Members of the TAS team that competed in Canberra were (back from left) Angus Brunsdon, Hunter Barnett, Ian Ranger, (middle from left) Charlie Scott, Cameron McLean, Ben Laurie, Max Laurie, (front from left) Will Frost, Matt Kaukiainen, Sam Hutton, Will Waterson and Will Lambell.
THE ARMIDALE School cricketers gained some top experience in schoolboy competition during the holidays at the annual Independent Schools’ Cricket Festival hosted by Canberra Grammar School.
The two schools were joined by St Ignatius College Riverview, from Sydney, and Toowoomba’s Downlands College in a round robin fixture.
In their first match against Downlands, TAS batted first and compiled a solid score of 210, with strong performances from Ian Ranger (40), Sam Hutton (35) and Hunter Barnett (39).
However Downlands were able to reach the required target in the 49th over with three wickets remaining.
Wickets were shared around, with Will Lambell and Will Frost taking two wickets each.
TAS backed up the following day against Riverview.
Again batting first, TAS notched 218, with Frost (70) and Angus Brunsdon (33) leading the way.
TAS made a good start with the ball and had Riverview struggling at 5 - 79.
Unfortunately an outstanding 143-run partnership from the Sydney boys ended TAS’s hopes of securing a win.
Lambell once again led the way with the ball, taking three wickets.
After two losses, TAS went into game three against Canberra Grammar desperate for a win but was in trouble at 8 - 119.
However that brought Lambell and Max Laurie together who, with an 82 run partnership, helped the team reach 214.
Highlights with the bat came from Frost (43), Laurie (39) and Lambell (43 not out).
TAS snatched a much deserved win, dismissing Grammar for 186.
The best of the bowlers was Lambell (four wickets) with Cameron McLean and Frost taking two wickets each.
Riverview was the eventual winner of the festival, winning all three matches, with the other three finishing with one win each.
“Although winning one from three, TAS performed well and can be pleased with their performances,” Tim Hadfield from TAS said.
TAS returns to Armidale first grade competition this weekend when it plays Twenty20 competition runners-up Easts at Mann St.
Hillgrove takes on City and Ex-Services meet Guyra in the other games.