T20 is certainly changing the landscape of world cricket and this is starting to filter down to the junior levels.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Mid North Coast 16s representative schedule this season included a triangular T20 competition for the first time. In blistering heat of 35 degrees at South Kempsey Oval Manning, Macleay and Hastings played a highly exciting brand of cricket.
Manning entered the day as underdogs with inspirational skipper Sam Whitbread being away on higher duties and other key players being unavailable. However, as sometimes happens the boys given the opportunity to stand in bring a new energy and enthusiasm to the team. Angus Gregory and Rowan Meaker were handed their debut representative caps and certainly made contributions to the success of the side.
The first match for the Manning saw an impressive performance in the field as they bowled Hastings out for a meagre 70 runs. Opening bowler David Rowe grabbed 3/6 from four overs making inroads into the top order, with valuable support provided from Kieran Green 2/17, Craig Lewis 2/10 and Angus Gregory 1/11. The run chase never looked in doubt and Manning reached 5/72 in the 17th over. Once again stylish opener Liam Simpson was the major contributor, compiling 29 and receiving valuable support from Harrison Clarke with 12.
Match two against the competition favourites Macleay was a lot tougher proposition. Manning once again fielded first and had their hands full restricting the opposition to 9/126 from 20 overs. Opening bowler Ryan Smoothy was the thorn in the Macleay side returning 3/22, Rowan Meaker had a very impressive performance with 1/6 and others making valuable contributions were Lleyton Blissett 1/6, Andrew Taylor 1/8 and David Rowe 2/21.
In pursuit David Rowe was thrown in at number three, smashing a quickfire 20, before Hugh Polson at four hammered an unbeaten 31 to ensure that the Manning worm was always well in front of the opposition. As in match one Liam Simpson was the backbone of the innings playing stoically for his 48no. Manning's top order was in absolute control as they reached 2/127 in only the 16th over.
It was a commanding day's cricket by the Manning as captain, Hugh Polson accepted the inaugural trophy and this was certainly a just reward for the team. Some of the players have been involved in the representative scene for five and six years and have finally claimed some silverware. A special mention to coach Mark Polson who deserves some success for his efforts with the boys over many years. The team now heads back to South Kempsey Oval in three weeks for the inter-district grand final against Macleay in the longer format of the game.