Karori Wildcats: 149/9 (T Goodhind 60*, R Fernando 15)
Johnsonville Run Chargers: 110/6 (D Nicholls 3 wkts, M Fairless 2 wkts)
The Wildcats' season got off to a winning start against the Jonny-come-lately Johnsonville Run Chargers.
True to form, our first ball wasn't bowled until 2:15 pm as we waited for the opposition to arrive. Nando won the toss, and elected to bat. Will and Tomo (with assistance from a handful of Extras brought about by the blustery day) had the Cats in quick-scoring form.
When they departed, W Hughes (14) and T Westaway (5), several other batsmen chipped in and got starts, including R Fernando (15) and A Couper (13). Anchoring the innings was Tim Goodhind, and there was plenty that was good about his batting. Comfortably flicking it around for singles and twos, he unleashed on a handful of occasions (with one a Lance Cairns special) and ended the innings on 60 not out.
The Cats' total was 149 for 9 with Extras (29) the second-highest contributor.
150 was always going to be a tough chase for JRC and some tight bowling and sharp fielding kept the pressure on. Michael Fairless bowled with heat from the City End, and when he struck first in the third over JRC were 1-13. Out captain was spoilt for choice with a wide selection of bowlers, and gave short two-over spells. JRC's innings bobbled along, and by the end of the 12th over the equation was 90 runs from 8 overs.
In the end, it proved to be several bridges too far, and JRC finished up on 110 for 6. Notable moments in the field included Tom and Will each taking high catches square of the wicket, and ring-in Dan Nicholls' dream first over (wicket first ball and another later in the over), followed up by a rather forgettable Will Anderson-esqe effort in his second over (although he still got another wicket, taking his haul to 3 for the day).
Player of the day was Tim for his 60*.
Next week sees the Cats head to Ian Galloway Park, to take on the other J'ville team, the Full Tossers.
