The Camden Campbelltown Ghosts had Mosman at their mercy several times, reports JASON ELLSMORE, but they just couldn’t find the knockout punch in their round three clash yesterday at Allan Border Oval.
The Mosman first grade captain may have had some concerns having won the toss and electing to bat on day one of a two day match.
He almost certainly didn’t count on Scott Coyte ripping the heart out of his top order in his opening spell.
The former Ghosts skipper took three early wickets.
He also combined well with Tom Rogers, whose reward was three wickets.
At one stage Mosman were 5/30 as their captain Matthew Day fought hard in the middle to build some respectability to their total.
Despite his gallant innings of 47 runs, Mosman could only manage 131 runs in just under 41 overs. Scott Coyte finished with figures of 4/30, Tom Rogers 3/48 and spinner Hameed Kherkhah 3/22.
The Ghosts started their innings reasonably well losing the first wicket of Damien Mortimer when the score was 45. However, 70 minutes later they were 6/102 and with pressure building on their tailenders.
Tom Rogers, who had enjoyed a successful morning with the ball, remained resilient, enabling the Ghosts to pass Mosman seven wickets down.
Rogers, batting at number 8, top scored with 42 not out before the Ghosts were dismissed for 167, a first innings lead of 36 runs.
Mosman returned to the crease for six overs before stumps and head in to day two next Saturday at 0/11. If the Ghosts bowlers can repeat their first day’s efforts, then outright points are a definite possibility next Saturday.
♦ The Campbelltown Camden second grade experienced a long, slow day at Raby. Mosman, having won the toss, grafted their way to 274 when the last wicket fell in the 97th over of the day. Earlier Mitchell McGrath had the visitors in some trouble taking four of the first five wickets.
Once again, the young Ghosts bowler was impressive and finished with 4/46 from 16 overs. The rest of the wickets were shared as Jordan Browne bowled 25 overs from one end, taking 2/59.
The Ghosts bowling on the Raby number one wicket was all the more impressive given that both opening bowlers suffered injuries inside the first four overs and did not contribute with the ball for the rest of the day. Skipper Ben Bourke used six more bowlers to counter the nightmare that he found himself in. Bourke should be pleased with his bowler’s efforts despite some crucial catches being put down throughout the day.
♦ In the third grade match at the picturesque Balmoral Oval, the day was just as long for the Ghosts. Mosman finished 8/295. Chris Halloran took 4/38 continuing his good start to the season.
♦ The young Ghosts fourth grade team need to produce something special early next Saturday if they are to rescue their game. Defending 172, Mosman will start on 2/108 when they return to Raby #2.
Kain Flynn-Duncombe held the Ghosts innings together despite the reasonable start to their innings.
Having taken the shine off the new ball and losing their first wicket at 46, wickets began to fall at regular intervals. Kain finished unbeaten with 79 of the Ghosts 172 runs.
♦ The Ghosts fifth grade completely destroyed Mosman demolishing their innings with the total at 65 runs. The Ghosts, who finished the day on 7/169 and like first grade have first innings points already, but a healthier lead of over 100 runs with three bats in hand.
Lleyton Wallace took 4/57 and was well supported by his spin counterparts Nathan Baker 2/1 and Joshua Langford 2/18. Dale Breckenridge batted beautifully in the afternoon session for 61 runs, with some great support from Max Clark (28 runs).
This completed a great day for the young Ghost fifths.
