Close win for the Goannas

THE Gippsland Goannas Over 70s cricket team worked hard to achieve a close win against the combined Mornington/Canterbury side at Churchill on Tuesday.

Mornington/Canterbury captain Michael Angwin won the toss and batted.

He soon found trouble at two for five, with a superb run out by Steve Lincoln and wily spinner Kelvin Bond bowled the number three batsman Bruce White.  

The innings did not improve initially, when two more wickets fell at 15, in Andrew Smith’s fourth over.

The visitors gradually built their score, with Ian Rowland, Michael Angwin, Charlie Morris, Lindsay Murray and fill-in player Barrie Nunn all making contributions.

Mornington/Canterbury ended with 130 off their 40 overs. 

Player of the match Dick Noble bowled five overs to take three for 28, and two wickets were taken by Andrew Smith, Fred Debono and Anton De Vent. 

Keeper Ian Gibson took a catch and three stumpings, while another catch was taken by Ian Southall.  

Gippsland’s innings started badly when Warren Dummett was caught for four and Garry Rose LBW for two. 

However, skipper Ian Southall made an enterprising 36 retired, Steve Lincoln contributed nine, Dick Noble 14 and Fred Debono eight. 

Ian Gibson provided the backbone of the innings with 39 not out, and combined with Andrew Smith (10 not out) to score the victory in the second last over.

It was a tight game played on a good wicket and a slow outfield, with Churchill Cricket Club being excellent hosts.