One out of two ain’t bad.
That’s what the Campbelltown Camden first grade men’s team may be thinking after a solid win on Saturday followed by a disappointing defeat 24 hours later.
The Ghosts men recorded a resounding win over Bankstown in the NSW Premier Cricket competition on Saturday, chasing down the Bulldog’s previous week’s total of 310, reports JASON ELLSMORE.
Runs were shared down the order, with all batsmen contributing in fine conditions at Bankstown’s Memorial Oval.
Ghosts reached the winning target off 86 having lost six wickets.
Phil Wells (70), Jaydyn Simmons (58 not out) and Jordan Browne (54) all scored half centuries as the Ghosts wore down their opponents, grafting away against the quality Bankstown attack.
Jake Cormack (39) and Charlie Dummer (35) also made fine contributions to the Ghosts total at crucial periods.
Ghosts manager Shane Eva only had praise for his players after such a class performance against a quality opposition.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The boys played outstanding cricket under enormous pressure against a very good team,’’ Eva said.[/social_quote]
“That was an excellent win away from home.
“It was great to watch”.
The celebrations of Saturday did not carry over to Sunday when the Ghosts played a disciplined Sydney University side in a Kingsgrove Sports T/20 Cup fixture at Raby Sports Complex.
Chasing 130 for victory the Ghosts fell sixteen runs short after Sydney University had won the toss and batted first.
All five Ghosts bowlers took wickets in the University innings that was built mainly around the batting of three players who got starts at the crease.
All-rounder Luke Webb finished the pick of the bowlers taking 2/21 from his four overs of left arm pace.
The Ghosts innings started well with Aaron Yabsley playing his free-spirited game challenging the bowlers as he scored 32 off 22 balls.
The Ghosts lost their first wicket with the score on 53 and looked as though they were cruising to victory when Phil Wells (28) also lost his wicket.
To their credit the University bowlers hung in and bowled with control, restricting the remainder of the Ghosts bats with accurate length.
As the pressure built, the Ghosts wickets fell in their attempt to chase down the student’s runs.
Despite losing, the T/20 season was a positive one for the Ghosts, who defeated some quality teams along the way.
T/20 coach Jeff Cook was positive in his post match comments, reinforcing the above sentiments and urging his young team to learn from good sides like University.
The Ghosts are away to Hawkesbury next weekend in a two day match, the last before the Christmas break.
Both teams are on 14 points after seven rounds and two wins out of the top five.
The return of NSW Under 19 representative stars will only strengthen the Ghosts against the home side who are led by former Ghosts first grade skipper Josh Clarke.
Spinners Tanveer Sangha and Nathan Baker will return with opening bowler Iain Carlisle, all of whom have been in Adelaide experiencing success at the Cricket Australia Under 19 Championships.
