Junior cricketers battle it out in grand finals

THE Leongatha and District Cricket Association junior grand finals were played on Sunday in very warm conditions.

An early start of 9am was decided and well done to everyone involved for getting the games played, with the players and umpires’ welfare the priority.

Under 17 

Inverloch won the toss and elected to bat on a great looking Scorpion Park pitch.

Riley Harris was looking to continue his great form.

The loss of Andot Mankhong and Jesse Dugard early saw Cooper Newman and Harris having to get through some good early bowling by the strong Imps attack, Isaac Bolge bowling a very good early spell. 

Newman and Harris batted beautifully for a 98-run partnership.

Harris was particularly savage on short balls, playing some powerful cuts and pulls. 

Newman played the perfect support role, working the ball into gaps and running well to turn the strike over. 

Another good partnership with Archie Terlich and Harris and a handy knock by Ty Debono saw Inverloch post a very good total.

Aydan Williams bowled very well for the Imps, claiming three wickets. 

The Imperials run chase got off to a disastrous start, losing Clayton Quaife second ball when Mankhong took a great catch at first slip off Jesse Dugard, then two balls later a fired-up Dugard broke through the defence of Zavier Lamers to give Invy a dream start. 

Cam Bruce and Aydan Williams were looking good until Bruce was caught behind, a good low-down catch by Harris off the unstoppable Dugard then when Campbell Read was run out the score was 4/37. 

Aydan Williams was in great touch playing shots all around the field and Klayton McGrath was digging in with him to form a partnership until a brilliant piece of fielding from Jy Mottram Carter led to

McGrath being run out. 

Archie Casey then showed good determination to stick around with Williams and put on 51 runs with him, but when he was dismissed followed by Williams the game was gone.  

It was a great game of junior cricket and a credit to both teams – they gave their all-in tough conditions and both clubs should be very proud of the spirit in which the game was played. 

Thanks to the Leongatha Town Cricket Club for providing a great pitch and their wonderful facilities for all to enjoy. 

Thanks also to umpires Ian Salmon and Graham Wightman for their efforts and supporting junior cricket. 

Under 15 

Phillip Island and Glen Alvie put on a great game of junior cricket in the U15 grand final. 

Glen Alvie won the toss and elected to bat first in the split innings format game.

Archie Moore was lost early after he was caught behind by Zack Hughes off the bowling of Jaxen Marshall. 

Archie Donohue and Jack Brown formed a good partnership with Brown the aggressor, scoring at a run a ball and Donohue playing the support role patiently. 

The Alvie 1/68 after 20 overs.

The Island’s turn to bat saw the early loss of Drew Fusinato the a good partnership of 62 between Brydon Marshall and the in form Archie Williams had the Island slightly ahead at the half way point with loss of Marshall just before the 20 over mark leaving the Island 2/76.

The Alvie’s second 20 saw Jack Brown dismissed for a well made 48. 

Donohue continued his very patient innings until he was dismissed for 37, Archie Luke chimed in with 28no, Ethan Rhee picking up two late wickets after some tight bowling from all the bowlers, only eight wides in 40 overs is a great effort. 

Needing 60 to win, the Island team knocked the runs over with seven overs spare, Archie Williams again showing what a fantastic young talent he is retiring on 50, the ever improving Zack Hughes with 33no and Jobe Williams 25no. 

A professional display by a very good Phillip Island team. 

Well done both teams you have some fantastic young talent for your clubs to keep developing. 

Thanks to umpires Les White and Geoff Parkinson.

Thanks to OMK for the use of its oval and facilities – they are a real credit to all involved. 

Once again, the association thank Paul the Pieman Bakeries for its continued sponsorship of LDCA Junior Cricket. 

Another LDCA Junior season done and congratulations to all clubs for your work in giving kids the chance to play cricket. The association will continue to work hard at making sure LDCA Junior

Cricket gives all kids the opportunity to play the great game. 

LDCA is looking for more people to step up and help out with the running of junior cricket – if you are interested please let the association know.