Compiled by Des Every
UNDER 17s
The Under 17 combine team are almost locked away for some well-deserved March action as they enter the final round of the season taking on eighth placed Alexander Thompson at Memorial Reserve in this two-dayer.
They currently sit in third place, equal second on percentage.
Highton are three points behind in fourth and Murghebuloc and Leopold are both six points behind in fifth and sixth. A second-place finish is possible if the combine wins and second-placed Bell Post Hill lose.
If Highton win and the combine team lose, a fourth-place finish is on the cards.
If the combine lose and fifth-placed Murghebuloc have a big win it is also possible that the combine team can finish fifth. Basically, a win will ensure finals.
Alexander Thompson won the toss and elected to bat.
Their start was shaky, with the loss of a couple of early wickets but when the opposition has an opener who goes on to make a ton the platform for a very competitive score is possible. Joe McDonald and Lachlan Hooper took one wicket apiece.
Sam Walsh took two with his off breaks but the standout was Riley Kohler with 3/21 off six overs. Alexander Thompson made it to a very good 7/204 off 55 overs. This will take some chasing. A good test heading into finals.
The run chase didn’t start well.
Logan Taylor went early, Sam Walsh made 17. Max Sutton and Fletcher Long almost put on 100 to get the combine back in the game. Both batsmen were amazing – Sutton was dismissed for 61 while Long went on to make 32.
Sam Beasely made 19 and Lachlan Madden 11 – these scores weren’t enough to win the game and as it happens, not enough to make the finals.
The Bullfrogs had a big win and pipped us on percentage. Stephen Long and Wayne Walsh have done a amazing job with these boys.
They’ll be hurting now but the cricket education these boys have received will put them in a good position as the take the next step.
UNDER 13s
The Under 13 Cobras head into this last round two-day clash sitting in third position on the ladder.
As the business end of the season approaches a finals spot is assured. Whether that position is third or fourth will depend on how the Cobras fare against second-placed Queenscliff at the Snake Pit.
A good test with finals approaching. The Coutas won the toss and elected to bat. Their start was solid with few wickets falling but the Cobras’ bowling was also very solid with only 61 runs being conceded off 26 overs.
The only wicket taker was Baxter Stephensen who rearranged the stumps of the Queenscliff batsman to finish with the fine figures of 1/6 off two overs.
The reply with the bat would need to be good against this talented Queenscliff line-up. Izaak Terhorst and Xavier Norman opened the batting.
Unfortunately Terhorst departed early with the score on zero.
Nick Gibbon joined Norman to steady the ship.
Gibbon was aggresive and along with the circumspect Norman they got the score to 28 when Gibbon was dismissed for a fine 18. Sam Donegan entered the fray and made a great 16 when he was retired along with Norman who made a very patient 10 runs.
Ned Poynder and Spencer Bryan took over from the dual retirees and wasted no time in building another ample partnership.
Poynder is not out on 15 and Bryan on 2. Both batsmen will be looking forward to day two and building on the Cobras’ competitive 2/87 off their 26 overs.
The day started with Poynder going early with the score on 89, he made a fine 22.
The rest of the batsmen all got starts, with no-one going on to make double figures.
The Cobras made it to a good total of 9/165 off their 52 overs. The Coutas would need 105 of 26 overs for victory.
The bowling wasn’t bad, but the Queenscliff batting was very good.
Queenscliff got up by a couple of runs at the end of the day.
Brodie Muscat, Ned Poynder, and Izaak Terhorst all took one wicket and Baxter Stephensen snagged one to make it two for him. The Cobras are in the finals and that is all that matters. Ross Norman will be happy.
