12/02/2024
What a night it was for Tu Meke Cricket Club. Last week's blowout defeat needed to be a wake-up call for the boys.
During his inspirational pre-match speech, Captain Sam Whibley brought some Tu Meke teammates to tears. It is our understanding that Whibley discussed what playing for Tu Meke means to Cambridge and all that it represents.
Several media outlets reported rifts between the players prior to the game. One of the older members of the playing group may have been excluded from the team snapchat group. "I don't think he has any idea what Snapchat is, Club CEO David Morris said". The player who was excluded is believed to be Tokaroa Mayor, eligible bachelor and former Irish rugby player Isaac Boss.
During prematch preparations, CEO David Morris informed team mates that he would be able to play only the first innings.
With 185 runs to their credit with the bat, the boys set Thirst XI 186 runs to win.
Following that, we had a repeat of last week. Our boys came out flat, not much energy, and Thirst XI punished us in the first few overs, especially their opener Ryan Totman.
After scoring 110 runs and losing only four wickets, Thirst XI appeared to be on their way to victory. Seeing another blow-out defeat looming, Tu Meke's lads were starting to drop their heads. Boston Hale then entered the picture, stepping in and bowling his second over.
What happened next, can only be described as the greatest bowling over of the century. Tu Meke's spirits were revived when four wickets were taken from the next six balls, completely turning the momentum in our favor thanks to our former captain. Hale knew he had turned the game in Tu Mekes' favour after he returned to the outfield with a smile on his face. We were able to get back in the game thanks to Hale, after he dropped a catch earlier in the game.
Following the momentum shift, Josh Gore and Isaac Boss helped Tu Meke pick up the last 3 wickets for only 17 runs, securing the victory. Matt from your moment photography deserves special recognition for stepping up after David Morris and Ben Thornton disappeared after the first innings. Matt was given the keepers gloves and also bowled two brilliant overs. Matt's two overs helped create pressure that Boston capitalized on for his four wickets. Boston now joins an exclusive list on our new honours board, which has been proudly sponsored by local brothers, Joe and Cam Bourke.
Head Coach Mark Richardson expressed his pride in the boys after the match. "I had a few sleepless nights after last week's defeat, but I am glad the boys were able to bounce back". Michael Hussey, the team's batting coach, said this was their best performance so far with the bat.
Earlier today, several sources told us Boston Hales' boss, and potential future brother-in-law, Cam Steel had to pull him from the Turf Bar at 6:40am to make it on time for work. Hale was said to be drinking through the night with mental skills coach, Jesse Ryder. In his conversation with the lady behind the bar, Boston spoke of his imminent signing with Northern Districts.
A full summery of Boston's "over of the century" will be written up in the next 48 hours.
