Game #2 vs St. Alban's College

Day 6:

An overcast morning greeted us as we had an early breakfast in preparation for our trip to Pretoria to take on the might of St. Alban's College. Bruce and Tom led the team stretch in the corridors while the coaches took a cardio session in the hotel gym - although it was a bit early and strenuous for most of the boys.

We bid farewell to our good friend Andy, who was presented a much sort after Barker Cricket training shirt. On the trip west to Pretoria, the number of Vodacom stores was ridiculous. With no opportunity to stop and purchase one it seemed to mock us as we continue to rely on the hotel's minimal download limits.

Skipper Adam won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first in a sound looking deck. George and Adam saw off the new ball, and when they were dismissed, Ben kept the scoreboard ticking over. Brad came to the crease and hit a couple of sparkling boundaries. Wickets then fell at regular intervals. Cameron and James scored some quick runs in the last couple of overs and at then end of our allotted overs the Reds had made 7-129.

In replay Tom had then St. Albans opener caught brilliantly by Luke diving down the leg side in the first over. Thomas bowled his offies with great skill but had 3 chances put down. Cameron bowled superbly taking 3 quick wickets to have the hosts on shaky ground. The Reds put down another hot chance which resulted in St. Albans scrapping home by 6 wickets.  A much improved performance from boys which alludes to a confident Red squad leading into the Parktown game.

Enthusiastic support by the visiting Reds while the openers batted out the first session.

Openers Adam and George batted solidly to be none down at the first drinks break.

While some good bowling helped the cause, the Reds were a little short of runs in the end.

Despite the result, the Reds squad are showing signs of improvement and with a couple of big inclusions, a great after game recovery session in the pool, and some fantastic seafood at the Fisherman's basket, our fortunes should turn around tomorrow.

SMT