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Ratty wants maximum points

On the eve of the match against Stocksfield Wanderers, the captain has today spoken about the match, "Having lost against Sparta last time out, makes this match very important.We must aim not to only win the match, but get maximum points and play with freedom and style.We will not underestimate Stocksfield and and treat them with the utmost respect.They have not had a great start to the season and will be doing there best to put that right.However, if we play to our potential then I believe we will win".
The captain also talked about the significance of not playing a game for 2 weeks,"Yeah, its true that we aint played for ages, but then again we only had a few nets pre season and still hit the ground running.There is a lot of class in my dressing room, and experienced cricketers.I fully believe my boys will bounce back from that game a few weeks ago because they are very keen to put things right.They have been itching for a game and I feel our next opponents will be in for a rough ride".

Captain explains loss

After a heartbreaking defeat against Sparta on Tuesday, the captain has today spoken of the loss,"It was a match that could have gone either way,it was in the balance and they probably held there nerve at the crucial time to win it.My boys will learn from matches like this, and will be better cricketers for it".
The captain also felt his batsman had let him down and they were easily about 15-20 runs short,"they have to take more responsibility and plan there innings accordingly.there is a lot of talent in that dressing room,guys who have played a lot of cricket and major innings.I plead for them to be more responsible and bat sensibly and intelligently because if they do, they have the ability to get us to 140-160 every match.One of them has to carry on batting until the 11th or 12th over and only then will we be in a good position to post a big total. I felt we did well to get over 100 considering at one stage we were 5 down for 30.We just fell 20 runs short".
The captain also felt the fielding played a big part in the defeat,"it was terrible really, we gave about 20 runs in the field and it has cost us.we missed a few run out chances and singles and doubles were not stopped.I ask the players to think hard about there fielding because its very important indeed.We must be alert every ball and anticipate the ball is going to come.We are a young side so should be doing better.
The captain then talked about the forthcoming matches,"this one is gone, so no point to dwell on it.funnily enough we are only 3 points behind Sparta so are within touching distance.We must focus on our next league match against Stocksfield and getting maximum points.Its vital that we do and keep in touch with the leaders because our main aim is to top this group and be the best team in this division.Nothing has changed my mind,and I fully believe we will achieve our goal.

Oceans lose in a thriller

Oceans CC lost there first game of the season against Sparta last night in a fine summers day at Bullocksteads.The match was billed as a 'top of the table'clash with the winner taking all, and it clearly did not disappoint.Oceans won the toss and elected to bat posting 103/9 (16 overs).At one stage, they were on 34/5 with only 6 overs gone, but as usual Ratty played a sensible innings under pressure to help get his team to a respectable position.In reply, Sparta were losing wickets reguraly but somehow managed to score vital bounadaries in key stages.Poor fielding was also to blame as runs were given really cheaply and quite easily. Sparta won the game with three balls remaining and finished on 104/8 (15.4overs).

Captain looks forward to clash of the Titans!

Having not had a game this week due to East Sleekburn resigning from the league, Oceans entertain Sparta in a game which has huge significance.Both teams are unbeaten in the league this season having won all three games, and the stage is now set on Tuesday for a thrilling clash.
Captain Ratty spoke today about the importance of the match,"Its a huge game no doubt,Both teams are unbeaten and that adds to the excitement.Winning breeds confidence, and both teams will be going at full throttle as they look to maintain there unbeaten start to the season. They will be on a real high, and we will have to be at our best to stop them".
The captain was also quick to play down the significance of not winning,"Everything will not hinge on this game,both teams have had a great start to the season and defeat would only be a minor setback.We go into every game believing we will win, and this mindset goes a long way towards achieving our goals.
The captain would not give too much away about team selection,"I do have a team in my mind, Usman is not playing due to an exam on the next day so that is a blow. Bilal is back so that is a huge bonus as he has been our best bowler this season.I still have one important decision to make but am sure whatever decision that is, it will be for the benefit of the team.I am confident my boys will play really well and give a good account of themselves".

Captain hails team fightback

The captain has today spoken of his delight at the win over Belmont last night, he said,'This is another morale boosting victory which will only give the boys more self confidence and belief.It was achieved under intense pressure and that was the pleasing aspect in that players stood up and never shyed away from the challenge'.
The captain also was pleased the win was achieved without Arsalan,Bilal and Adeel,'This shows that there is a lot of quality in this squad and that we have strength in depth.The bowlers did a tremndous job, all of them and the batsman stood up when it really counted.It was a good, professional and disciplined performance and they can hold there heads up high'.
Later the captain was asked about his match winning performance and the contribution of Usman Aziz,'He Usman is hitting the ball brilliantly, he is seeing it like a football and its very clean hitting.It is great to bat with him and he too enjoys batting with me.The innings he played changed the whole momentum of the game.As for my innings, I said to myself if I stay there until the 14th over, we will win.This is what I did and I know its what is expected from me because I believe in my ability.If you have belief, nothing is impossible.In general, it was a great partnership, a really good eye catching one.The running between the wickets is what ultimately won us that match.We now look forward to our game next week against East Sleekburn in great shape.