2020/21 NWMCA Under 16(B)

Westmeadows Cricket Club 

 vs St Albans/Kealba Green Gully

 

 

 

Coach – Justin Bird. Players – Damon Hollow ©, Hamish Bird, Endahandi Fernando,

Jake Sweerts, Samuel Syan, Joshua Cowell, Reilly Holmes, Jack Skidmore,

Xavier Okines, Jordan Rein, Jayden Joji, Yadu Sujith & Mohammed Kham

scorecard

 

U16 JUNIOR COACH REPORT

 

The under 16’s have had a up and down season but, in the end, through pure determination and belief, saw them finish as U16B PREMIERS. We started the season with a squad of just 10 players, which was going to be a challenge as 70% of the boys were bottom age and our hopes were just to stay in Division 2.

It was a tale of two halves, up until the Christmas/New Year break, we had won our first game against Coburg/Preston Druids, but then lost the next 3 games played against Airport West St Christopher’s, St Francis De Sales and St Albans/Kealba Green Gully. In these loses, the games were lost by us in 5-8 overs, the focus dropped off and we dropped our heads. Having 8 - 9 players didn't help either.

We added to the numbers with Jordan Rein (bottom age U14) joining the team after he came to watch one week and then played every game from that point (when Dad didn't sleep in). After Christmas, we had 2 new players, Samuel and Mohammed come in, to bring the team to 13 players. From that point, the team trained hard, learned, and competed at training and then watched their competitive attitudes improve with each game for the rest of the season.

As the 2nd half of the season was progressing, the players started to realise that finals may be a possibility, we scored wins against Kensington and Coburg/Preston Druids. But with 3 wins, 4 loses, a bye and a match abandoned we were in a 5th position going into the final round, needing a win against 4th place Kensington for the second time this season to make our claim for a finals position.

Westmeadows won against Kensington by 4 wickets, highlights included Mohammed Khan 3 for 14 off 2 overs, whilst with the bat Jake Sweerts made 53 not out. A strong performance by the entire team to move into 4th position and into the finals.

In the Semi Final, we played Airport West St Christopher’s who finished in top spot on the ladder. In round 2 of the season, they won by 6 wickets, however, this time around we had a full team and as a result Westmeadows won by 7 runs. Notable performances, with the ball and bat, Joshua Cowell 2 for 19 off 5 overs following with 27 not out, Samuel Syan 2 for 20 off 5 overs following with 51 not out.

Off to the Grand Final against St Albans/Kealba Green Gully. In both previous matches, St Albans/Kealba Green Gully had won, in Round 2 by 8 wickets and in Round 9 by 46 runs. But that wasn't going to change the team’s belief that they could win. St Albans/Kealba Green Gully batted first making just 86 runs, our bowling attack was led by Junior (Endahandi Fernando) who led the way with 3 for 14 off 4 overs. Going out to bat, confidence among the boys was high. Although starting off well, after the 2nd wicket fell, we lost 4 quick wickets for just 12 runs. In the end we lost, 6 wickets for just 25 runs. Out came, Jack Skidmore who in a 'Player of the Grand Final' match winning performance made 25 not out, winning the game with his first ever 6. In the end, a 2-wicket win! A nail-biting match, but the boys showed grit and determination and to get the win against the odds.

Some other notable performances from this season came from

- Jake Sweerts 50 runs against Coburg

- Josh Cowell & Yadu Sujith 11 overs 1 for 20, with 5 extras against Coburg

- Damon Hollow 50 runs against Airport West, St Francis & Kensington

- Hamish Bird 50 runs against Kensington

- Josh Cowell opening bowler that was unplayable all year

No team operates without the support of others. My thanks go to those who helped and supported our team through the season particularly:

Assistant Coach - Brad Hollow

Bowling Coach - Russell Lourdes (who doesn't have kids playing but just wanted to be involved)

Team Manager and Scoring Expert - Mike Okines (whose 2 GFs from 2 GFs)

All-rounder Bevan Sweerts who helped where ever needed (although the Hollows probably don't want him to umpire again).

 

 Justin Bird (Coach)