B Grade – Kensington District Cricket Club

West End Men’s 2nd Grade

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Feb 262018

B Grade travelled to Prospect oval looking to bounce back from last week’s disapointing loss to West Torrens and to keep the hunt for top spot going.

With overcast conditions and a green wicket, there was no hesitation when winning the toss and bowling. Despite bowling very tight with the new ball Kensington struggled to make any inroads with Prospect crawling to 0/50 with 15 minutes left until lunch. Tom Mackenzie then took two wickets in two balls with another wicket to Daniel Burns right before lunch leaving Kensington well on top at 3/56.

Prospect battled well after lunch with thier skipper producing an excellent half century and batters contributing all around him. Despite not making consistent inroads the Browns never leaked runs keeping the total in check.

Some excellent bowling from Michael Cappalutti, Ash Eckerman and James Cleggett after tea saw wickets fall regularly after tea with Prospect crawling to 9/235. Cappa ended with three wickets as did James Cleggett.

There were some superb catches taken during the day and some very good bowling in spells but honours we even especially with the conditions being well in favour of the bowlers.

All to play for next week as we continue try and finish as high as possible going into the semi finals.

West End Men’s 2nd Grade Round 11

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Feb 122018

Top of the table B Grade took on West Torrens at Parkinson on Saturday. Winning the toss and electing to bowl, Kensington were made to work hard for the intial breakthrough with West Torrens getting to 0/25 before Michael Cappalutti got an edge to Sam Williams at second slip. The second wicket to Daniel Burns quickly followed before West Torrens steadied in the second hour. With 20 minutes to lunch and only two wickets down after being sent in West Torrens would of been the happier side but a double breakthrough to Nick Palmer and Tom Mackenzie, including a wicket on the last ball of the session to a wicked wrong un, saw honours fairly even at 4/90.

The middle session saw Kensington get on top with two wickets to Michael Cappalutti before an excellent partnership from West Torrens rescued the innings with the 7th wicket putting on 100. This took the score to 6/220 just after tea before Daniel Burns and Tom Mackenzie combined to knock over the last 4 wickets in a hurry, West Torrens all out for 237. Three wickets each to Michael Cappalutti, Daniel Burns and leg spinner Tom Mackenzie who has really taken to B grade comfortably.

With 14 overs left to bat Nick Palmer and Sean Mcullum opened, each playing positively and punishing anything loose despite the time of day, this brilliant hour of batting left the Browns in command at 0/60 overnight with a great oppourtunity to finish the job next Saturday.

West End’s Men’s 2nd Grade Round 10

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Feb 052018

B Grade travelled to Bice Oval with the game finely in the balance with Southerns requiring 170 more runs with 9 wickets in hand.

After a lacklustre 20 overs in the field the previous week from everyone the energy and commitment was there from ball one Saturday. Nick Palmer started us off with two quick wickets before Cameron Fatchen and Daniel Burns picked up one each to leave Southerns reeling 5 down still needing another 130.

Southerns rebuilt to lunch and despite Ash Eckerman and Michael Cappalutti bowling in a terrific partnership into the break we were unable to take the killer blow.

Southerns fought hard after lunch bringing the equation down to 60 required with 5 wickets still left before Luke Pedlar who had to keep due to an injury to regular keeper Sean Mcullum took a brilliant stumping off Daniel Burns to bring control back to Brown’s.

Southerns kept hanging in there but Kensi continued to take regular wickets eventually bowling Southerns out 20 runs short completing one of the best bowling and fielding efforts of the season.

This win leaves us top with Sturt, who have the bye to come and leaves us in control of where we finish at the end of the season.

West End’s Men’s 2nd Grade

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Feb 012018

Saturday saw B Grade travel to Bice Oval to take on Southern Districts. With the forecast for oppressive heat it was a nice surprise to arrive to fantastic playing conditions which stayed comfortable all day. After winning the toss and electing to bat Kensington lost the first wicket early before Sean McCullum and Hugh Cranendonk steadied the ship putting on 50. Hugh fell for 29 before lunch before Sam Williams and Sean saw the team to lunch.

The middle session saw Kensington lose wickets consistently never really getting on top of Southerns nor losing two wickets in a row. Sean Mcullum battled for his 36 whilst Nick Palmer and Daniel Burns put on 60 for the 6th wicket to see the score over 200.

