By CPOSTD Scratcher Neal
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Trost
bowls them over
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Navy
opening bowler and ADF cricket representative LSNPC Dean
Trost (HMAS Albatross) bowled his way into the record
books by returning arguably the best ever combined bowling
figures by an ADF member at a national interservice carnival.
Dean
opened the bowling for Navy in both matches and finished
the carnival with the following figures: Overs –
Maidens – Wickets – Runs
20 13 8 17
Dean
was also prominent with the bat, scoring a fast 22 against
Army. His efforts were further rewarded when named player
of the carnival by ADF national coach WO1 Barry James.
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All
three services each recorded a win at this year’s National
Interservice Cricket Carnival in Brisbane from November 16-18.
Under the existing format, the three-way tie sees reigning title-holder
RAAF, retain the trophy for another year.
After five-day training camp in Sydney, team Navy arrived in Brisbane
to play Army first up. The squad donned the baggy Navy blue for
the official team photos and a welcome speech by ADF coach WO1
Barry James.
Navy lost the toss and was sent into bat on a pitch that looked
like giving the bowlers something early. Navy’s long-standing
opening batsman and vice-captain LSCSO Luke Grimmond ticked the
scoreboard over early before edging a simple catch to the slips.
When captain POET Nick Knight and opener ABATA John Senge were
dismissed shortly after in similar fashion, Navy was in trouble
early.
Patient batting by the middle order – LSNPC Dean Trost (20),
ABEW Andrew Critchlow (14) and ABBM Mansfield (18) – enabled
the lower order to swing some willow at the end – ABBM Morrison
(22 not-out), ABATA Glen Cleary (27) – to help reach a total
of 9/169 from 50 overs.
Notably disappointed by their efforts with the bat, Navy bowlers
found a good length and put pressure on Army’s batsmen to
make the runs.
Good bowling and superb fielding gave Navy a great chance to snatch
victory with only a few overs remaining, but Army reached the
total in the 48th over with three wickets to spare.
Day two saw Navy up against tournament favourite RAAF. In consecutive
days, the coin toss fell in favour of the opposition who had no
hesitation to send Navy in to bat.
Boasting many players in last year’s national squad, RAAF
dominated with the ball which saw Navy batsmen spend more time
walking in and out to bat than at the crease.
In 39 overs, Navy had been bowled out for 122. The return to form
by Navy captain POET Knight (34) and another consistent display
by ABBM Mansfield (15) were the only highlights in a very disappointing
innings.
Driven by both anger and self-belief, Navy players hit the ground
running with an added spring in their step. Over the next three
hours, I witnessed arguably the best bowling and fielding display
by a Navy side for many years.
In 38 overs, Navy dismissed the tournament favourites for 112.
On the fall of the last wicket, the Navy boys erupted in a display
of joyful celebration rarely seen on a cricket field.
The victory opened the door for Army to win the carnival if it
could defeat RAAF on the final day. In another low-scoring game,
Army was all out for 85. RAAF again struggled with the bat, but
held on to win. Final scores – Army 85, RAAF 8/86.
The carnival concluded with a relaxed barbecue dinner and the
naming of the ADF squad, with congratulations to the following
Navy members who were selected: POET Knight (selected as captain),
LSCSO Grimmond (selected vice-captain), POMT White, LSNPC Trost,
ABATA Cleary and ABBM Mansfield.
