Intermediate Boys Cricket

SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA – SANDHURST DIVISION

POOL STAGE

On Friday 15 March, the Catherine McAuley College Bendigo (CMCB) Year 9/10 Intermediate Cricket Team competed in the opening stage of the Sandhurst Division Cricket Competition, held on our amazing new ovals at Coolock. With nine schools competing, the draw was divided into three pools of three, where the boys were matched up against Weeroona College and Marist College in Pool 2.

Game 1 against Weeroona College saw Miller Armstrong win the toss and elect to bat. The boys got off to a slow start, where Miller was dismissed cheaply for 1. However, Jackson Harris and Finn Millar batted well together and increased the run rate. The team ended up making 82 off their twelve overs, which they thought was a good enough score to defend. In reply, Weeroona struggled against the disciplined CMCB bowling attack, who were able to make regular breakthroughs as they eventually dismissed Weeroona for just 45. Ted Harrop was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 6 off two overs.

Game 2 was played against Marist College Bendigo. Miller Armstrong once again won the toss; like Groundhog Day he elected to bat. This time Miller got off to a flying start, hitting the bowlers all over the ground playing with some beautiful shots, top scoring with 54. James Balic also contributed with the bat making 31, including two big sixes. CMCB finished on 7/107. In response, Marist struggled to develop any significant partnerships, as our bowlers once again made regular breakthroughs with the ball. The disciplined bowling performance was impressive as the boys hardly bowled a bad ball all innings. James Balic led the way snagging 2 for 10 off three overs.

Given that CMCB won both matches, they progressed to the Finals Day, playing the winners of the other two pools – Bendigo South East College and Girton Grammar School.

FINALS DAY

The finals of the Sandhurst Intermediate Division were played on Friday 22 March, once again held on home turf at Coolock.

In Game 1, the boys played Bendigo South East College (BSE) and, after winning the toss, they batted first for the third game in a row. Miller Armstrong continued his strong form with an outstanding knock of 43; along with Jackson Harris making 32, it was a strong start to the innings.  James Balic also contributed with a quick fire 20 not out to finish on 2/98 from their fourteen overs. In response, CMCB had BSE 2/3 after two overs, with Aydan Hand bowling superbly, knocking over the openers cheaply. However, BSE knuckled down and ended up chasing down the total with three balls to spare. Unfortunately, the boys let that game slip away from them after making such a strong start.  The best of the bowlers was Aydan Hand with 2 for 1 off two overs.

In Game 2, the boys played Girton and, for the fourth time in a row, Miller won the toss and again, elected to bat.  The captain led the front, making a quick fire 44, hitting the ball all over the ground. Riley Travaglia was moved up the order to utilise his aggressive batting style, contributing with a quick fire 25, including some massive sixes. Jackson Harris came in at number three and batted superbly, making 36 as the boys finished up with a massive score at 5/156.  In response, Aydan Hand picked up an early wicket continuing his strong form with the ball. Riley Travaglia backed up his batting performance with a handy bowling display of 2/23 off three overs as they contained Girton to a reasonable score of 4/132. It was a great consolation 24-run win for the boys, to finish second on the day.

Unfortunately, this means that the team does not progress through to the Loddon Mallee stage, but the coach was very proud of the boys efforts over the two days of competition. Well done to all who contributed, especially to Sebastian Rossi and Charlie King from Year 11 who umpired on the Finals Day.

Back L-R: Mr Xavier Walsh (Coach), Finnegan Millar, James Balic, Elliot Ryan, Miller Armstrong, Ted Harrop, Aydan Hand, Riley Travaglia, Griffin O’Shea

Front L-R: Tom Smith, Jackson Harris, Nicholas Long, Tyce Griffin, Chad Mannes, Callan Orr (Scorer)