Shortly after tea Kensington were bowled out for 222 which was a disapointing result considering 8 batsmen scored in double figures but the top score of the innings was 48 which has been a theme all season.

Left with 20 overs to bowl Kensington battled to make inroads before Hugh Cranendonk took a wicket with his first delivery which saw the score finish 1/50 at stumps.

Kensington will need to bowl and field well to defend the 220 on the board and maintain top spot on the ladder.

West End Men’s 2nd Grade

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Dec 042017

Day 1, The B’s rolled down to Woodville oval for a top vs bottom of the table battle against a winless Woodville outfit. Burnsy won the toss and and elected to bat, of which within 20 minutes of play was under question when the top four batsmen were dismissed managing only to score one run between them (Hugh Cranendonk). Sam Williams (36) and Michael Sullivan (24) battled well on a pitch that appeared to flatten out and became more workable than the 4/7 would suggest as the B’s middle order and bowling contingent all chipped in to carry the team to 127 after 41 overs.
We started off well with Nick Palmer taking a wicket off the 4th ball of the Woodville Innings and dismissed their top 3 batsmen for not many as we looked to take advantage of the new ball wicket. Similarly, Woodvilles middle order were able to put together a partnership before some sharp fielding from Ash Eckerman and a lightning leg side stumping by the Schoolies duo kept us in the game as we dismissed the Peckers for 75, Nick Palmer finishing with an impressive 6/32 of his 14 overs.
Batting for the 2nd time that day with both opening batters on a pair, Michael and Sean we’re determined to get off to a better start than the first innings. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be with Sean nicking off in the second over giving him the fabled pair for his troubles of driving to and from Victor Harbour each morning.
Day 2, With quick runs in mind in order to set up a second innings game, Hugh Cranendonk stepped it up batting well for his second 100 of the season, which included 4 x 6s and disappointment when he wasn’t able to hit a ball onto the roof 110m away. We declared shortly before tea with a lead of 202, setting up a decent game with Woodville needing just under 3 an over in good conditions to take second innings points.
Nick Palmer removed the same opener in the first over of the innings and Burnsy trapped the other in front as we had them 2/18 before a partnership ensued. The game was looking ominous at 2/100 and again we looked to Nick Palmer for wickets and he delivered with some good short bowling dismissing both the in batsmen to put the game back in the balance. Some good fielding and poor running between wickets lead to another run out which had them looking in trouble at 5/126. Another partnership came together before Michael Cappelluti decided to turn up just when we needed him and took the game away from them taking the last 4 wickets for just 7 runs and giving the Browns the second innings points.
A crucial win for the 2’s coming into 3 weeks off cricket with a 30-point buffer on the top of the 2nd grade table.

West End Men’s 2nd Grade Round 4

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Nov 192017

Kensington defeated Glenelg

Day 1, The Bs headed down to Gliderol Stadium to take on a strong Glenelg outfit who have taken an early lead on the 2nd grade table with two convincing wins in their first two games of 2017.

Glenelg won the toss and after some discussion between the opposing captain and his team mates they collectively decided to bat on a surprisingly green Gliderol wicket.

The day didn’t start exactly how the Bs would have liked with Opener Michael Sullivan suffering a blow to his finger in the warm up which sent him off to get X-rays and left the Bs starting with 9 men to take the field as we waited for super sub Dan Submaranian and Simon Schwerdt who was sitting an exam that morning.

The opposing captains indecision proved fair as the B-grade got off to a cracking start with Michael Cappelluti continuing from where he left off last week taking early polls and rattling rib cages answering questions of whether he could perform without his fan club in attendance.

Nick Palmer joined in and the B-grade were on top at 5/40 until a gutsy innings by the Glenelg skipper and a couple of partnerships ensued getting Glenelg through to just before tea all out for 153, leaving us with 34 overs to bat in the best part of the day.

With Michael Sullivan out at the top of the order with a fractured finger Sean McCullen joined Michael Davies and looked immediately at home with the new ball as they worked well together to chase down the 153. Sean took particular liking to one of the pace bowlers flicking him over mid wicket and showing great intent for 55 before coming undone just before the close of play.

Cranendonk (10) and Davies (34) are unbeaten going into next week in a strong position at 1/105 needing 49 runs to take the points.

