THE NSW Schoolboy Championships is going to be decided with some big hitting as the second day of Twenty20 cricket gets underway this morning after rain reduced all three 50 over matches to the short form yesterday as well.
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Following the pitches remaining uncovered overnight the two Riverside fields were declared unplayable early yesterday morning, with carnival referee Tim Murray making the well-received call to play three back to back 20 over matches at No 1 Oval instead of the Combined Catholic Colleges and Associated Schools of NSW day/night match.
As the only two sides not to have already played under lights this week, CCC and CAS were left until the final match last night, and it was also the most important one.
The winner will be entering this final day of play alone at the top of the table with three wins for the week.
That means that a victory today will guarantee that side the championship, and a loss would still see them tied for first with the winner awarded on quotient.
Perrenial favourites CHS are still in with a shot after they beat GPS in yesterdays first match.
WIth a bit of moisture around, the favour went back to the bowlers and CHS were on the money.
GPS won the toss and went into bat, but could only muster 77 runs in the 20 overs losing nine wickets.
Batsmen Jordan Gauci has top scored for the side in every game, and yesterday was no exception as he hit 16.
Gauci had hit three half century’s from three games and will be a close contender to be top run scorer for the tournament.
Angus Simpson also hit 16 before he was run out, as Kyle Chisolm and Param Uppal both took two wickets each.
In reply, CHS blasted the runs in under half the overs and for the loss of only three wickets.
Captain Brendan Smith again led the way scoring 30, with Braidyn Pennington hitting 19.
CHS I will play CHS II tomorrow on Riverside 3.
Last night, Narrabri duo Ryan Meppem and Sage Cook hit 20 and 24 respectively, despite a break for lightning interrupting their innings, as CHS II posted 7-138 against Country and City Schools, and would have been sure to feature in the bowling last night as they defended it.
CHS II went into the game still looking fo their first victory.
“The kids have had an absolute ball despite the weather,” Murray said.
“They and the officials have been very co-operative today along with the groundsmen.”
“The players have all loved getting the opportunity to play under lights as well.”