On Saturday, the 30th of November it was time for the big derby game between Groot Drak and the Scorpions. A game that always provides big moments and bragging rights for the next 12 months. The Scorpions came to avenge their agonizing loss on their home field last season, but under the astute leadership of stand-in captain MC Uys, the Drakies were just too much for Scorpions.
As per usual, Corrie Brand (7 overs on the trot, 1 maiden for 22 runs) opened the bowling running down the hill and was extremely unlucky to be the only bowler of the day not taking a wicket. The tearaway youngster, Liam Carruthers, had to run uphill and bowled beautifully in partnership with Corrie. The youngster finished with figures of 1 for 17 in his 5 overs. Coming on first change Herman Fourie was a tad expensive, picking up 1 wicket for 31 runs in his 5 overs. Colin Myburgh replaced Corrie from the top and took 1 wicket for 2 runs in his first over, bowling out Dangerous Dave for 22 runs. As the dangerous Nico Ras made his way to the wicket, the captain showed his tactical genius by bringing Claude Chantler on to bowl the last over before drinks with the explicit instructions to make sure Nico Ras is back in the hut before drinks. The most attractive cricketer in Groot Drak’s history, Conrad Harley, took up position at cow corner with Claude tossing one up, Nico obliged by hitting it straight into the pair of safe hands of Conrad waiting for him on the boundary. Colin continued after drinks to finish with figures of 2/36 in 5 overs. Angus Simmers and Claude took over from Colin and Harry. Angus finishing with figures of 2/21 in 4 overs and Claude finishing with 2/22 in his allotted 7 overs getting rid of AD Visser who scored 51 vital runs. Conrad Harley (1/3 in 0.4 overs) brought the innings to a close by taking the last wicket.
After lunch the Drakies set about chasing the modest target of 161 in 35 overs. As per usual MC and Gary Seaman (21 runs of 32 balls) opened the batting. The Scorpions were very lucky to dismiss MC for 4 runs. In came the other youngster, JC Burger, who batted beautifully on debut to score 25 off 21 balls before being bowled. The attractive Conrad Harley, batting in his preferred number 5 spot, came in and batted beautifully to score 30 of 51 balls, steering the ship as Claude fell for 9, Herman for 2 and Colin for 6. Angus Simmers batted well to score 17 of 25 balls. Chairman, Jonathan Boulton (15 runs of 13 balls), smashed a six and a four. As expected Corrie made sure his six was the biggest of the day by smashing the first ball Andre bowled onto the roof of the clubhouse to get his team over the line and make sure that Groot Drak win the game by 2 wickets.
Playing in his last game for the club, Conrad Harley was dually awarded Man of the Match for his contributions on the field and the “TFC award” for his contributions off the field. All of the best for your next adventure and in the words of Gary Seaman, “wishing you all of the best for your new adventure Conrad, enjoy you beautiful man”.
Match report by Claude Chantler
