Cricketers take out the Hat Trick

The Beaufort Secondary College Intermediate Cricket team took to the field at Victoria Park on Monday the 20th of February. The side played three matches and managed to win all three, making them victorious on the day.

Beaufort’s first encounter was against Phoenix Community College, a school which has six times the number of students as BSC. Beaufort lost the toss and Phoenix got off to a reasonable start. However, this was thwarted by wickets courtesy of Nic Stares (1/7), Cal Mahoney (1/6) and Emily Johnston (1/2) who took her first ever wicket thanks to a catch from wicketkeeper, Noah Scofield, who had a great day with the gloves. Phoenix finished on a respectable score of 76, meaning BSC required 77 to win. Captain Cooper Cahill made a massive dint in this total with a scintillating 58 off only 15 balls, an innings that included nine sixes! Tristian Drinkwater continued on where Cooper left off, hitting a six himself over midwicket on his way to a stylish 12. He managed to face 15 balls, at which point he had to retire. Other highlights in the Beaufort innings on their way to a match winning 119 were Jet Kerr’s first ever run facing a cricket ball and Josh Fraser’s four, which he expertly glided past first slip.

In their second game, BSC bowled first against their opposition, Mount Clear Secondary College. Beaufort were on top early as a result of Nic Stares (2/8) and Ben Grant (2/12), whose opening bowling was quality. With the middle order exposed, the bowling side capitalised on this advantage and with great pressure in the field, managed to get two run-outs. It should be noted specialist fielders, Hamish Pratt and Paddy Alexander, took to the field in this clash. It was then that Cal Mahoney, who stepped up once again with the ball, clean bowled another of Mount Clear's crew. Jet Kerr was also extremely economical, only going for two runs off his over. After Beaufort kept Mount Clear to 69, they once again made a strong start with the bat thanks to their captain, Cooper (39). There were many other boundary hitters with Seth Arvidson (13), Cal Mahoney (9) and big hitter Jacob Kellet (17), all managing to find the rope on multiple occasions. Riley Jacka-Mulgrew was very unfortunate to miss out this innings, being run-out without facing a ball; meaning he achieved an unenviable Diamond Duck. Beaufort ran out winners by 30 runs, scoring a total of 99.

This set up a 'winner takes all' match against Mount Rowan, who were also undefeated. Beaufort once again bowled first and while all bowlers performed well, it was Nic Stares who was the pick of them all, taking 1/7. Another theme that continued throughout the day was BSC’s great fielding, getting another run out. Beaufort had eight overs to make 75 runs in the shortened fixture, due to needing to finish on time. It was business as usual, with Cooper clubbing his way to a top score of 33. This was nearly matched by Ben Grant, who made 32 runs (including three sixes in a row) to close out the match, winning with two overs to spare. 

All 14 players in the side should be very proud of their efforts: exemplifying the school’s values of Respectful Relationships through their excellent conduct, displaying Excellence and meeting High Expectations with their outstanding performances. Thanks to Year 12 student, Zac Dally, who was an excellent umpire, along with Tristian’s dad, Gavin Drinkwater, who very kindly helped out umpiring, providing water and as chief photographer!