A Grade
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The Lakers A Grade piled into the minibus as they set their sights on a trip to Mansfield to take on Delatite.
On arrival, the Lakers were greeted by a newly built clubroom pavilion. However, with no power hooked up yet, the boys settled for the gazebo.
The toss fell in the visitors’ favour. Heads was the call, and heads it was. On what looked to the eye like a good batting pitch, the Lakers wanted to put the runs on the board to keep the batting-first trend going this year: 3/3.
It was trouble early. Openers Archibald and Clarke were quickly removed, and the decision to bat first was not looking favourable. But it was the ever-reliable Brock McCabe and the classy Devlin Webb who set about the mini-resurrection. McCabe played second fiddle to Webb, who looked in scintillating touch, punishing anything loose to the boundary.
The pair put on a handy 54 to put the Lakers back ahead of the game on the tricky wicket for batting. When Webb was removed for 41 at better than a run a ball, Zac Fraser entered and looked to keep the tempo up. Fraser looked set for a big score after reaching 20 in quick fashion, but was soon trapped dead in front LBW.
The patient innings of Brock McCabe came to an end, giving young Taj Parker the opportunity to take up the lead role. Parker played with poise, reaching 15 not out from 40 balls to help guide the Lakers through to a score of 132 — a solid total in the given conditions.
A first-class afternoon tea was prepared by the Delatite Devils as the boys fuelled up for a big effort in the field.
Heslin, on return from a golfing getaway, looked fresh and ready to rip with the new ball. The big quick went bang in the first over, removing the off stump of Ree-Goodings in a hot start. Heslin’s six-over spell included two wickets for 19 runs, whilst Devlin Webb took the ball at the other end to provide a pace-off option.
Webb was cunning with the white ball as the Devils struggled to get him away. Webb took three wickets for just 14 runs in an impressive nine-over spell. Premium all-rounder Brock McCabe chimed in with two wickets for just four runs from his four overs, whilst the X-factor Jyda House went bang, bang, cleaning up the tail with the final two wickets and stamping the victory for the Lakers.
The Lakers dismantled the Devils for just 61 in a great team performance.
B Grade Bulls
Bulls cruise to victory over Merton
Yarrawonga Mulwala Bulls continued their strong start to the year with a five-wicket victory over last year’s premiers Merton.
After losing the toss and bowling first, the Lakers produced a good all round team bowling performance, restricting Merton to 145.
Xavier Mitchell opened the bowling and bowled well claiming 1/37. Andrew Dishot (2/24), Jack Hudson (2/18) and Kade Michael (2/15) led the wickets, while Ollie Connell and Finn Mitchell also claimed a wicket each.
In reply, the Lakers chased down Merton's total of 145 with 5 wickets in hand.
Ethan McShanag was the standout with the bat, smashing an unbeaten 79 from just 82 deliveries, including seven fours and a six. His innings proved the difference as the Lakers took control of the run chase.
Lachlan Craig provided excellent support, finishing unbeaten on 21, while Jack Hudson contributed 17 and Andrew Dishot added 10.
It was a good all-round performance from the Lakers, who now go two wins from two games.
The bulls face Wangaratta Magpies back at home next week.
B Grade Rams
Magpies sent packing
The Wang Magpies ventured south of the border into hostile Mexican (Wangaratta) territory, unaware they were about to become dinner for a hungry mob of Rams!
Skipper Pops Knight won the toss and elected to bowl, handing young Meat Eater Knight the shiny four-piece Kooka alongside evergreen Browning.
The Magpies started steadily before Red Man Hill entered the attack and started causing havoc!
Browning’s face soon resembled the red Kookaburra, somehow surviving five straight overs without oxygen to finish with 1/14 off 5.
Not to be outdone, Red Man’s face was blending into his hair as he ripped through the Magpies with 4/10 off 8. The CFA were reportedly placed on standby!
Tracey’s boy Billy chipped in with 1/10 getting the ball to fizz in the air, Lucas Pickering grabbed 1/17, and Meat Eater Knight nearly swallowed the whole flock, finding himself on a hat-trick before finishing with 3/21.
MAGPIES ALL OUT FOR 75!
After a magnificent Bay 13 afternoon spread, it was time to release the Rams from the yards!
Dodd and young Darcy Hargreaves made light work of the chase. Darcy cruised to 26, while Dodd clearly had somewhere else to be, belting 40 off just 29 balls.
Rams win by 10 wickets
C Grade
Lakers C Grade celebrate first win
Yarrawonga Mulwala C Grade has secured its first win of the season, defeating Rutherglen United by seven wickets at Barkly Park.
Rutherglen United posted 129 runs, with Yarrawonga producing a disciplined bowling and fielding performance to restrict the opposition to a manageable total.
Tom Taylor was among the standout performers with the ball, taking two wickets for 15 runs from seven overs. Finn O’Brien, who performed with the bat earlier in the day for the under 14's also claimed two wickets, finishing with figures of two for 17 from four overs. Declan Reeves and William Murphy picked up a wicket each, while the fielding unit supported the bowlers with some important catches.
Justin O’Brien was unbeaten on 54 with the bat, while Damian Leeburn made a quick-fire 55 from just 38 balls, including six fours and three sixes.
Yarrawonga chased down the target in convincing fashion, finishing on 3/130 to claim a seven-wicket victory. The successful run chase capped off a strong all-round team performance and gave the side a much-needed confidence boost.
The win marks Yarrawonga Mulwala C Grade’s first victory of the season, providing a welcome reward for the team’s efforts and a positive platform to build on in the coming rounds.
With contributions from both the bowling attack and batting lineup, Yarrawonga will be looking to carry the momentum from its first win into the rest of the season.
