The SquizLog

The One that got Away

Yes, last Sunday night Lleyton Hewitt almost did it. And, when he was 3-0 up in the third set, it looked as though he would become the first Aussie since Mark Edmonson 29 years ago to win the Australian Open. But Marat Safin lifted his game to another level and triumphed in four sets.

So, yes that one did get away from Hewitt and we're left with the hope that he goes one better next year.

But the tennis is not my motivation for writing this. Earlier the same day I had more personal stake in another sporting "close, but not close enough" result. The best Under 13 cricket team that the Central Coast could muster played their semi-final of the NSWDCA Gee Shield competition.

As their coach, I was pleased when they bowled Parramatta out for 116, albeit on a very slow outfield. However, I was not so happy when they slumped to 5 for 23 in reply, especially considering that two of those wickets were due to very poor run outs.

Things looked grim at afternoon tea time as I did my best to instill a positive attitude in the minds of the not out batsmen and those to follow. "Forget what has gone before. We need another 93 runs in 35 overs. That's less than three an over with five wickets in hand. You can do it!" And respond the boys did. As I counted down the runs required for victory the boys kept scoring at the required rate.

Belief was gradually being restored. And the target was getting closer and closer. 79 to get. 69 to get. 59 to get and the batsmen who were not out at tea were still at the crease. I could feel that my team was starting to get back to a dominant position in the match. Then a wicket fell. Another fighting partnership ensued, adding a further 16 runs to the total. 43 to get with 4 wickets in hand. Hope remained.

But then disaster struck. Two wickets fell in quick succession; the second another run out. Only two wickets remained and another 41 runs were needed.

Again, things looked grim.

But the Central Coast was not done yet. Some lusty hitting from the lower order once again turned the course of the match. The score mounted and the tension built. With three overs remaining 13 tantalising runs were required for a fighting victory.

It was not to be. When the number 9 batsman struck the ball that led to his dismissal he was convinced it was going for six. However, it landed in the hands of deep mid-wicket. The last wicket fell shortly afterwards and Central Coast had finished ten runs short, all out for 106. Sure, we were disappointed. But, from a position where the team seemed down and out at the tea interval and the opposition was already celebrating, it was a spirited fight-back which showed a lot of character.

Despite that semi-final getting away, I'm proud of the team's achievements. They've qualified for the semi-final for four seasons in succession and won two premierships, the 2002-03 Creak Shield and the 2003-04 Cawsey Shield.

Well done, team!

Posted to Cricket, Personal by Keith Pitty