Match Report vs Eclipse 25th June 2025 @St Fagans(Skipper and report Jim)

The Casuals rocked up in dribs and drabs to take of Eclipse on the back pitch at St Fagans. Despite the end of June approaching, the weather was cold and drizzly but just about playable, so with enough players being present, James won the toss and elected to bat, thinking that the drizzle may make batting more difficult as the game went on. To compensate for the potential of a rain delay and darkness, it was agreed that the game would be reduced slightly to 18 over per innings.

Hollywood and Liam F opened the batting, with Hollywood taking advantage of some early wayward bowling, with the score climbing to a decent 27 at the end of the 5th over. Liam had struggled more at the other end, with some good fielding preventing him scoring of some well-timed drives, but was soon put out of his misery, trapped LBW early in the 6th. Jesus entered the fray and was watchful to begin with, before dispatching a big 6 in the 9th over off the usually aggressive Suhail, who got his revenge in the 11th by having Jesus caught, with the score on 59. Next in was Rupert, in his final midweek game before moving away from Cardiff, who supported Hollywood well in pushing the Casuals beyond 100, with Hollywood retiring after a big over. Rhys joined Rupert and both pushed all the runs they could, with a couple of boundaries apiece, to ensure the Casuals reached a final total of 121-2 off their 18.

With the drizzle starting to ease, Goffy and Maxi were tasked with stifling the Eclipse chase. The batters had other ideas, however, with the left-hander being particularly keen to whack the ball where possible. It was Goffy that would make the breakthrough, however, by bowling the right-handed opener, before then having the left-hander caught by Rob at deep square-leg. He would pick up a third soon after, with Steveo getting underneath a high one, the score 57-3 at the end of the 7th. DT and Rob took over, with DT struggling for his line initially, which allowed Eclipse to continue scoring at a quick rate. Rob, however, balanced this by giving little away and taking two wickets, bowling both the number 5 and 6 batters in quick succession. He also claimed a sharp run out off one of DT’s overs, with an accurate throw into the gloves of Hollywood from square-leg, taking Eclipse to 76-6. The Eclipse captain took control at this point and steadied the tide, but not without some luck as Rupert couldn’t hold onto one in the deep. Despite working hard in the field, the Cazh couldn’t quite keep the run rate down, with Eclipse reaching the required total with 8 balls to spare.

Another tight game in midweek that the Casuals couldn’t quite hold onto. However, a good effort all-round against a side who are usually pretty strong. After packing away, the team traipsed back over to the clubhouse for a pint and buffet.

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