Under 16’s
Lakers fall short to Benalla
After holding Benalla Red to 147 the week prior, the Lakers headed into the new season looking to chase down the tricky target.
Captain Darcy Hargreaves and Alex Richardson opened the batting for the Lakers but found trouble early, with the Benalla openers bowling tight lines that brought about Richardson’s dismissal, nicking off into the keeper’s hands.
Taj Parker came and went quickly after some sharp catching in the mid-wicket region, leaving the Lakers struggling at 2/10. Byron Dodd then joined his captain at the crease and displayed some damaging batting, finding the boundary on a number of occasions to put the Benalla bowlers back on their heels.
Just as momentum appeared to swing the hosts’ way, the Bushrangers bowlers found a way to break through, removing Hargreaves for a hard-fought 5 and Dodd for a run-a-ball 30.
Jordan Knight’s stint lasted just three balls before he ballooned one straight back to the bowler and departed, leaving the score at 5/57. Finn Mitchell and Mitchell Smith then came together to move the score along while spending valuable time at the crease to steady the innings. The pair almost made it to drinks unscathed before Finn Mitchell skied a ball straight up and was caught on the stroke of the break for 20.
Xavier Chessells came out next but only lasted until the end of the over before being bowled for 2. Lucas Pickering and Tathila were the next two to come in and attempt to bat alongside Smith, but unfortunately, neither could withstand the pressure from the Benalla bowlers.
This set up the final-wicket stand between Mitchell and his brother Jackson. With 55 runs still required for victory, the pair wasted no time getting stuck into the task, with Jacko striking a boundary off his very first ball.
The brothers showed plenty of fight and grit as they closed in on the target, with Mitchell leading the charge with a potentially match-winning 29. However, it wasn’t to be, as Jackson was dismissed LBW in the 34th over, allowing Benalla to hold on for a 17-run victory.
It was a heartbreaking end to a brilliant fightback from the young Lakers, who showed plenty of determination despite falling short.
The side was left with plenty to work on and improve before hosting Beechworth/Ovens Valley at home on November 7.
Under 14s
Fighting effort falls short in run chase
Chasing 219, the side made a positive start through opening pair Eamon Pickering and Billy Vagg.
The pair put on 38 for the first wicket, Pickering made 13 while Vagg contributed a valuable 26 to set a solid platform for the innings.
A 31-run partnership between Isaac McLarty (20) and Lachlan Brown helped continue building the score, with Brown top-scoring with a well-made 27 that included five boundaries.
Finn McDonald looked comfortable at the crease before being dismissed for 6 by an excellent delivery, while Parker Cowan added 8 valuable runs in the middle order.
Despite regular wickets, the team continued to battle hard before eventually being bowled out for 139. While the result didn't go their way, there were plenty of positives to take from the innings into the next game.
Under 14s
Fighting Effort Falls Short in Run Chase
Chasing 219, the side made a positive start through opening pair Eamon Pickering and Billy Vagg, who put on 38 for the first wicket. Pickering made 13 while Vagg contributed a valuable 26 to set a solid platform for the innings.
A 31-run partnership between Isaac McLarty (20) and Lachlan Brown helped continue building the score, with Brown top-scoring with a well-made 27 that included five boundaries. Finn McDonald looked comfortable at the crease before being dismissed for 6 by an excellent delivery, while Parker Cowan added 8 valuable runs in the middle order.
Despite regular wickets, the team continued to battle hard before eventually being bowled out for 139. While the result didn't go their way, there were plenty of positives to take from the innings into the next game.
Under 12s Rams
Rams post first win of the season.
Birthday boy and captain this week Bobby Best done the bat toss and was sent into bowl against a young Mohyu side. George Hill started proceedings off with a maiden followed by in form bowler of the comp Ollie McDonald claiming a wicket maiden. Artie Ryan continues to impress claiming yet another wicket as did Farley Simmons.
Rory Buerckner if not already has stamped his name into allrounder status; firstly has the best cover drive seen since Damien Martyn but also can bowl with great pace and control sending the stumps flying down to Macca’s. Mohyu all out 27.
Artie and Tex Alexander started the innings off in style both mixing delicate timing and great running between wickets. Skipper Bobby took no prisoners dispatching 21 off 18.
Vihaan after his solid contribution with the ball spent some time at the crease, allowing Ollie to blast a well compiled run a ball 15.
The Flynn Connell and George partnership was a great sight both finishing 19 off 15 balls with 2 boundaries each.
Rory chimed in for some late order hitting but the star of the batting innings was Farley smashing his way to 25 retired off only 15 ball with 4 telling boundaries.
Pleasing to see the way the game was played with Moyhu deserving a pat on the back for their team spirit. Rams finishing 3/126
Under 12 Bulls
Young Bulls too strong
The Bulls continued their good form with a convincing win over Benalla Green.
Captain for the day Paddy Doyle won the bat flip and took the new ball sending Benalla into bat.
The Bulls concentrated on limiting their number of extras with some very efficient bowling from Alex Mulquiney and Paddy Doyle.
The star with the ball however was Myles (Moose) Cowan who stole the show with figures of 2 for 5 and put the Bulls into a companding position.
Final score for Benalla was 6 for 57 off 20 overs.
The Bulls opened the batting with in form Beau Taylor and Darcy O’Dwyer putting on a solid partnership to set the game up.
Charlie Kennedy entered at 3 and smashed his way to 30 runs putting the game to bed before the half way drinks break.
The tail continued to wag for the Bulls with Myles Cowan and Jack O’Dwyer ticking the scoreboard over until the game ended with the Bulls 4 for 104 after 20 overs.
Another fantastic team performance from the Bulls with every player having their own moment throughout the game.