Day 2:
The B grade returned to Gliderol with a few new faces including James Cleggett for his first appearance, and Panners for his first B grade game for years. Granty and Opes also came in the side to strengthen our middle order.
Only needing 49 runs to win, Michael Hulk Davies and Hugh Snoof ‘Cranedk’ walked out on day 2 to see a hard Gliderol pitch that had a bit in it. We lost Davies after a few overs for a well played 34 who put us in a good position on day 1. Cranners continued along nicely with 32 and we lost him just before reaching the target. Middle order contributions got us past the target comfortably, and some lower order hitting including a David Grant bomb got us to 8/208d at Lunch (65 run lead). Davies 34, Cranedk 32, Granty 23*, Opes 22, Holmes 15.After lunch we had another crack at rolling Glenelg, but unfortunately we were unsuccessful in doing so. Cleggs came out and bowled good wheels, and was unlucky not to be rewarded with a pole. Sticks had the ball talking from his end, and was rewarded with 2 scalps. Glenelg batted well with their No. 3 looking comfortable and put on a few for the third wicket. After some overs from the spinners, we introduced our third seemer. Burner bought on Michael Davies to bowl which had sent a message to the Glenelg boys that we were almost done for the day. Davo’s first over provided nothing in the batsman’s half and got hit for a couple of boundaries. Signs were looking ominous for this man’s start to his bowling career. His second however improved and only conceded 5 off the over. Cranenbridge at cover watched a few balls fly past him as Davo’s figures compiled to 0/17 off 2. Not a bad effort. We called it at tea with Glenelg 2/132, and overall a good win for the B grade moving us to the top of the ladder with Woodville next and the bye.

Michael Cappelluti set the game up for us on day one taking 3 for nothing in the first 15 minutes, and Glenelg were out of the game after that spell. Palms taking 4 also assured that they would not post a big first innings total.

West End Men’s 2nd Grade Round 3

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Nov 042017

B Grade – Kensington defeated Port Adelaide at Parkinson Oval

Day 1
A slightly greener then normal Parkinson oval pitch greeted the B grade on day one of their clash against Port Adelaide. Skipper Daniel Burns was under no illusions and had zero hesitation batting first when he won the toss. It wasn’t an ideal start with opener Michael Sullivan snicking off to gully in the first 4 overs. Sully had been working throughout the Southern Flinders over the previous 2 weeks and had driven a total of 7 hours over two successive Fridays to return to Adelaide only to be dismissed two games in a row for scores of 0 and 0. Duck season can be a cruel mistress. Michael Davies, having earned a call up to the B grade after strong performances in the C grade, set about his business with Hugh Crannendonk having come down from the A grade. Davies looked in great touch from the very first ball he faced, a cracking cover drive. Crannendonk was a focused man on a mission showing great controlled aggression and diligent application as he progressed the score at a cracking rate. The two had a 118 run partnership which took control of the game early and helped lay a fantastic foundation for the team. It took and absolute hanger from Port’s Keeper Sheedy to dismiss Davies who made a solid 35 from 80. Crannendonk at the other end was hitting them clean with multiple boundaries and one rather large roof ball. He had the team working in overdrive as he went through 2 bats, 6 pairs of gloves and 3 separate towels as his score raced along to 105 before he was dubiously judged LBW. Cranner’s presented a range of anecdotal evidence as to why he wasn’t out such as the likelihood he had hit the ball and the questionable height, but received no support from his star witness, Charlie Holmes whom he was batting with him at the time. Holmes was quoted as simply saying ‘plum mate, sorry’. Unfortunately a handy 46 by birthday boy Charles Holmes was the only other contribution of significance and despite the extremely strong start the B Grade succumbed to improved balling fielding effort from Port Adelaide and a constant flow of wickets ensued. Holmes was a particularly unlucky one after a bouncer hit him flush on the helmet before the ball, seemingly defying physics, somehow hit the stumps. Looked like a dismissal straight out of stick cricket. Our total score was 256 all out in the 72^nd over and in the end some handy runs from bowlers Burns 12, Lecawasm 10 and Cappulleti 12 were required to be competitive. Was the best 12 not out you’ve ever seen from a number 11 according to Michael Cappuletti.

This gave us 16 overs at Port Adelaide which was a decent chunk of time to hopefully make some inroads. Make some inroads the B grade did with Cappuletti and Eckerman picking up key early wickets including the dangerous Reynolds. Ty Wunderburg was in the game with a sharp catch at Gully adding to his growing number of great catches so far this season. Hiran Lecawasm produced something special throwing down the stumps to give the B grade their 3^rd wicket and great momentum leading into next week with Port Adelaide at 3/32 overnight chasing 256 on what is another beautiful pitch for batting. A good game awaits next week, if the B grade can win they will be 3 from 3.

