Despite losing the toss and being asked to bowl first, SHCC were up for the challenge on a warm and sunny day, albeit dewy outfield at Beaman Park. Naturally, there was a lot of nervous energy leading into this game however an early reminder to focus on the game plan eased any nerves, setting the stage for what was an outstanding team performance to come.
u13 2nd Division Match Report: Tom Jacob
Grand Final: Summer Hill 0/42 def Lakemba Sports CC 41
The match began with a bang as Riley unleashed a searing yorker with his very first delivery, shattering the stumps and igniting frenzied celebrations both on and off the field. The boys erupted with excitement as they swarmed Riley in ecstatic elation. An unbelievable start! Following that amazing opening over, Manula's hostile spell added to the pressure, leaving the opposition struggling to survive the early onslaught.
Picture: Charlie Straumietis
While tension mounted with some missed opportunities, SHCC stuck to their plan of bowling full and remaining patient. Soon, their perseverance paid off as wickets began to tumble.
Leo and Ollie made immediate impacts taking wickets in their very first overs. The strategy of pitching the ball up proved to be effective, as it prevented the LCC batsmen from playing their natural game and swinging their bats freely. As a result, this induced rash shots which led to smart catches taken by Henry and Riley.
Picture: Charlie Straumietis
Henry was then tasked with bowling to their best batsman who immediately smashed a boundary with contempt. Anticipating such shots, during our training sessions throughout the week, we had emphasised outfield catching drills in preparation for this match, prompting us to position a fielder in the deep. The trap was set! A couple of balls later, as if on cue, another lofty shot was hit into the outfield however unfortunately we were unable to hold onto the tough chance. Spirits dipped momentarily as the plan didn't work as hoped. In Henry's subsequent over, another shot was bludgeoned into the deep where this time, Ollie was stationed. The atmosphere tensed as the ball sailed towards the distant & solitary Ollie, who, after multiple attempts, somehow managed to secure the catch, sparking jubilant celebrations! The plan to get the prized wicket actually worked!
Then our tricky leg-spinning duo, Aaron and Peter, came on and tightened the screws with Aaron taking two wickets in quick succession, working in tandem with Kaspar to snatch brilliant back-to-back stumpings.
Picture: Charlie Straumietis
At drinks, LCC were reeling at 6/38. Returning from the break, SHCC only needed 11 balls to wrap up the innings, with Nicholas bowling a fantastic over claiming two wickets in as many balls to dismiss LCC for a mere 41 runs. Easily our finest bowling performance of the season! No one anticipated that!
Spirits were high as SHCC came off the field to the cheers of family & friends who had come to show their support.
(A special acknowledgement goes to our 12th man, Leonardo, whose presence seemed to have had a mysterious influence on the game. Rumour has it that while Nicholas was off the field, he would distract Leonardo in conversation which would divert his attention from the match, mysteriously resulting in a wicket falling! Leonardo, in light of this curious coincidence, has generously volunteered his magical services to predict future Lotto numbers...)
For the SHCC innings, Caleb and Ollie were entrusted with the crucial task to open the batting. Despite only chasing a small total, they demonstrated composure & smarts by respecting the good balls, capitalising on the bad ones and hustling between the wickets to seize every opportunity to score runs, gradually edging closer & closer to victory. Ollie retired with only a few runs left to get and was unsurprisingly swamped by his teammates as he made his way off the field.
Picture: Phil Tarbox
Picture: Phil Tarbox
Picture: Charlie Straumietis
As the final moments of the match unfolded, the rest of the team eagerly awaited on the sidelines as their anticipation mounted with each delivery. Nicko came in to have the best seat in the house to witness Caleb hit the winning runs to claim a devastating victory without losing a wicket! A wave of excitement swept through the team as they stormed onto the field to embrace their teammates in celebration of their title win. It was a dominant performance with contributions from every player. SHCC conveyed both their commiserations & congratulations to LCC for their successful season!
Picture: Phil Tarbox
The resounding victory is not only the result of the team's efforts throughout the season but also their commitment to adopt a "team first" mindset. Just weeks ago, the team were at their lowest point and starting to unravel, but this quick transformation to claim the title is testament to their receptiveness to guidance from the coaches and parents, reflecting their ability to develop as individuals and as a cohesive unit. This experience serves as a valuable lesson for the boys, highlighting the impact of unity and spirit to hopefully achieving future successes both on and off the field.
Picture: Phil Tarbox
A big thank you to all the parents who helped with scoring, training sessions, setting up on game day, pick ups & drop offs, coffee runs and more.
Special thanks to Andrew and the SHCC club for their invaluable logistic support behind the scenes.
And finally to the u13's SHCC boys, congratulations on your successful season. Your hard work and dedication truly paid off. Let this victory serve as motivation to continue learning and growing, not just as cricketers, but as well-rounded young men! Thank you for making season 2023/24 a most enjoyable one.