Metchosin’s Cougars clawed their way back in last Saturday’s Victoria District Cricket Association match to defeat Victoria United by one wicket, 151/9 to 147/all out at Victoria’s Beacon Hill Park.
United won the toss and elected to bat first. Metchosin’s fielders calmly went to work, bowling well, claiming five catches and even earning a run-out from Jos Bell in his first game back from injury.
For the second week in a row, Australian import Sam Rocher figured prominently: In just two overs of bowling for the Cougars he amassed four wickets, clean-bowling three himself, with an economy of zero runs against. This smothering defensive performance resulted in United being put all-out in the 38th over for just 147.
In the second innings, and chasing only 147 runs, the Cougars came out energized, with ears back and bats swinging. The attack soon stalled on 23 runs, however, as the middle of the order fell into chaos with three consecutive batsmen going out for nought by only the 10th over.
But club captain Blair Boardman and Mike Smith steadied the ship, setting up a strong partnership that lasted almost 18 overs. The pair scored an even 50 between them before Boardman was caught by United’s wicket keeper in the 27th over, after scoring a respectable 43. Undaunted, Smith pressed on with Rocher, who added another 28 runs.
With five balls left in the very last over and the score tied at 147, “Spicy” Ty Holtan smashed his fourth boundary across the line for four more runs and the win.
Metchosin now sits fifth over-all in the VDCA 1st Division standings, and third in the western conference.