The much anticipated clash between the Under 12 Black’s and the Under 12 Red’s lived up to all expectations last Friday night. The gates were closed early with a bumper crowd jostling for spots around the boundary. 

Skipper Ishan won the toss for the Blacks and promptly send the Reds in to bat. Reds openers Tess and Strappy got off to a steady start making a 14 partnership when they were retired after 4 overs; JD, Luke and Banuka the pick of the bowlers early. Ishy made a spectacular start to his innings with a great pull shot to the boundary; Blake sent him back shortly after knocking his off stump back. Dinal got to 3 before young Caleb Manners got his first wicket with a good catch from JD. Capa hit a nice boundary through square leg and along with Jesse, Callum and Ryan retired undefeated. The Reds were 2/41 off 15 looking for some late runs. Brode’s was dismissed for his 1st duck in cricket by a brilliant one-handed catch by Luke. Josh was fantastic again with the bat making 9no along with Rex who batted well for 4no.  The Reds made 58 off their 20 overs with Blake, Caleb and Benny the wicket takers for the Black’s. It was a great effort from the Reds only losing 3 wickets to a very strong bowling attack. Be proud boys…..and Tess!

The Black’s run chase started well with Jay batting fantastic for 14no and Alex made 8 before Capa took a diving catch at mid on to send him on his way. Aaron batted well for 2no, Capa took another good catch to send Ishan back, and Josh bowled a ripper to get Blake for a duck. Some good bowling from Ryan, Tess, Dinal and Callum made sure the Black’s weren’t going to have it all their own way. Jesse behind the stump was letting nothing through! A  mini collapse saw Banuka (2), Caleb (0) and Luke (0) knocked over cheap with a wicket to Strappy and 2 to Rex. Just when it looked like an upset was in the offing, a couple of boundaries to Ben and Mack steadied the ship to get the Black’s across the line making 73. Some great bowling by the Red’s with wickets to Jesse, Rex, Dinal, Josh, Strappy and Rex.

The Black’s steady bowling attack and good batting depth proved the difference coming away with a 15 run win. The future of the club is in good hands! Well done to the boys on a great game, played in great spirits and sportsmanship befitting the Knox Gardens Cricket Club.