With time running out to qualify for a playoff position, the fifth-place Metchosin Cougars defeated host Oak Bay by 74 runs in a must-win Victoria and District Cricket Association Div. 1 game at Windsor Park on Sunday.
The match proved to be a defensive struggle, with Metchosin managing only 127 batting, going all-out in the 37th over.
The Cougars took to the field for the second innings where they have thrived all year and soon had the opposition in fits. At the first drinks break, Oak Bay had only 17 runs to show for 15 overs’ worth of batting.
Timely wickets by Rajeev Ayer and ‘Spicy’ Ty Holtan kept the pressure on Oak Bay’s middle order, but it was all-rounder Danny Basson who was ultimately named man of the match. Despite a modest 13 runs batting, he dominated the opposing batsmen with an impressive five-wicket performance. In the end, Oak Bay’s final batsmen fell at the hands of Basson, leaving the home side with a final score of 57 after only 29 overs.
Metchosin’s game-day captain Doug de la Mare applauded his team’s exertions.
“It was a whole-team effort. Everyone contributed from top to bottom,” he said. “We were a bit unlucky with the bat, so we had to tighten up our efforts on defence. Our bowlers really came through for us today.”
The team has just two more home games in the West Shore this season, Aug. 23 against Alcos and Aug. 30 against United Victoria, the very team they are chasing for the final playoff berth. Games start at 12:30 p.m. at Metchosin Cricket Ground behind the fire hall.
– submitted by Rick Gardner