Rock XI too strong for the under nineteens


	Cricket Gibraltar Official site of the Gibraltar Cricket Association

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TJF

Cricket.

ROCK XI TOO STRONG FOR UNDER NINETEENS.

The Rock XI selected to give Gibraltar’s under nineteens further practice in preparation for their World Cup Qualifying series experience in July, proved far too strong as the youngsters plummeted to a 131-run defeat.

The Rock XI won the toss, opted to bat first, and were given a sound start by Christian Rocca and newcomer R Pauliss who put on 35 runs for the first wicket in the opening nine overs. Shaun Ainsworth then accounted for the latter, caught behind by Kieron Ferrary, after which Rocca and Chris Watkins kept up the momentum of the innings with a second wicket stand of 44. Kayne Peliza then struck an important blow, dismissing the dangerous Rocca when he was two short of yet another half century. This brought Mohammed Usman to the crease and a further 55 runs accrued before Ross Harkins bowled Watkins for 39. Andrew Chipolina then helped Usman to put on a further 78 runs as the under nineteen attack began to wilt against the onslaught. When Chipolina was eventually bowled by Karan Aswani for 41, Richard Buzaglo joined in the run spree with a quick-fire 26. At the end of the allotted forty overs, the Rock XI’s total had raced to 232/4 with Usman undefeated on 70.

The under nineteens made a poor start to their innings, losing the wickets of Harkins and Mark Bacarese with only 39 runs on the board. Chris Phillips and Aswani did their best to recover the innings, but when the former holed out to Chipolina off the bowling of Nicky Gordon, wickets tumbled cheaply and only Ferrary of the middle and late order with 35 made much of an impression. In the end, the under nineteens were dismissed for 131 in 34.2 overs. Gary De’Ath, with figures of 3/14 was the Rock XI’s most successful bowler.

Next Week.

Wiggins Shield action resumes next week-end with two matches scheduled. On Saturday, Calpe CC take on UKCCC whilst on Sunday, the clash between Grammarians and GCC could well decide who takes the title.

-TJF.