Round 14 - this`n`slap

round	opponent	us	them
14	this n that	91	48

BATTING

		out	partnership	total	power
keano	steve	1	47	47
jake	simon	8	-3	44	bowl
richo	rob	2	37	81
g	nachos	9	10	91	bat

BOWLING

	wickets	runs
g	3	5
jake	2	-3
keano	1	14
nachos	4	-5
richo	3	13
rob	2	24
simon	1	22
steve	7	-22
	23	48

(double) Match Slapper: Keano


Selection issues were very much on the mind of the Skipper this week. The Kiwis declared themselves unavailable again, as did Johnny who sources confirm was dining in an Indian restaurant in Adelaide. Both Brendan and Ivan were known to be fulfilling commitments in Bleak City. My some Slaps do get around.

Such dispatches were of concern as we'd been informed that This n That were the progeny of well regarded outfit The Tripods - a side we'd never played - so it was a step very much into the unknown. To bolster our depleted ranks Slap spiritual guru Keano returned from his latest surfing safari (let's not underestimate the effect of Manly winning a game either), the reappearance of repeat ring-in Rob and Slap debutants Simon and Jake.

As a scratch match there was a toss in which the Skipper decidedly correctly to have a bat. Keano returned to the top of the order in combination with Slem who's been filling the role admirably of late. It looked our strongest opening combination on paper and in practice it became our highest non-power partnership of the season at 47. Further for the stats nerds - any opening combination that gets out but once scores 40 plus.

The Skipper maintained his sink or swim approach of tossing fresh Slaps in together, Jake and Simon gamely battling their way back from the effects of a power-over double play. At one point it appeared the Skip and Rob would reset Slap Honours again in the same match with some lusty blows - while falling short they certainly regained the initiative. Birthday Slap Nachos has been ably counteracting the effect of yours truly for a couple of weeks in John's absence. Unfortunately it was even too much for the great man this week as the anchor pairing went horribly adrift. At times I was confused at to how in the hell I'd been dismissed to the extent of doing it again the next ball seeking the answer. Having taken a good look at my preparation I realise now that not wearing green shorts was an irrevocable error.

With a modest return of 91 we needed wickets. Thankfully we took them. The first pair was solid enough to create some concern but we then went about absolutely trouncing the second and third pairings to put the match out of reach. Our rate of fielding dismissals and saving of net runs were the keys. Keano's sharp fielding around the bat was to it's usual standard, Jake's anticipation and accuracy on the leg side superb, Simon threw everything including his throat into the way while Rob displayed a cleaner pair of hands than his future brother-in-law, though it must be said he shares his inability to throw with any repeated accuracy.

Richo and Nachos led as usual with the ball, while Slem's 7/-22 was just brilliant and poses the question why he hasn't bowled as if he's got a dodgy shoulder all along. Sadly we will now be without what have been his tremendous contributions for the remainder of the season.

With Slem's departure selection concerns will again return to Richo's mind this week. One of our Slap recruiters has been spending nearly every hour of the day gauging Wayne's recovery from injury while Rob and Jake are certainly sparkling new assets to the club. I feel an imminent tap on the shoulder, particularly after Richo was talking up his keeping after the match.