Laois Cricket Club

John Ozenbrook scores 106 to put Laois Cricket back on track

In a hard fought battle in Togher on Sunday, Laois came out on top against Merrion Cricket Club to post their first win the Leinster Senior II league this season. Batting first, Laois opener John Ozenbrook blew out all the early season cobwebs to score a magnificent 106 runs in his 48 over long innings. The innings included some fine shots to the boundary, including two sixes. It is great to see John back in top form, and augers well for the Laois batting line up for the remainder of the season. Laois batted solidly all round and finished on 227 runs after the 50 overs, for the loss of 6 wickets. John was well supported by Clint Wilkie in particular, who came in at number five when runs looked scarce, and posted a quick 24 runs to give the Laois innings a well-timed boost.

In reply, Merrion got off to a solid start, and after 25 overs had lost only 2 wickets for 100 runs. However, after losing runs quickly at the start, Laois bowlers Clint Wilkie (2 for 28 off 10) and Shahzad (3 for 40 off 10) bowled very tightly in the middle of the innings, leaving Merrion requiring over 8 runs an over from the last 15. With the pressure mounting, wickets fell, and the catching of Roland Rixi Fuller behind the stumps and Mumbasher, Massoud and Armand Smit in the outfield eventually lead to Merrion being all out for 196 with two overs to go, giving victory to Laois by a margin of 31 runs.

Laois second II had their game on Saturday called off due to weather conditions. The third team had an away match on Sunday to Dundrum in Dublin. Batting first, Laois scored 210 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. In reply, Dundrum were dismissed for 172 runs, giving Laois a victory by 38 runs.

Next week, the first II are at home to Malahide on Saturday, and on Sunday, the second II entertain Old Belvedere, also at Togher.

Training for all senior players is at 6.30pm every Wednesday in Togher. Training for Junior players will begin on Tuesday 19 May at 6.00pm in Togher. New members always welcome!

Photos from Laois First II vs. Merrion at Togher (10 May 2009)