The Shoalhaven Under 14s rep team had a positive day with mixed results for the first of the T20 rounds played at Dalton Park in Wollongong last Sunday.
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In their first match against Highlands, they took advantage of being sent in to bat and amassed a formidable total of 1/152 from their 20 overs.
The opening partnership of 71 from Mark Tuckwell and Tom Fletcher set the tone for the innings. Tuckwell scored a stylish 28 that included 2 boundaries when he was caught in the deep.
The highlight of the innings was Fletcher's swashbuckling 95 not out from just 60 balls including 15 boundaries. It was a brilliant display of shot making.
Tim Hopkins was a great foil for Fletcher and rotated the strike very well in his classy 20 not out.
Shoalhaven’s start with the ball was just off a little and the Highlands top order capitalised early and after 10 overs were 1/80 and looked like they were going to make the runs.
However Riley Simms bowled a wonderful spell of 1/15 off his 4 overs to sway the game back Shoalhaven’s way. Max Carr-McCarron finished with 2 wickets late. Cooper Bramley and Oliver Ellery each took a wicket as the Highlands finished on 6/128. A good win to start the day.
The second game was a tough ask against a strong opponent Illawarra Red. Illawarra batted first and made 8/127. Shoalhaven’s bowling and fielding effort was much better in restricting the home side to that total.
Mitch Downey and Riley Simms again were the pick of the bowlers taking 2 wickets a piece. Two fantastic direct hit run outs by Christian Page and Lachlan Almond were the highlights of the innings.
In reply Shoalhaven started solidly and were 0/57 off 10 overs. Christian Page 35 and Tom Fletcher 32 looked to be on top until Illawarra’s spinner Hoy changed the game with 3/15 off his 4 overs.
Pat Higgins, Riley Simms and Ryan Gilkes all tried hard to score the required runs however on this occasion the bowling from Illawarra was faultless and Shoalhaven finished their 20 overs at 3/111 falling 16 runs short.
A tough loss but also plenty of positives to take out of a great day. The boys play two T20 this Sunday at Vic Zealand Oval at Shoalhaven Heads and will be looking to bounce back in style at home.