LMS T20 (8-a-SIDE) EASTERN SYDNEY SUNDAY DIVISION 3 SEMI-FINAL v THE CUSTARD ARMS AT UPPER KIPPAX, MOORE PARK ON SUNDAY 6 AUGUST 2023: REPORT BY JAMIE MURTHA
In an exciting LMS T20 semi final CCNSW faced off against The Custard Arms at Moore Park 6. The match promised to be a thrilling encounter. Despite grey skies overhead and a bit of drizzle, captain Jim Hadley won the toss and decided to bat.
We put on a dominant batting performance, setting a formidable target of 227 runs from our 20 overs, with outstanding contributions from Daniel May (52* from 17 balls) and Wade Butler (51*from 15 balls). The game was already looking to favor us. The pair was brutal with their ball-striking and found the boundary often. James Bonkowski (22), Richard Clark (25* retired), Nicholas Kochanowicz (34*) and Rhys Longbottom (35) also chipped in with valuable runs, ensuring a challenging total for our opponents to chase.
In response, The Custard Arms made a commendable effort, scoring 149 runs in their 20 overs. Our bowlers showcased disciplined performances, restricted The Custard Arms’ batting lineup. Nicholas Kochanowicz claimed one wicket with a perfect yorker. Rhys Longbottom bowled economically, going wicketless but conceding only 19 runs in his 4 overs. Richard Clark bowled 3 overs without taking a wicket but fielded brilliantly off his own bowling. Daniel May kept the runs in check with outstanding economy, the batters only managing 8 runs in his 3 overs. James Bonkowski contributed both with the bat and ball, taking one wicket thanks to Jim Hadley who took a brilliant catch on the square-leg boundary. Jim was as good as ever with the ball and had a big impact taking one wicket while only giving away a miserly 11 runs in his 3 overs.
In the fielding department, the team showed great athleticism and teamwork. Wade Butler executed a nice stumping and Jamie Murtha (who had not expected to play) fielded a few balls despite his broken thumb.
Overall, it was a memorable match, and our comprehensive victory by 78 runs has secured our place in Grand Final next Sunday!
(Editor’s note: The Grand Final will be v ‘Avin A Slap” (undefeated this season with 13 wins) at 1.40pm on Sunday 13 August at Robertson Road, MP5.)
The Team was: – James Bonkowski 22, Richard Clark, 25, Daniel May 52*, Wade Butler (w) 51*, Nicholas Kochanowicz 34*, Rhys Longbottom, 35 Jim Hadley (c) 8*, James Murtha (dnb)
The Result was:-
CCNSW: – 2-227 (20 overs) (D. May 52*; W. Butler 51*)
Defeated
The Custard Arms: – 3-149 (20 overs)
By 78 runs
The Bowling was: – N. Kochanowicz 4-0-36-1; R. Longbottom 4-0-19-0; R. Clark 3-0-39-0; D. May 3-0-8-0; J. Bonkowski 3-0-34-1; J. Hadley 3-0-11-1
The Fielding was:-
Stumpings: – One to W. Butler
Catches: – One to J. Hadley
Run outs: – Nil
Player points (awarded by captain): – 3 points to D. May ; 2 points to W. Butler ; one point to R. Longbottom
See: https://www.lastmanstands.com/leagues/scorecard/1st-innings?fixtureid=389041
LMS EASTERN SYDNEY DIVI$ION 3 LEAGUE TABLE WINTER 2023
| Team | P | W | L | D | Pts | NRR | TSBP | SBP | 20%BP |
| CCNSW | 12 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 86 | 1.763 | 6 | 8 | 18 |
| ‘Avin A Slap | 12 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 85 | 1.434 | 4 | 3 | 6 |
| Stumped! | 12 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 70 | -0.216 | 12 | 12 | 10 |
| The Custard Arms | 12 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 68 | -0.183 | 11 | 11 | 16 |
| The Fellowship of the Swing | 12 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 57 | 0.154 | 7 | 8 | 12 |
| High Street Cricket Club | 12 | 3 | 9 | 0 | 49 | -1.296 | 8 | 11 | 12 |
| Flat Track Bullies | 12 | 2 | 10 | 0 | 31 | -1.840 | 5 | 4 | 10 |
NB 6 points for a win + 3 categories of bonus points
First Four teams go through to Semi Finals