Skipper praises Panteg's spirit after stunning victory (From Free Press Series)

Skipper praises Panteg's spirit after stunning victory

3:15pm Wednesday 16th June 2010

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Panteg 307-5 beat Croesyceiliog 221 by 86 runs PANTEG skipper Ian Bird hailed the strength of character of his team after the players produced a strong performance to dispose of local rivals Croesyceiliog, just a week after being humiliated by Sudbrook.

“I thought we showed great bouncebackability,” said the Panteg captain.

“It was quite surreal when we played Sudbrook. We started well when we batted but then just folded. After the game I just stressed to the lads that we had to forget about it, and that’s exactly what they did against Croesy. I’m really pleased.”

After winning the toss and electing to bat, it was essential for Panteg to amass a good total and it was Bird who led by example, the skipper smashing 158 (from 154 balls) to help propel the team to 307-5 from their allotted overs.

“It was crucial to set a good total and I set my stall out to bat the innings. I’ve had a few decent starts this season but just hadn’t converted them into big runs. So it was nice for me to contribute.”

It could be argued that it was crucial that Bird contributed as Panteg’s star player Ali Bukhari, has been struggling in recent weeks after suffering an illness.

“Ali’s been a little bit rough but it definitely looks like he is on the mend. Hopefully he can be 100 percent for this weekend,” said Bird.

While Croesy could only respond with 221 from their 50 overs, Bird had some kind words for his near rivals and told the Free Press that he doesn’t expect them to be relegated this season.

“They are clearly a club in transition, but I think they’ve got some great young talent at the club. The boy (Cameron) Herring looked very good.

“We were in a similar position a couple of years ago with players leaving and having to back our youth. I hope, and think, they will be fine because from our point of view it’s great to have a local derby every year.”

Panteg’s fixture list only gets tougher this week with a trip to Abergavenny.

With the weather set fair there will be an expectation that the Avenue Road wicket will be a batsman’s paradise and Bird understands that it will be tough against the league leaders.

“They are top the table for a reason. Ryan (Watkins) is obviously their key man. I just hope we can score a few more runs than them.”

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