NSW YC Foster Shield
3 November 2024, Hollymount Park West.
MWJCA (3/235) defeated Cricket Illawarra (5/234).
It was a warm, balmy morning in the Illawarra district as Illawarra won the toss and elected to bat first. Their openers started with determination, holding off our opening bowlers until the tenth over, when Virat Chakravarty struck gold with two wickets. Toby Cavill took a sharp catch at point to secure the first breakthrough, and Virat Chakravarty claimed his second in the same over.
Four overs later, Hugo Swinney removed Illawarra’s other opener, inducing an outside edge to wicketkeeper Archie Sams. Illawarra continued to build momentum with a strong partnership between Curtis Rayner and Bob Woods, who added 168 runs together. Their stand came to an end in the 38th over when Curtis top-edged a ball to Oliver Cooper, giving Chakravarty his third wicket of the innings.
On the final ball, Huw Haydon delivered a direct-hit run-out, leaving Illawarra at 234 for 5 at the lunch break.
With a target of 235 set, there was a palpable tension in the Manly camp. The warm air had cooled, and a refreshing breeze made for ideal conditions as Manly took to the crease. Openers Sam Parkinson and Alex Claxton settled in smoothly, steadily building the required run rate with a 50-run partnership achieved in the 10th over and a 100-run partnership achieved in the 19th over. With the run rate increased to over 6 runs an over Sam and Alex brought up their 150-run partnership in the 25th over. Alex Claxton was bowled out for an lbw in the 31st over leaving the field having gained 89 runs and ending an impressive partnership with Sam Parkinson with 192 runs on the board positioning Manly well for the rest of the innings.
Sam Parkinson continued his fine form, reaching an impressive 78 runs before departing in the 34th over. With just 21 runs needed, Leo Ellis and Hugo Swinney carried Manly over the line in the 39th over, completing a thrilling chase with four balls to spare.
Congratulations to Manly on a well-earned victory!
Reported by Graeme Claxton.
