Jerilderie’s B-grade side welcomed the Deni Rhinos to Monash Park for what was sure to be a great day of cricket on Saturday.
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With clear skies and a hot sun that everyone was very happy to stand in all day, the boys were pumped for a cracking day out.
Fielding first, the Demons wanted to claim an early wicket to strike fear early.
To the Rhinos’ credit, the opening partnership quickly put the Dees on the back foot as they raced away to 0/94.
Newcomer Sijo George came into the attack and claimed a much needed wicket to break a dangerous opening stand.
He wasn’t finished there as George continued strong claiming another wicket to wrestle back a bit of momentum putting Deni on 2/103.
After drinks, skipper David Hercus made the call to take keeper Logan Eldridge out from behind the stumps in exchange for a bowl.
It was a move that scared most of the players on the field, just going off what was seen in the nets at training.
But any worries were soon stamped out, as he delivered a bowling spell that might just get him picked again next week.
David Hercus then jumped in to deliver what could only be described as ‘absolute heat’.
It was a bowling display that could have earned him a five wicket haul but, due to making the brave choice of switching his normal keeper for a chatter box that dropped a sitter only a few overs before, he had to settle for 3/21.
At the end of 40 overs, the Demons were chasing a brave total of 209.
Brad Aylett and Logan Eldridge set out to start the climb and with a track record of an opening partnership not surviving the first two overs it was safe to say supporters were scared, more because they had no one else padded up ready to go out if things went sideways.
But change was in the air as the Demons managed not to swing their backs out with a new ball turning around corners.
A poor timed shot and great keeping from the Rhinos saw Brad Aylett leave with 12, as the Demons fell to 1/24.
Logan Eldridge dug deep but soon went out the same way on 17.
From then on, the Rhinos were relentless.
They did not allow the Dees to get settled at the crease and eventually bowled the Demons all out well short on 91.
Under-13s
Jerilderie under-13s started off the cricket season on Friday with a fantastic win away over Katamatite Tigers Yellow.
After being sent in to bat, Jerilderie put together a strong innings of 7/109.
Daly Old top-scored with an impressive 30 runs in his first game for the club, followed by Jack Old with 18, Wilbur McGuinness with 15 and Franky Bryce with 12.
The young Jerilderie side then delivered a terrific bowling and fielding performance.
Harry Rorato struck early with Tyson Hercus taking a great catch, before Tyson claimed a wicket of his own.
Franky and Jack both clean bowled their opponents, while a run-out added to the team’s success.
Katamatite finished at 5/73, giving Jerilderie a well-deserved opening-round victory.
The team celebrated their win with pasta and pizza in Cobram.
Congratulations to this week’s award winners, with Daly Old taking home the MAKATAK award and Tyson Hercus the Jerilderie Bakery award.
Under-11s
The Jerilderie under-11s kicked off their season at home against Finley, with the team showing plenty of enthusiasm and team spirit in their first game of the season.
Norah received the Jerilderie Sports Club Award after an excellent first game, batting and bowling really well.
She was a great example of the effort and enthusiasm shown by the team.
Aibel received the Jerilderie Newsagency Award for his great wicketkeeping and an all-round strong performance.
Well done to Koa, Aibel, Ryder, Charlie, Tyson, Jobe, Harry, Franky and Norah for getting the season underway.
It was great to see the kids out there enjoying their cricket and giving it their best.
The club gave a big shout out and thank you to all the parents who help with setting up and packing up, scoring, and organising the kids each week.
The games simply wouldn’t be possible without their time and support, and it’s greatly appreciated.