The 2009/10 season is drawing to a close and it has been a disappointing end for the men in green. After being knocked out of the EDL cup by Government College Ibadan Old Boys a few weeks back, yesterday was our last chance to compete for a major trophy as we faced Lagos Asians CC in the GTA 20/20 cup.
Lagos Asians have been a rejuvenated side this season. They bounced straight back from relegation the previous year to comprehensively clinch the 2nd division title, and they were keen to show that they will be a force in the top flight next time around. They won the toss and elected to bat first, and despite the loss of three early wickets they kept coming at us with an array of powerful hitters. Skipper Roland Ilube juggled his bowlers in an attempt to stem the flow of runs, but it was only a late spell of 4-11 from Friday Udoh that enabled us to keep them below 150.
146 was a challenging, but not impossible task on a Unilag ground which can be very difficult to defend. However, our openers were stifled by some canny early bowling from the Asians which put the incoming batsmen under a lot of pressure. No one was able to get going and we crumbled to 78 all out. By the looks of things, LACC are a better outfit than their predecessors in division 1, and so the competition promises to be even stiffer next year. We will have to rise to the challenge.
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Too big too strong
Fegocowosa CC ran into a very professional Ibeju Lekki outfit in their Super 4 clash at TBS today. Skipper Roland Ilube won the toss (if coin tossing was a competition, we would have been crowned champions a long time ago) and decided to go back to plan A and bat first. When the first three batsmen had returned to the pavilion with a combined total of zero runs between them, this didn't seem like such a good decision.
The Warri boys never really recovered from this disastrous start as the powerful Ibeju bowling attack continued to apply pressure throughout the innings. Roland got to 21 before he was castled and it was only thanks to a breezy 23 from Frank Omozejele that we were able to get past the 100 mark.
A target of 108 was never going to test Ibeju unless we got early wickets and a 40-run opening partnership basically sealed the outcome. Femi Olayiwole picked up both openers in a good 10-over spell and Emmanuel Olowookere beat Endurance Ofem in the flight but in the end the Lekki men ran out comfortable winners.
They are a good and well-drilled side, but unfortunately are beginning to pick up some of the more unsavoury aspects of South African cricket from their coach. I hope their management clamps down on this before something really unpleasant happens.
The Warri boys never really recovered from this disastrous start as the powerful Ibeju bowling attack continued to apply pressure throughout the innings. Roland got to 21 before he was castled and it was only thanks to a breezy 23 from Frank Omozejele that we were able to get past the 100 mark.
A target of 108 was never going to test Ibeju unless we got early wickets and a 40-run opening partnership basically sealed the outcome. Femi Olayiwole picked up both openers in a good 10-over spell and Emmanuel Olowookere beat Endurance Ofem in the flight but in the end the Lekki men ran out comfortable winners.
They are a good and well-drilled side, but unfortunately are beginning to pick up some of the more unsavoury aspects of South African cricket from their coach. I hope their management clamps down on this before something really unpleasant happens.
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Wey dem?
After a run of 4 league defeats, the pressure was on in our EDL knockout cup match against Foundation CC at Unilag sports ground on Sunday. Our opponents also felt they had a point to prove, having just been relegated to division II.
Skipper Roland Ilube won his 9th toss in a row, and surprised everyone by inviting FCC to bat first. The early exchanges were even, with the red & gold clad batsmen of FCC scoring freely, but losing wickets along the way. However when their two gun players came together, the tide turned against us, although we did not help ourselves in the bowling and fielding department. Both Gafar and Olayinka chalked half-centuries as they put together a 130-run partnership that seemed to be taking the game out of our grasp. We rallied well in the last 10 overs to keep them to a testing, but gettable score of 229-8, when at one point it looked like 250 plus was on the cards.
Although 2 early wickets went down when our reply commenced, Friday Udoh was in determined mood, anxious to show that his run of ducks was a blip rather than a trough. He was joined by Obo Omoigui, still one of the cleanest strikers of a cricket ball on the Lagos circuit. The second century partnership of the match ensued, and even after Obo fell for 63, the force was now firmly with us. Femi Oduyebo kept the momentum going as Friday reached his 50, and then really began to motor, finally completing a magnificent hundred. Both of them perished with the finishing in line in sight,but the damage had been done, and victory was clinched with 10 balls to spare.
Skipper Roland Ilube won his 9th toss in a row, and surprised everyone by inviting FCC to bat first. The early exchanges were even, with the red & gold clad batsmen of FCC scoring freely, but losing wickets along the way. However when their two gun players came together, the tide turned against us, although we did not help ourselves in the bowling and fielding department. Both Gafar and Olayinka chalked half-centuries as they put together a 130-run partnership that seemed to be taking the game out of our grasp. We rallied well in the last 10 overs to keep them to a testing, but gettable score of 229-8, when at one point it looked like 250 plus was on the cards.
