And that's a wrap on 2024. As we close the books on a successful calendar year that saw many of our juniors play representative cricket, our club enter the first Shoalhaven based women's team and countless milestones on a team and personal level, we take a look at the last round before a well-earned break for our cricketers and volunteers.
Juniors
Stage 1 – Travelling down to Batemans Bay with only 5 players, our Stage 1 team all made a huge effort in the last round before the Christmas break. Batemans Bay batted first, scoring 90 with the bat that was later bolstered to 126 due to wickets taken. Ben Newing, Max Russell and Henry Bowden each took 2 wickets. With the bat, Ben Newing top scored with 22 as we finished on 85.
Stage 2 – Had the bye
Stage 3 – Stage 3 took on Bay and Basin in another close loss for the team. Batting first, Shaia Wagner-Smith (pictured) knocked up a personal best 73 from just 53 balls and was well supported by Jude McPhail (34) as we made 139. Bay and Basin were up to the chase however, despite Jude McPhail continuing his good day with 2-9.
Under 19's - Apologies to our under 19's team who have been omitted from our weekly wrap for the last few weeks. Last week marked round 3 of the mid-week competition, and our first victory. Taking on Bomaderry at Artie Smith Oval, Bomaderry set a strong 2-159 from their 20 overs. Captain Matt Higham was superb in response, blasting 83 from 50 balls as we chased the total down inside 16 overs.
Seniors
Womens – Our women continued their winning ways, chasing down Kookas total of 91 within 9 overs. Bowling first, a great fielding effort led to three run outs while Anthea Godwin and Emerson Boatswain each picked up a wicket. We lost only 2 wickets in response, with Anthea Godwin (37*) and Anne Boatswain (25) again leading the way.
First Grade – It took until round 3 to finish a T20 game, but unfortunately our firsts went down against Berry-Shoalhaven Heads on Friday night. Batting first, Berry-Shoalhaven Heads set a strong total of 7-174, as Aaron Van Essen (4-21) proved to be a great option for this competition. In response, we were dismissed for 88, with life member Dan Gleeson top scoring with 25.
Despite a strong showing with the ball, Firsts also went down on Saturday against Bomaderry. Batting first, we consistently lost wickets, resulting in us being bowled out for 97. Top scoring with the bat was Mick Perry and Matt Higham each with 19. Bomaderry managed to chase our total, losing 6 wickets in the process as Brad Cross (3-17) led the attack.
Second Grade – Our seconds did not disappoint in their first game being live streamed. Taking on Bay and Basin in a T20 fixture, Andre Dekker (81*) and Shane Halliday (32) got us off to a great start as we posted 3-143. This total proved too strong for Bay and Basin, who could only manage 9-91 thanks to some tight bowling from Kent Ellery (3-14) and Bryce Goldfinch (2-10), while Jake Lewis also picked up 2 wickets.
Third Grade – Our thirds battled out with North Nowra Cambewarra in the afternoon T20 slot, however, weren't able to come away with the win. Batting first, we set a competitive 6-114, thanks to solid contributions from Rahul Sharma (27) and Kent Ellery (21). Unfortunately, Norths got the runs after 18 overs, but not before Kent Ellery and Myles Condon each took 2 wickets.
Fourth Grade – No cricket this weekend
We'd like to wish all our cricketers, volunteers and supporters a safe and happy holidays!
We hope to see as many of you as possible at our Trivia Night on 10/01/25, before our season re-commences on 11/01/25 for seniors and 08/02/25 for juniors.