Day 2

Starting the day at 3/30, the B grade were confident with 256 on the board to defend. After losing Hiran Lecamwasam to some split webbing last Sunday (becoming a regular occurrence) Jack Konnis stepped up and filled in before his match started. Much appreciated thanks Konnis! Once Michael Davies finally arrived the boys started well with 2 early wickets to Michael Cappelluti. Daniel Burns was bowling dots for fun from the other end and Ash Eckermann found his groove.

The B grade had set themselves the aim of winning the first hour. Although they did this Port managed to dig in and be still 5 down at lunch. With the wicket as flat as it has ever been, (Scott Aufderheide must have done some work this week..) the boys knew the job wasn’t done. After lunch Port continued to blunt the attack batting well and knocking off the runs as they went. Hugh Cranendonk was bowing well and the group knew a wicket wasn’t far away.

A spell off “quick” short pitched bowling, surprisingly from Cappa and Eckers rattled Ports set batters. Eckers made the break through with his 7th bouncer in 8 balls to an absolute screamer from Sam “Snorlax” Williams the wickets started to fall. I’m writing this report a good 5 hours after the match has finished and Sam is still telling us about the car he should have one.. expect a long week all.

Burnsy and Cranners settled in for a spell of pole hunting with both claiming 2 and 1 respectively with Cappa finishing the match after having 3 balls with he new ball.

All in all a comprehensive win for the Bee’s. Thanks must also go to Liam Scanlon for fielding the remainder of the day showing how good a fielder he actually is with solid catch a 1st slip (just ask him) The boys continue to field the house down and will look to keep the momentum going into next week for the big game against Glenelg.

West End Men’s 2nd Grade Round 2

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Oct 222017

The B Grade lost the toss and were sent in by last years B Grade premiers East Torrens on a trade mark Browny/Aufderhide flatty. An early run out saw Sullivan depart without troubling the scorers in the 3rd over, batting coach Bazz Steele was overheard saying Usain Bolt would have had no chance making the tight single. 17 year old opener Euan Fletcher was undeterred by the early dismissal and set to work with number 3 Liam Scanlon. After a promising start where every ball seemingly came out the middle Liam was unfortunately caught behind leaving the team 2/29. This brought Simon Shwerdt to the crease who worked into his innings, well supported by Euan who continued to tick the score over at a decent click. The two had a great 150 run partnership which helped establish a strong platform for the team and both played some fantastic cricket shots. Shwerty’s trademark one leg down cover drive was in full boom and young Fletcher dispatched the opposing spinner for a big roof ball. Some quick wickets saw our two inn batters and big hitting Sam Williams all depart within 6 ball of each other. Skipper Dan Burns and young up and coming bat Ty Wunderburg chipped in some handy runs before the tail was also able to chip in. the B grade finished with a strong 229 from their 50 overs which was above the 200 par score mentioned at the start of the day giving the group confidence.

The pitch by this stage was superb for batting and the team realized restricting runs was going to be the key to winning. Opening bowlers Scott Aufderhide and Ashley Eckermen worked hard and bowled good areas early without much reward. Michael Cappelutti and Michael Sullivan were able to make scoring difficult well aided by skipper Daniel Burns and his astute field placings. An injury scare to Liam Scanlon, which sent shockwaves in nightclubs throughout Adelaide, caused him to leave the field during the innings. The aptly named D Sub came down from the D grade game after smashing a 40 odd to substitute field and this was sincerely appreciated by Liam and the team. Despite a couple of dropped chances the team fielded pretty well and Braydon Frost up for his first B grade game of the year kept well. The bowlers continued to tighten the screws and the wickets ended up falling in clumps as the run rate got greater and greater which is testament to the bowlers execution and the fielding standards. Scott Aufderheide finished with 3/41 from his 10 continuing his solid start to the season and Ash Eckerman continues his fantastic development with 2/32 from his 10 with the other wickets shared amongst the remaining bowlers.

A great start to the year in the B grade which has helped generate a great feeling amongst the group and hunger for more success. As always a huge thanks to our much loved scorer Machette for his time and support.