4ths Goldies Report
A Smashing Start to the Season
A. J. Baker
THE SHORE 4THS GOLDIES STARTED THE SEASON TREMENDOUSLY, playing their way to a convincing victory. The stands were stacked, and many fans had made long commutes (as far as Wagga Wagga) to watch some of New South Wales finest athletes annihilate an under prepared Newington side.
Coaches, Angus Reardon and Ollie Brabin were confident heading into the battle with an adequate amount of rigorous training throughout the week. This ultimately proved to be the difference throughout the match. The Goldies won the ‘bat flip’ and elected to bat. Small boundaries and a flat wicket encouraged a batting onslaught seen throughout their innings. A few early wickets placed the 4ths in a treacherous position, however, an outstanding partnership was established between Jasper Pressley and Jack Binnie. After all hope was lost, the boys showed immense courage at the crease and combined for a 97 run partnership. Jasper top scored with 64*, including six boundary clearing strokes, whilst Jack contributed a supportive 35, graceful defensive shots and clinical aggressive strokes permeated his innings, before being bowled out to a textbook leg break. Wylie Hockey and the Sundries tally also made tasteful contributions with 22 and 27 runs, respectively. 20 overs came to a close and the Goldies finished with a very defendable total of 172 runs.
During the innings break, the squad replenished themselves with some exquisitely cooked sausages, perfected by none other than Tongs Captain Charlie Hawkins. Coaches Reardon and Brabin also provided the team with some insight regarding how to execute Newington’s batting weaknesses before heading into the second innings.
Going in to bowl, fielding had to be on point as the dry outfield and near boundaries, displayed an easy opportunity to leak runs. However, from the very first ball, Shore played ‘their’ game and controlled Newington batsmen like puppets. Specialist bowler’s Angus Beggs and James Boyd performed dominantly with the ball, picking up two wickets each in two overs. Newington batsmen became fearful at the crease, intimidated by Goldies bowlers’ fierce pace, often resulting in a premature walk off the field. Jack Binnie also claimed the two wickets late in the innings, including Newington’s most dominant batsmen, who crafted a respectable 48 runs. His use of reverse swing with the old ball resulted in many miss hit strokes, giving batsmen a false sense of security. Another admirable display of talent came from Beau Shoemark in the outfield. Although he did not hold on to any catches, he put his body on the line and showed determination chasing down almost guaranteed boundaries, saving the Goldies a fortune of runs. Ollie Arnold, Gus Gordon and Alex Bishop closed out the bowling, steaming in with pace and sending the Wyvern’s back to Stanmore, miserable.
The player of the match was undoubtedly accredited to Jasper Pressley, displaying a fine knock from a humble young batsman. His bowling performance also turned many heads, displaying Brett Lee-like pace, leaving batsmen quaking in their boots. Special mentions also go to Ollie Davies, who shined in his inaugural cricket appearance, stringing together 10 runs and some tidy overs with the ball. Additionally, Captain Wylie led the team with gusto and enthusiasm, even when the Goldies looked down and out. Considering it is still early in the season, it is vital the boys provide all opponents with the respect they deserve. Next week will pose a great challenge on an unfamiliar track and team against St Aloysius.
According to Coach Brabin, the upcoming week will consist of strenuous training and barbecuing, ultimately giving the boys the best opportunity to continue the winning streak. GO SHORE!
Goldies Tongs’ Captain, Charlie Hawkins, delivering an innings break luncheon.