Colin Cooper Cup – U11/1 Round 5 (4 February 2024)
NWS Hurricanes 7/52 (35 overs) defeated by Manly 1/53 (14.2 overs)
With a scorcher forecast, the game was reduced to 35 overs per side and brought forward by 30mins. Given the conditions, the u11 Brains Trust took the bold decision to bowl first after winning the toss.
The Manly bowlers had clearly listened to the coaches instructions, with all bowlers keeping a tight line and length giving the NWS batsmen no easy runs … ably helped by the long and hairy outfield (I cant believe Graeme didnt drive to Greystanes to mow the outfield, where is your commitment??).
Eddie showed his usual aggressive brilliance, taking a wicket in his first over to get Manly off to a sensational start. The other Manly strike bowlers of Jessie, Ethan, Zac and Jenson then showed phenomenal control over the ensuing 10 overs to limit the runs and ratchet up the pressure with every dot ball. While NWS weren’t scoring a lot of runs, it took a great ball from Zac and catch from Cruz to break the long partnership. From there NWS lost regular wickets with Ollie snapping one up in his first over (caught by Blake), Ekam channeling Marnus in the covers to snare a run out and
Thomas tempting the batsmen and finding a top edge for a catch to Ethan.
NWS again dug deep and held the Manly bowlers out for a number of overs, but were still unable to find the boundary and runs were very hard to come by. Fielding was on point too, with a high standard ensured led by the ‘keepers Hugo and Cruz. Not surprisingly given the way the boys were fielding, it was a brilliant throw from Eddie to bring about a run out followed up with a well deserved wicket to Jenson, who was arguably the pick of the bowlers (1 for 1 from 4 overs) giving NWS nothing.
With 52 runs on the board for NWS after the 35overs (reduced from 40 overs due to the heat), it had the potential to be a tricky chase under the conditions. Cruz and Luke showed positive intent early, getting the run chase off to a solid start. Thomas joined Cruz in the middle earlier than hoped, however the two were able to steadily chip away at the total showing patience and maturity to pass the NWS total with minimal risk, both boys finishing not out in their 20’s.
The Manly boys are now primed for the top of the table clash next week against Blacktown.
