SIMON Hood nearly jumped out of his motorised wheelchair such was the delight the Tamworth Blue Under 14 coach displayed in Sunday’s 13 run win over Upper Hunter in their Hunter Valley Junior Cricket Under 14 clash at Riverside 2.
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He was celebrating a vital breakthrough by young bowler Brock Ridgewell late in the game.
That delight was backed up by some impressive fielding and bowling from his young side to defend its177-run total so well and score a good win against the previously unbeaten Upper Hunter side.
“That was a good game of cricket,” reckoned Hood’s team manager and chief joketeller Peter Graham.
“They really stuck at it and never lost their heads.”
Hood was emotional.
“I was really proud of them. They were outstanding today.
“Brock bowled very well late.
“His last four overs went for just three runs.
“And Will (Anderson) too. His last three overs went for just one run and they both took vital wickets as well.
“They had set the platform earlier by making 177.”
He said Cooper Barnes also produced a special effort.
“He topscored with 46 with the bat and then took 1-32 off his nine overs.”
Barnes had hit seven fours and a five in his near half century and, with Rhiannon Graham (12), added 49 runs for the final wicket.
Lachlan Davison (23) and Lachlan Fauchon (15) also batted well with UH’s Jacob McCormick (3-24) and Caleb McNeil (2-24) also impressing.
McNeil was also more than handy with the bat, making 25 while Jack Madden (29), Jarrod Watts (26) and Beau Harris (19) all got starts.
Davison finished with a good all round game by claiming 3-23 from his 10 overs for Tamworth as Ridgewell captured 3-24, Anderson 2-21 and Graham 1-27.
The Tamworth Blue Under 14s now prepare for their annual Tamworth Under 14 Carnival beginning January 7 in Tamworth.
It was a good day for the Blues, with the Terry Browne-coached Under 16s beating Upper Hunter by seven wickets at Dick Edwards Oval while the James Smith-coached Under 12s lost their HVJC clash by just four runs at Riverside 5.
Batting first, Upper Hunter made 71 after being 9-39 at one stage and then routing Tamworth Blue for 67.
Upper Hunter coach Gary Davis said it was a thrilling match where Campbell Schmierer (23) and Josh Cooper (12) put on 32 for their 10th wicket.
“It was great little game,” Davis said.
“I thought we were out of it at nine for 30 odd.
“That was a greatfightback.
“We’ve only had the one loss from four games.”
Joe Doherty and Logan Barnes both took three wickets for Tamworth and Cooper Kelly two before the home side slumped in its run chase.
Like UH though, its final pairing starred with the bat, Kelly making 10 and Brody Blackett an unbeaten 12.
“They put on 25 for the final wicket,” Smith said. “Nearly got us home.”
Tom Brooks starred with the ball for UH, taking 5-17 from his eight overs while Lachlan Cheshire (3-10) also starred.
“Tom Brooks bowled very well, could have got seven or eight wickets,” Smith said.
“And their tall quick opening bowler (Cheshire) also bowled well too.
“It was a good game and a good lesson for the boys. They all thought they had it wrapped up but got towelled up.”
It was his side’s first loss.
They now head to Lismore for an annual Under 12 carnival from January 7 and then play Dungog in their next HVJC round in early February.
