Corowa Cricket Club enjoyed a thrilling grand final weekend highlighted by determination and standout performances across several grades.
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The B-Grade side pushed top-ranked Wodonga Raiders in a hard-fought preliminary final, while C Grade Division 2 produced a stunning late victory to claim back-to-back premierships thanks to the double hat-trick heroics of Andrew Clark.
The Under 16s capped it off in style, securing their third consecutive title with a dominant all-round performance highlighted by a brilliant half century from Lenny Power.
B Grade
In a high-stakes clash for a spot in the Grand Final, Corowa B-Grade travelled to Alexandra Park to take on the top-of-the-ladder Wodonga Raiders.
While Corowa showed plenty of grit, the Raiders proved why they finished the season on top, chasing down Corowa’s total with six wickets in hand.
After being sent into bat on a slow Alexandra Park outfield, Corowa found themselves in immediate trouble.
Lincoln Reed tore through the early order, removing both Jesse Moloney and Lenny Power in the 5th over to leave Corowa reeling.
However, Kade Wilson played an innings of immense character.
Falling just one run short of a well-deserved half-century, Wilson’s 49 was the backbone of the Corowa total.
He found a reliable partner in Michael Drew (26), who played with aggression—including a massive six in the 12th over—to help steady the innings.
Late contributions from Blake Keenes (26) and some tail-end defiance from Jack Eales (18) pushed the total to 153, before Corowa was finally bowled out in the 43rd over.
Corowa knew they needed early wickets to defend 153, and they started with high intensity.
The highlight of the fielding effort was a brilliant team run-out executed by Lenny Power and Austin Ross-Anderson to dismiss Jake Burkitt in the 7th over.
Ethan Lane bowled with great discipline, eventually being rewarded with the wicket of Gregory Roberts, while Lenny Power produced a peach of a delivery to bowl Josh Warren.
Jack Eales also got in on the action, claiming a catch off his own bowling to keep Corowa’s hopes alive.
Despite the pressure, the Raiders' middle order remained composed.
Jack Nieuwerth played a steadying hand, and the Raiders eventually reached the target of 157 in the 38th over.
While the result didn’t go their way today, Corowa B-Grade can be incredibly proud of their season.
Coming through the "lucky loser" bracket to push the top-seeded team into the 38th over of a preliminary final shows the depth and fight within this squad.
The club would like to thank all the players, supporters, and volunteers who made this campaign possible. We'll be back bigger and better next season!
C Grade Div 2
Leonidas Closter and his 12 warriors drove up to Baranduda to attempt to bring home the silverware for a second year running.
The sun was shining, the birds were singing and it was a glorious day for cricket.
Winning the toss and batting in the big dance the Corowa boys were full of confidence and as the openers strolled out there was a tension in the air.
Collins and Raggett started watchfully but Collins was out getting aggressive which brought the league's highest run scorer Nathan Anic to the crease.
He was always going to be an important wicket and when he spooned one back to the bowler Baranduda were very happy.
Billy was still there however and was joined by his old man as they set about digging Corowa out of a hole.
Jase hung around with his son, and they took the score over 100 before both fell.
The middle order done the job with some handy runs and Ty Stanton put on an important 20 with the lower order including big Ish Playford for his first bat for the year.
They posted183 and only time would tell if it was enough or not.
Baranduda started well and apart from some run out mistakes were looking like they were cruising.
Wilson, Playford, Stanton and Collins all bowling well but unfortunately it there was some real c grade efforts in the field, Collins dropping 4 catches on his own.
With 3 overs to go and only 18 runs to defend and 4 wickets in hand Corowa were done, they needed a hero.
So often captain Closter has risen to the occasion but like all good leaders its important to know your role.
As he scanned the field for an answer one man stood firm at point, Andrew Clark.
Baranduda know Clarky well he had towelled them up earlier in the year but not even they could foresee what was about to unfold.
Clarky started playing cricket 40 years ago and he has perfected his craft well.
He stands at the crease, takes 12 steps past the umpires left shoulder, scuffs the grass and waits for the batsmen to take his guard.
As he runs in there’s an awkward double step in his bowling action as he hits the crease and releases with a grunt.
First ball ripped off stump out of the ground, 7/167.
Second ball this time it was middle stump, bang. 8/167.
Hattrick ball took middle and off, 9/167.
The crowd went wild, his teammates were in shock.
He stood in the middle of the circle and said ‘watch this boys’.
The ball wrapped the pads, the appeal went to the heavens and the finger went up. Baranduda bowled out for 167 for a double hattrick to win the grand final. Scenes.
A massive thank you to all that contributed this year which are far too many to mention but a special thank you to the Barbers for scoring every week, car-pooling to and from the pub, being our home base and putting up with our general shenanigans all year.
Join us again next year as the Corowa’s mightiest warriors start the climb again in pursuit of a threepeat.
Under 16’s
In a week where the rain threatened to dampen the spirits, the sun eventually shone on Corowa Under 16s as they claimed a clinical 41-run victory over Wodonga in the Grand Final at Ball Park Oval.
Due to early-week weather, the format was condensed into a high-octane 20/20 clash on Friday night.
Corowa handled the pressure of the shortened game like seasoned pros, proving they are the undisputed kings of the competition making it three Under 16’s titles in a row.
Corowa won the toss and wasted no time electing to set a total.
The innings was defined by a batting masterclass from Lenny Power.
Power was in sublime touch, striking the ball with power and precision to reach 53 adding 86 with opening partner Austin Ross-Anderson (26).
Power’s knock, which included multiple boundaries and a towering six, provided the perfect platform.
Corowa’s middle order kept the scoreboard ticking.
Aiden Wintle (21*) found the rope consistently, and Rhylee Barber (12*) provided the late-innings fireworks, including a crucial boundary in the final over to push the total to a formidable 4 for 127.
Defending 127, Corowa’s bowling unit was nothing short of elite.
Eli Lavis set the tone immediately, bowling a maiden in the very first over to put Wodonga on the back foot.
The early breakthroughs came via Will Forrest, who claimed two wickets in his opening spell, including a good outfield catch by Lachlan Douglas.
Wodonga’s middle order tried to stabilize, but Corowa’s fielding was electric.
Two vital direct hit run-outs — one involving Charlie Hall and the other by Rhylee Barber — gutted the Wodonga chase.
As the pressure mounted, Camryn Abley stepped up with two crucial wickets.
The game reached its climax in the final over when Charlie Hall turned Ball Park into his own personal playground.
Hall claimed two wickets before a final run-out on the second-to-last ball of the match saw Wodonga dismissed for 86.
This victory was the culmination of a dominant season.
From the discipline shown by the opening bowlers to the composure of the middle-order batsmen, every player had a hand in this premiership.
The Club would like to acknowledge our sponsors for this season, A & A Auto, Davidson White Accountants, John Rhodes Bricklaying, Waldrons Fresh on River, Kilara Group, Rivalea, Terry White Chemist, O’Connors, Balldale Hotel, Federation Steel, Collins Transport, Greenacres Motel, Corowa Furnishing and Floors, Wiesners, First Scaff, Naubro, Back on Track Physiotherapy, Corowa Curtain & Decor, Corowa Meats, TH Kitchens Joinery, KB Wilson Seeds and Corowa RSL Club.