Although 2 early wickets went down when our reply commenced, Friday Udoh was in determined mood, anxious to show that his run of ducks was a blip rather than a trough. He was joined by Obo Omoigui, still one of the cleanest strikers of a cricket ball on the Lagos circuit. The second century partnership of the match ensued, and even after Obo fell for 63, the force was now firmly with us. Femi Oduyebo kept the momentum going as Friday reached his 50, and then really began to motor, finally completing a magnificent hundred. Both of them perished with the finishing in line in sight,but the damage had been done, and victory was clinched with 10 balls to spare.
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Buried under the Rocks
Fegocowosa CC's bad run of form in 2010 continued as they crashed to a 6 wicket defeat at the hands of the Ogun Rocks Club at TBS yesterday.
The Warri batsmen were never able to settle against some disciplined bowling from the boys from the Gateway City and limped to a paltry 86 all out. Only skipper Roland Ilube, who made a painstaking 31, and Michael Agbiboa, who hit a six and a four coming in at number 11, were able to break into double figures.
With such a small total to defend it was going to take a minor miracle to push our opponents close in the second innings, and although Michael and Frank Omozejele bowled tidy spells with the new ball, it wasn't until Friday Udoh came on that we were able to pick up our first wicket. Friday then found Yemi Adegbola's edge immediately after lunch but a simple chance went down and with it our last hope of salvaging anything from the game. The Rocks captain took this reprieve as a sign to launch the assault and although he finally perished with just 1 run required for victory - one of two wickets for James Imhanlahimi in his first spell of the season - the damage had been done.
This result means that we will probably need to beat GCI Old Boys in our final league game of the season to stay in the top flight. A lot of work is needed in the next two weeks to prepare for that encounter.
The Warri batsmen were never able to settle against some disciplined bowling from the boys from the Gateway City and limped to a paltry 86 all out. Only skipper Roland Ilube, who made a painstaking 31, and Michael Agbiboa, who hit a six and a four coming in at number 11, were able to break into double figures.
With such a small total to defend it was going to take a minor miracle to push our opponents close in the second innings, and although Michael and Frank Omozejele bowled tidy spells with the new ball, it wasn't until Friday Udoh came on that we were able to pick up our first wicket. Friday then found Yemi Adegbola's edge immediately after lunch but a simple chance went down and with it our last hope of salvaging anything from the game. The Rocks captain took this reprieve as a sign to launch the assault and although he finally perished with just 1 run required for victory - one of two wickets for James Imhanlahimi in his first spell of the season - the damage had been done.
This result means that we will probably need to beat GCI Old Boys in our final league game of the season to stay in the top flight. A lot of work is needed in the next two weeks to prepare for that encounter.
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Bad start to the new year
The Xmas break does not seem to have been favourable to the Fegocowosa Team, as they have slumped to heavy defeats in both the matches they played in January.
First of all was an 8-wicket drubbing at the hands of Foundation CC, the only high spot being a return to form with the bat of Femi Oduyebo (43). This was followed today by a 7-wicket loss to Ibeju-Lekki CC, a result which confirms the Lekki boys as champions for 2009/10.
Federal won the toss for the 6th time in a row and as usual elected to bat. Although Friday Udoh went early, Roland Ilube (26) and Austin Alikali (32) put together a 70-run partnership which provided a base for us to launch an assault on the much-vaunted Ibeju bowling line-up. However, only Uthe Ogbimi (28), crossed double figures thereafter and a total of 131-8 in 35 overs was at least 20 runs short of what we had hoped for.
As in the last fixture against these opponents, our bowlers got amongst them early. Friday, Abiodun Abioye and Femi Olayiwole (en route to the airport - what dedication) all chipped in to leave our yellow-clad opponents tottering at 37-3. Shaun Phillips is however, too good a player to go through a season without making a telling contribution, and unfortunately for us he chose today to do just that, striking an authoritative 63* to see his side home without any real alarms.
2 games to go and the fight for division 1 for survival is still very much on. The struggle continues.
First of all was an 8-wicket drubbing at the hands of Foundation CC, the only high spot being a return to form with the bat of Femi Oduyebo (43). This was followed today by a 7-wicket loss to Ibeju-Lekki CC, a result which confirms the Lekki boys as champions for 2009/10.
Federal won the toss for the 6th time in a row and as usual elected to bat. Although Friday Udoh went early, Roland Ilube (26) and Austin Alikali (32) put together a 70-run partnership which provided a base for us to launch an assault on the much-vaunted Ibeju bowling line-up. However, only Uthe Ogbimi (28), crossed double figures thereafter and a total of 131-8 in 35 overs was at least 20 runs short of what we had hoped for.
As in the last fixture against these opponents, our bowlers got amongst them early. Friday, Abiodun Abioye and Femi Olayiwole (en route to the airport - what dedication) all chipped in to leave our yellow-clad opponents tottering at 37-3. Shaun Phillips is however, too good a player to go through a season without making a telling contribution, and unfortunately for us he chose today to do just that, striking an authoritative 63* to see his side home without any real alarms.
