Fisherman Marshall nets third successive century
Bailey's Bay 392-9 Warwick 248 Charlie Marshall puts his batting blitz down to three things...a regular diet of fish and World Cup coverage on television and just generally enjoying his batting.
It may not sound like the ideal recipe but who's to argue with the Bailey's Bay and Bermuda captain after two centuries at the weekend made it three tons in a row for the dashing left-hander who has now passed 500 runs for the season.
His 149 a week ago was surpassed yesterday by the 151 he hammered off the Warwick bowlers as joint Premier League leaders Bailey's Bay wracked up the highest team total of the season, 392, in winning by 144 runs at Sea Breeze Oval.
Inbetween, on Saturday, he smashed 102 against Flatts in the Knockout Cup. His 151 would have been a season-high had not Albert Steede been setting about the Police bowling for an undefeated 152 at St John's yesterday.
But while Marshall was quick to share his secret for success, he isn't talking about goals for the season for fear of putting unnecessary pressure on himself.
"It's all the fish that I eat, and it's important to get out on the water and fish at least twice a week,'' said Marshall who lists fishing right up there with his favourite pastimes when he isn't slaughtering opposing bowlers.
"Fishing is my therapy and (fishing) two days before a game on the weekend helps me to get ready.
"I'm just having fun, just enjoying the game. With the younger guys beside me and supporting me it has helped me and I have a lot of respect for the guys for doing that.'' Winning the toss and batting first, Bay were 100-3 when Marshall came to the crease. Despite losing two partners on 158, Marshall still made certain of a big total as he and Allan Walker (22) put on 71 for the sixth wicket before Marshall then added another 79 with Stephen Outerbridge (32) for the seventh wicket.
Marshall finally began to tire and after two skied chances were missed in one over after he passed his century, Marshall blasted a few more boundaries before finally being caught on the long-off boundary going for his 14th six.
He also smashed eight fours and even after his departure there was no slowing up as Clarkie Trott again kept the runs flowing by hammering five sixes and two fours in his quickfire 48.
"I don't put myself under any type of pressure,'' said Marshall of his approach. "And I don't sit around and worry about the opponents.
"Once I start to put myself under pressure I think it will bother my game. I just try to go out and have fun, laugh and just be normal. I'm just enjoying every moment.'' And even if two of the centuries did come against weaker bowling attacks from PHC and Warwick, Marshall quoted one of cricket's oldest adages.
"It only takes one bad ball to get you out,'' he reminded.
"It is still a lot of concentration involved. These guys are not bowling the ball all over the place and it has helped me to pay attention. I find all bowling is a challenge.'' Marshall admits watching World Cup cricket every morning has also helped with his own game. "In the early morning sessions I've been really tuned in,'' he says.
"It has helped my game because it's a mental thing, and when you watch good players from around the world it's motivation also.'' Yesterday, Hoyt Zuill, Johnny Nusum and Steven Bremar all had two wickets each for Warwick. Ritchie Foggo had figures he will quickly want to forget, giving up 80 in his five overs as he was hammered for seven sixes and five fours.
Allan Wilkinson was the top bat for Warwick with 52 while A.J.Minors and Nusum both scored 47, Foggo 36 and opener Daniel Caines 28. Allan Walker claimed four for 67 to lead the bowling while Clarkie Trott, Jim West and Outerbridge grabbed two wickets each.