was there it wouldn't have happened! We rolled The Bulls the following week for 68, with Matt Hardy starring with the ball taking 5/15. We played Kellyville in the Semi Final, rolling them for 97 after some excellent fast bowling from Ben Dooley and Will Cartwright, and Banksie chimed in with a couple of wickets. We passed their score the next day with only three wickets down and finished at 5/105. This leads us to the Grand Final against minor premiers Winston Hills. Lost the toss and Winston Hills batted, scoring a competitive (but below par) 186. We did let them get away a bit and gifted them an extra 50 runs. Matt Hardy took a couple of unbelievable catches, some of the best I have witnessed first hand. It was also the first time I had seen "the fire in the belly" from Matt, who became very animated at times. This was transferred to his bowling where he took 6/44. Matthew was without doubt the most improved cricketer in the team, in all the disciplines. Not only was he technically better, but he has also matured into a mentally confident and instinctive cricketer. Matt has a bright future ahead of him. Sadly, we were all out for a paltry 122, and that was after a great opening partnership between Greg and Dave Danks and another major partnership between Matt (who just missed out an a 50) and Ash. Six of our batsman failed to score (5 ducks), and what a time to do that, you can't win the comp with those sort of stats. Fancy saving our worst batting exhibition for the Grand Final. Personally, I am still having nightmares about it. Realistically, Winston Hills deserved their victory. They were the most consistent team in the competition with many talented players. Our three games against them throughout the season were always hard fought, with some excellent cricket played, and in tremendous and respectful spirit. We enjoyed playing against each other, but we want revenge next season! The Grand Final disappointment aside, it was an outstanding effort for us to even make the Grand Final, considering the predicament we were in at the end of 2006. If we had been premiers I was seriously thinking about calling it a day, but now I cannot wait for the 2007/08 season! A big thank you to the guys that filled in for us throughout the season, from the reserves to those from other teams that had the bye. My "spin-twin" (Mitch Walters) is now officially forgiven (just) for not only dropping that catch off my bowling, but also bunting it over the boundary for six. Thank goodness Thorny can catch! Also thanks to Jason Currey (Senior Registrar), Peter McLoughlin (who did so much for the team behind the scenes, again, and was a great help to the skipper), Greg McLoughlin for looking after the kit, the scorebook (when it wasn't under his pillow), and getting the match results in. It was also nice to see some regular supporters/spectators at our games (Cloe, Tara, Richard, Graeme, Peter & co.). A special thanks to the team members who also did their umpiring stints and canteen duty. Another pleasing aspect is the support the B6's gave to the Club, which is always well represented at the various functions, including a huge turnout at the Trivia Night. (I did predict six weeks beforehand that there would be a severe thunderstorm that evening! My teammates know my weather forecasting skills). The team members, in close to batting order, (and their highlights) are: Greg McLoughlin: Opened the batting with distinction throughout the season and did a fine job keeping wickets. This proved to be a bit of a problem for Greg as he was also very keen for a bowl! He has really matured as a batsman, which was emphasized with his mammoth 206 against The Bulls. His keeping saved us many runs and also took some fine catches, whilst always making (welcome) suggestions to his skipper. Greg also has a lovely girlfriend (Cloe), who attended most of our matches. Dave Danks: He's a great motivator on the field, and also took the shine off the new ball after he put his hand up to open the batting. A true team player who enjoys the success of the team and others individual performances. Dave organized our indoor cricket sojourn, and despite being "new' to the team this season, it felt like he was always part of it. Sam Freeman: Sam should have bought his new bat sooner! He certainly got serious with his new blade and scored just under 400 runs for the season with a top score of 82. Sam was so fluid with his batting that he made it look so easy, and never looked like getting out - until he got himself out. That century is bound to happen next season. Sam is very sound in the field and a very supportive Vice Captain. I won't mention your bowling average though. Ben Dooley: Ben is a naturally gifted athlete and an amazing cricketer. He has the highest potential to go places with his cricket that anyone else I have seen at his age in the (many) years I have played competitive cricket. Ben loves the important games, where he tends to excel. He bowled without luck in 2006 but bounced back to top form in 2007 when the wickets started tumbling. His 7/36 against Norwest was an amazing spell of pace bowling. He also scored two centuries, 130 not out and a relentless 190 against the eventual premiers. Ben was also involved in two double century partnerships (206 & 260). What an outstanding individual season, topped off by being awarded the PDCA Cricketer of the Year. Matthew Hardy: Matt has been the most consistent player in our side this year, and certainly the most improved. He is always thinking about the game and wants to play a part in it. He scored just under 400 runs for the season, averaging just under 40 with his not out 100 against Winston Hills (including his 260 run partnership with Ben) and took 21 wickets at just over 15 runs per wicket. His fielding was spectacular and dynamic, and Matt took some freakish catches throughout the season where he really wasn't even entitled to get his hand on them. This helped to inspire the team to many victories due to his controlled confidence. Matt was far and away our best player in the Grand Final. D.P. Banks: Had his best year with the bat and ball for many seasons. He scored almost 250 runs for the season, top scoring with 84 and featuring in a 206 run partnership with Ben. Also took 21 wickets with his deceptive spin bowling @ 22, with best figures of 4/34. Took a "had to see it to believe it" diving outfield catch (under the nose of our President!) after running miles when fielding at deep mid wicket (what was he doing there?). {Answer: getting a drink between overs!}. Had the unusual statistic of winning every game that he had won the toss. This was a most enjoyable season, but he still wants the big prize - a premiership! Ash Jolly: He bowled well earlier in the season but needs to concentrate and remain focused when things are not going your way with the ball or on the field. Ash has the potential to be a fine all-rounder. Hopefully he is learning that if we all function and work as a team, we get to share and enjoy the success together. Dave Mansley: Another one of our new players who quickly slotted into the team. Dave is very passionate about his cricket and wares his heart on his sleeve. He is always talking things up and does (almost anything) to get an advantage over his opponents. Dave really enjoyed the teams successes (both at indoor and outdoor) and often provided refreshments for the players. Kam Brar: A broken finger kept Kam out of the side for most of the season. He loves his cricket and enjoyed his earlier stint wicket keeping and batting up the order. Always tries his hardest and supported the team even when he was not playing. A better season awaits Kam! Josh Freeman: Josh has been our "standby" player for a few years now and always enjoyed it when he got a bat. He took an outstanding outfield catch later in the season (that few gave a chance to) that turned the game for us. Charles Hoddinott: Seemed to bat everywhere throughout the season, but without luck. His fielding has improved significantly throughout the season with a couple of fine catches and he did throw the stumps down on a number of occasions. There are runs around the corner Charles, and I would also blame Duncan Fletcher. Will Cartwright: Will loves bowling and he has improved significantly over the past three seasons. Bowled his best spell all season in the Semi Final (5/14) and kept a great line and length, would have bowled all day if asked. Was injured for most of the first half of the season, and it was no coincidence that his return bolstered our side to victory. Will and Ben were far and away the best opening bowling combination in the competition. Keith Morrison: Has the best cricketing and team-oriented attitude. Keith chased everything down in the field as if his life depended on it, is always pumped, and made a number of welcome (and implemented) tactical field changes throughout the season. Did bowl well on occasions with limited opportunities, and he never gives in. Personifies what team spirit is all about, a most valuable member of the team. Also doesn't mind the odd chat with the opposition! Bring on the 2007/2008 season! OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES
Centuries
Double Centuries
200-run Partnerships
Best Bowling
Fielding Award
PDCA Player of the Year
David Banks
Individual Awards
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