After recording a close victory over the Cricketers Club of NSW (CCNSW) last Sunday, the Old Knoxonians' Cricket Club (OKCC) is looking ahead to facing Primary in the semifinals in two weeks' time. 

Match Report from OKCC Captain, Tim Lazarus (OKG14) 

On 2 February, we faced off against CCNSW in the JPS quarter-finals. The covers had kept a lot of moisture on the pitch, causing a delay as we waited for it to dry out. Despite the wait, the pitch remained quite soft, so I was surprised when their captain chose to bat after winning the toss. 

Cam Wilson (OKG21) and Lachlan 'Fenners' Fenwick (OKG12) made a solid start on a tricky pitch, leaving CCNSW at 1/26 after 10 overs. However, we missed several chances—dropping six opportunities to dismiss one of their openers. Dropping catches in finals is the one thing we can do without fail. 

As the pitch started to flatten out, we felt confident at 5/73 in the 21st over. But then their number 7 batsman proceeded to score one of the fastest 50s I've seen in C&S cricket, including seven 6s. Turns out, he's a member of the Australian LMS team. We brought James Hardyman (OKG22) and Fenners back on to contain the onslaught. Fenners managed to take the crucial wicket, finishing with 2/26 off 7 overs. It was one of his best performances, and despite being one of the few who didn't drop a catch, he was unlucky not to receive points. James wrapped up with 3/23 off 7, once again delivering a consistent performance while bowling through some challenging moments. CCNSW finished 9/175 from their 35 overs, setting us a tough target on a slow, unpredictable pitch. 

Like their innings, our first 10 overs were by far the hardest to bat. Their opening bowlers had us struggling at 3/25 after 10 overs. Hamish 'Denno' Denning (OKG14) and Henry Wines (OKG19) steadied the ship, but Denno, true to form, fell just after the drinks break. At 4/60 after 18 overs, the required run rate was creeping up to 7. 

Oscar 'Ox' Alcock (OKG14) then came in, having recently invested in new batting equipment. His investment paid off immediately. Ox took full advantage of the short straight boundaries and his long reach, smashing a quickfire half-century that included 9 boundaries. It was a seriously impressive knock in a pressure situation before being BBQ'd. 

Despite Damien Martyn's recent induction into the cricket Hall of Fame, the title of 'the finisher' should arguably belong to Henry Wines. As usual, Winesy kept complete control of the chase. He read the game perfectly, accelerating and decelerating when needed, picking his matchups, and keeping both himself and his partners calm under pressure. Although he fell just short of a half-century, he'd played a vital role, with 133 runs scored while he was at the crease. 

We lost both Ox and Winesy in quick succession, leaving us needing 25 runs off 24 balls. The Hardyman brothers stepped up to the challenge. Both found the boundary and ran well between the wickets, leveling the scores in the penultimate over. 

Points: 

3. Oscar Alcock (50) 

 2. Henry Wines (48) 

1. James Hardyman (3/23 off 7 + 14*)

Report by Tim Lazarus (OKG14)