OCEAN GROVE JUNIOR CRICKET
Under 17: Ocean Grove 2/135 def Queenscliff 1/79
OCEAN Grove started the season well with a big win over Queenscliff at its fantastic new home ground at Shell Road.
The team started well with a solid opening partnership of 48 by Nathan Scarpa (18) and Brad Walder (19). Max Sutton (31 no) and skipper Fletch Long (43 no) then combined for an excellent undefeated partnership of 82 in quick time to set a difficult target for the Coutas.
In the field, Ocean Grove bowled accurately and fielded well to make scoring difficult for Queenscliff. All of the bowlers kept it tight, including some excellent spells from Noah DeBruijn, Bailey LeMaistre and Charlie Walter.
Under 15: Queenscliff 2/112 def Ocean Grove 5/68
The captains for this season – Will Richardson and Noah Cunningham – lost the toss for the one-day game and the Grubbers were sent in to bat their 25 overs.
The persistent yet steady bowlers from the Coutas left Ocean Grove boys being 0/5 after the first 10 overs. After 15 overs Cooper Ward was caught for seven and Taliesin Platt was retired with 9 runs after 18 overs. Josh Kuipers made a quick 6no, while Nathan Down gave the scoreboard some respect hitting three fours in his total of 29.
Queenscliff then dominated with the bat finishing with 2/112.
Ocean Grove bowler Nathan Down had a great all-round game having 0/1 off two overs and the wicket takers were Cooper Ward and Kody Harrison Roberts.
Under 13: Ocean Grove Grubbers 4/77 def Ocean Grove Swans 1/65
The Swans started the inning cautiously and steadily with Oskar Walter and Alex Joyce putting on a terrific opening stand of 37 before both retiring.
The team then built a very good total of 65 assisted greatly by Daniel Sfara and Oliver Corby and only losing one wicket for the innings. Great bowling effort from Jake Connellan who snared the only wicket.
The Grubbers shortly after commenced the tough chase of 65. Openers Fletcher and Keck Harry Patterson posted a stand of 40 before both retiring.
The Grubbers appeared to have the game in control when the Swans quickly fought back snapping up three quick wickets through Sam MGlynn, Corby and Sfara which put the game back into the balance.
To the Grubbers’ credit they fought back with the middle order of Merric Platt, Cody McSween, Jake Connellan and Jack Newland steadying the ship. The Grubbers finally ran out victors, posting a total of 4/77 in an entertaining clash.
