Impressive Inverloch

• Under 17s

THE Leongatha and District Cricket Association held the Under 15 and 17 grand finals at Wonthaggi on Sunday, March 13, before a very good crowd, with parents, grandparents, current players and club committee members supporting their juniors.

The weather led to some great cricket being played with clubs also displaying their colours in support of their players.

The Under 17s match was played on Butch West Oval and organisers thank Butch and his boys for preparing the turf wicket for the final; it was much appreciated by the LDCA.

Jack Butcher from Inverloch won the toss and batted.

He opened the batting with Jasper Kruss, who was caught and bowled by Will Pepppard without scoring.

Shortly after, Isaac Seuren was bowled by Tim Niven without scoring to be 2 for 13.

Jake Dennerley joined Jack and they added a good partnership of 53 before Jake was lbw to Daniel Caffieri for 17. Jack was batting well in a captain’s knock.

Rex Parina scored 5, falling lbw to Jackson Huther with the score at 77, Xavier Lindsay was bowled by Tim Niven for 7 not before he had added a valuable partnership of 55 runs with Jack taking the score to 5 for 132.

Callan O’Flynn was bowled by Tim Niven first ball, Harry Butcher avoided the hat trick but was bowled the next over without scoring by Will Peppard as Jack Butcher reached his century off 154 balls in 160 minutes - a fantastic hundred which led to Inverloch reaching a score that was very competitive: 7 for 159 off their 50 overs.

Zac Box and Keely Dennerley both remained 0 not out. Bowling from Phillip Island was solid with Tim Niven 3 for 28.

Will Peppard 2 for 9, Daniel Caffieri 1 for 11 and Jackson Huther 1 for 32 the wicket takers.

Phillip Island resumed after lunch with Kohen Beaumont and Max Areco opening the batting against Jake Dennerley and Isaac Seuren.

And it was Isaac that took the first wicket with Max caught for 3, 1 for 13; Harry Peppard joined Kohen and they had added 31 before Xavier Lindsay had Harry caught for 14 and when Kohen was caught for 18 off Harry Butcher 3 for 48, they looked in trouble.

Brady Ross and Tim Niven added 17 valuable runs before Brady was caught for 9 off Callan O’Flynn, which was followed by Zac Walker being run out by Isaac Seuren for 1, Island 5 for 67 - it was going to be tough to win.

Jake Dennerley with three wickets and Isaac Seuren with one cleaning up Phillip Island’s tail to be all out 79 - a loss by 80 runs.

Bowling for Inverloch, Isaac Seuren 3 for 8 and Jake Dennerley 3 for 6 the main wicket takers with singles to Xavier Lindsay, Callan O’Flynn and Harry Butcher; Keely Dennerley bowled well 6 overs for 13 runs.

Inverloch, under coaches Dave Newman and Jason Dennerley. thoroughly deserved their win on the day; they are a well-coached group of cricketers.
Connor Epifamo’s Phillip Island boys worked hard all season and finished on top but were unable to get on top of Inverloch’s bowling on the day but there is lot of talent in their side.

Jack Butcher with his 100 was adjudged Man of the Match by the umpires Neil Barnes and Darren Coyne – also, a very good performance by both umpires.

Scott Checkley presented Inverloch with the Premiership Cup and spoke about the healthy state of the juniors.

Players were presented with medallions with both captains presenting the umpires with their medallions.

Scott Checkley of the LDCA thanked everyone for their efforts this season, including major sponsor Paul the Pieman.

“Today’s grand final saw a full squad for Phillip Island after struggling last year.

“Phenomenal effort by Inverloch from almost missing out to back-to-back winners.”