2 games to go and the fight for division 1 for survival is still very much on. The struggle continues.
Monday, 21 December 2009
Xmas comes with a wave of runs
Fegocowosa CC went to the Xmas break with an emphatic win over Rocks CC of Abeokuta last week at the TBS Oval. Stand-in Captain Uthe Ogbimi proved as adept as his predecessor at the toss, as the Warri boys maintained their 100% record with the coin. As in all our previous games, we elected to bat first and this time, took full advantage.
Two early wickets brought skipper Uthe to the crease to join Friday Udoh. Uthe picked up where he left off in the last match and with Friday growing in confidence, they put on a century partnership in good time to set a great platform for the later order assault. Friday fell 5 short of a century, Uthe completed an accomplished half-century, and Obo Omoigui came in to show once again what a good finisher he is, recording the third 50 of the innings.
A final score of 280-6, the highest total posted in the 1st division so far this season, was always going to be a tough ask for the Rocks boys, and Uthe, buoyed by his fine form with the bat, decided to take the new ball. Reprising his days at Blackheath, "Magic Ball" promptly picked up 3 wickets, including an absolute beauty to account for the Rocks captain, to effectively end the contest. Friday also seemed to feed off the runs he has scored, chipping in with three scalps, before Mr Dependable, Femi Olayiwole, picked up the final two to bring the Rocks innings to a close at 116.
So an emphatic win sees Fegocowosa go into the holiday period in second place in the league, and looking up rather than down.
Two early wickets brought skipper Uthe to the crease to join Friday Udoh. Uthe picked up where he left off in the last match and with Friday growing in confidence, they put on a century partnership in good time to set a great platform for the later order assault. Friday fell 5 short of a century, Uthe completed an accomplished half-century, and Obo Omoigui came in to show once again what a good finisher he is, recording the third 50 of the innings.
A final score of 280-6, the highest total posted in the 1st division so far this season, was always going to be a tough ask for the Rocks boys, and Uthe, buoyed by his fine form with the bat, decided to take the new ball. Reprising his days at Blackheath, "Magic Ball" promptly picked up 3 wickets, including an absolute beauty to account for the Rocks captain, to effectively end the contest. Friday also seemed to feed off the runs he has scored, chipping in with three scalps, before Mr Dependable, Femi Olayiwole, picked up the final two to bring the Rocks innings to a close at 116.
So an emphatic win sees Fegocowosa go into the holiday period in second place in the league, and looking up rather than down.
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Uthe's century not enough
A magnificent unbeaten even hundred from Uthe Ogbimi was not enough to see Fegocowosa CC to victory over GCI Old Boys at the TBS Oval last Saturday. Winning the toss for the third time in a row, skipper Roland Ilube lost no time in electing to bat first once again, and it was the old trio of skipper himself, Obo Omoigui and Uthe Ogbimi who proved to be the backbone of the Warri batting. Although Roland and Obo succumbed after good starts, Uthe pressed on and reached his century with a superbly struck boundary off the the last ball of the innings. 188-7 looked a competitive score off 40 overs, if perhaps 10-20 runs short of what might have been.
Once again the early bowling was a little loose, but a fortuitous wicket for Friday Udoh, a superb catch on the boundary by Austin Alikali and a cracking delivery from Michael Agbiboa left GCI rocking at 32-3. However Kunle Adegbola and Wale Adeoye combined for a 60 run partnership to turn the tide against us. The water break brought another twist as Frank Omozejele found Wale's edge and then Kunle ran himself out to put the game back in the balance. It looked like Osita Onwuzulike would see GCI home until spinner Emmanuel Olowookere chipped in with two lbw verdicts, and when the last man came in for the Ibadan side, 18 runs were still required for victory. The Warri bowlers huffed and puffed, but could not blow the house down and a miscued chip for two finally broke our hearts in the 36th over.
This was really a game we should have closed out, and the bitter after-taste will remain for some time to come.
Once again the early bowling was a little loose, but a fortuitous wicket for Friday Udoh, a superb catch on the boundary by Austin Alikali and a cracking delivery from Michael Agbiboa left GCI rocking at 32-3. However Kunle Adegbola and Wale Adeoye combined for a 60 run partnership to turn the tide against us. The water break brought another twist as Frank Omozejele found Wale's edge and then Kunle ran himself out to put the game back in the balance. It looked like Osita Onwuzulike would see GCI home until spinner Emmanuel Olowookere chipped in with two lbw verdicts, and when the last man came in for the Ibadan side, 18 runs were still required for victory. The Warri bowlers huffed and puffed, but could not blow the house down and a miscued chip for two finally broke our hearts in the 36th over.
This was really a game we should have closed out, and the bitter after-taste will remain for some time to come.
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