After having been inserted Ivanhoe enjoyed a slow but steady opening partnership between Collins and Kenchington, against tight opening bowling. With the change of bowlers came more opportunities and Kenchington (48) took them with a number of aggressively struck boundaries. He had to go, with the total 63, to a stunning one handed catch and Rosaneri impressed throughout with their committed, energetic and skilful fielding. Zee (13) was just warming up with a couple of fours when he also departed to an outstanding catch. Skipper Woodcock arrived and had his sights on 175+. Challenging running between the wickets followed and innings anchor, Collins (32) departed run out, after a mini mix up and an excellent throw. Woodcock continue to pummel the bowling and neared 50 before more jug avoidance got him out for 48. Dancer, on return from injury, knew the benefits of a not out, duly achieved with 25 and Hausler completed the innings with a lovely cameo, and Ives reached a pleasing 185.
After a filling Kenchington repast, Ives had the best of starts when Hausler induced the opener to play on first ball. However his first spell was not up to his usual standard and Saqib was left on at the other end bowling a great length and getting significant movement. Woodcock bowled quickly and gave the batsmen much to think about though the number 3 (“uncle”) dispatched anybody and everybody to the legside boundary Ives were grateful to see him depart for 55. Otherwise the bowling was well on top and with 20 overs to go Rosaneri were 7 wickets down, though with less than 100 needed. Skipper Woodcock rotated the bowlers and Prasad, Loveday and Dancer all had their moments. Hausler and Saqib and Woodcock all had second spells, but astute defence from some of the oppo ensured a winning draw, finishing on c 148-9.
Ives can reflect on an enjoyable match but one that should have been won. Too many chances went begging, though few were easy and the fielding awards went to Rosaneri. Of the bowlers Dancer took his first wicket of the season and the other wickets were shared by Woodcock, Hausler and Saqib (who had 2 caught behind, always a good sign for an opening bowler.)