by Calypso Cavalier
It was a ‘Misathon’ at Kingsford Smith Oval against Tintenbar/ East Ballina on the weekend in the first LJ Hooker Premier League game for 2021, with all three Misons playing key roles in the Casino Cavaliers’ victory.
Cavs skipper Tim Martin won the toss and batted on a slightly moist deck. At 2/0 it looked like it was going to be an early shower for the Cavs but Tim Martin (29), Matt Bradshaw (19) and Rob Mison (16) laid the platform for something to bowl to.
Photo: Mooseworks Photography
Handy contributions from Nick Enby (11) and Hayden Mison (8) added respectability but at 9/ 105 there was forlorn hope of a Cavs win.
Enter the Cavs’ never-say-die attitude. A swashbuckling 26 runs from Tom Carlton and 13 runs from the most under-rated number 11 in the comp, Mark Mison, steered the Cavs to 145 all out in the 38th over.
The crucial last wicket partnership of 40 runs was full of bravado, poise and determination, and vital in the context of the game.
In reply, Mark Mison (3/ 17 from 8 overs) and Hayden Mison (2/ 3 from 2 overs) were standouts.
At 4/ 90 Tintenbar/ East Ballina were cruising towards victory, but the key wickets of Cristaudo (28) by Cooper Mulcahy (1/ 15 from 6) and veteran Mick Warburton (18) by Hayden Mison sent the beach boys’ wickets tumbling to be all out for 120.
The victory was celebrated long and hard. Fast bowler Tom Carlton’s brilliant knock of 26 will go down as one of his career highlights.
It was a sensational effort and turned the game. His tail-end partner Mark Mison also had a day to remember with bat and ball.
The pivotal moment in the game was probably when skipper Tim Martin threw the ball to Hayden Mison and he cartwheeled LJ Hooker veteran top order batsman Mick Warburton’s stumps.
A low scoring game is won or lost on key moments and the Cavs secured them all. This win has put the Cavaliers in 6th spot and back in the hunt for semi-final action.
This article appeared in the Richmond River Independent, 20 January 2021.
