Juniors

Second Annual Battle of the Beaches t20 match, Friday October 19, Caulfield-Chambers Oval

Coolum SHS 108 defeated SAAC 97

Despite our narrow loss this was a great occasion with  pre- and post-match formalities, some excellent (and some not so excellent) cricket played in a wonderful atmosphere at a great venue beautifully presented by the Coolum Cricket Club.

Pre-match both teams looked the part in their blazers- with our boys also proudly strutting the coveted baggy red caps (see pics below)- as Coolum Cricket Club President Marty Bristow welcomed both Elevens and presented the freshly minted Battle of the Beaches Perpetual Shield and match balls.

St Andrew’s relatively inexperienced bowling line up was well supported by some excellent and desperate fielding, with Nick Brisk in particular silencing his critics and being engulfed by  teammates when he took a great outfield catch. Keanu Van Dyk also took a great grab in the deep when we really needed a break-through. At one stage Coolum, with their rep batsmen making impressive contributions, looked set for a much bigger score but some quality death bowling by Leyton Chick, Darcy Morgan, Ben Maguire and Kai Marshall pegged the run rate back.

For this St Andrew’s team to win the match we really needed a strong start but this was not to be as we lost two key batsmen very early. But an entertaining counter-attacking partnership between Leyton Chick (who starred with bat and ball) and Casey Bart took the score into the 50s and restored our hope, Casey hitting our only six in dramatic fashion. Unfortunately when this partnership was broken in the tenth over the run rate dropped and despite some frenetic and unorthodox batting by the tail and a mature contribution by Eamon Griffiths we eventually fell 11 runs short .

At the post-match presentations the Coolum Principal who enjoyed the entire match congratulated both teams for making the game such a wonderful occasion and suggested a girls’ match as well next summer. Darcy then thanked both teams and (reluctantly) presented the Coolum Captain with the Shield for 2018.

The match showcased all that was good about young gentlemen playing cricket, with many skilful and humorous moments. To the players’ credit it was played in great spirit with much, often self-deprecating, banter.

Though we did not get the result we had hoped for I am sure our boys thoroughly enjoyed the game and occasion, and for the eight year 12s who all seemed great mates it was a memorable way to round off their cricketing days at St Andrew’s.

Thanks also to cricket parents Brad Chick (umpiring) and Matt Griffiths (scoring) for their great support on the day.

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