Cricket Report 

Open Boys Cricket 

On Wednesday, the Open Boys Cricket team faced Corowa High School in the Riverina Final. 

The day was off to an unsettled start as we got down to Marie Bashir oval to find that the sprinklers must have been left on overnight, as the pitch more resembled a swimming pool than a cricket pitch. So a last minute decision was made to shift the game to the school oval. A massive shout out to Brownie and Dave who got the top oval in great nick in 30 minutes and at the shortest of notice, and a minute after Dave finished mowing we were out there, batting first. Pez and Arch got us off to a commanding start, reaching 50 before Pez was dismissed for 23. Rosco then joined Archer and they set about building a strong score. However, when Archer was gone was 31 and Ross followed soon after to a great catch, it triggered an almighty collapse. A couple of late boundaries from Judd, Bryce and Jamin eventually helped push us up to a score of 97. Not amazing, but something to bowl at. 

Our bowling innings started OK, with Judd and Ross picking up the openers as the score moved to 37. Corowa seemed to be in control with plenty of batting to come. However, the move to bring Jed Scott on proved a masterstroke, as he picked up 5 wickets with his tweakers. Bryce chipped in with a couple as well, and at drinks, we were now in the box seat, with Corowa needing 19 runs, us needing 2 wickets for victory. Ross and Jed combined for a smart run out in what proved to be the penultimate over, Corowa needing 8 runs, Narrandera 1 wicket. We were able to create a couple of tough, half chances, but ultimately weren't able to capitalise. Corowa hit the winning runs to get home in an absolute nail biter.

The game was a testament to the team's never say die attitude, and it was an amazing effort to be so competitive in the Riverina Final with what is essentially an under 15's team. The same group of players will be able to run it back again next year, and who knows, maybe the state champs might be on the cards?

Mr Tom Dore

Open Boys Cricket Coach