Ballan Cricket Club teams face Grand Finals

BALLAN Under 13s vs Ballarat Redan in the Grand Final

PAUL FARRON

Ballan 8/95 Def by Ballarat Redan 6/101

BALLAN Under 13s faced Ballarat Redan in the Grand Final in what was a fantastic contest to close out the season. Ballan lost the toss and were sent into the field first.

Captain Eddie made an immediate impact, striking in the very first over with two wickets in two balls to have the home side on the back foot early.

It was a strong start that set the tone for the innings. Hudson and Henry also claimed a wicket each as Ballan worked hard to keep the pressure on.

Boundaries proved difficult to come by for Redan thanks to excellent, sharp fielding, with Zac particularly impressive in the field and Jack very solid behind the stumps.

 

Austin and Archer also contributed with a run out each, helping restrict Ballarat Redan to 101 in a disciplined team bowling and fielding performance that was well supported by Lachie and Louis.

Chasing 102 for victory, Ballan came out with intent. Isaac went out swinging early, setting the tone, before Austin came to the crease and played a quick-fire innings of 18.

Kiara showed great determination and skill at the crease and was unlucky to be given out hit wicket after working hard to build her innings. It was a tough way to be dismissed after a strong effort.

A couple of early wickets put Ballan under pressure, but Hudson and Archer steadied the innings well, both retiring after valuable contributions that kept the chase alive.

With a few overs remaining, the game was finely poised, with Redan needing wickets and Ballan requiring around 20 runs.

Jack came in and played a composed and determined knock that brought Ballan right to the edge of victory, Hunter joined him late in the innings and fought hard, supporting Jack in an effort to push Ballan over the line. However, Redan finished strongly, taking key wickets late in the innings to narrowly win the match by 6 runs.

 

While the result didn’t go Ballan’s way, it was a fantastic effort in a closely fought Grand Final. It has been great to see the development of the team across the season, and the coaches are extremely proud of the effort, improvement and teamwork shown by all players.

From a coaching perspective, this season has been a journey that I have thoroughly enjoyed. Watching the team learn, develop and grow, and proudly represent Ballan Cricket Club all the way through to the final match of the season.

A special mention to Kiara for her efforts earlier in the year in making the district representative team; a fantastic achievement and well deserved.

A big thank you and recognition to those who have helped throughout the season, including but not limited to Clarky, Marty and Peter.

 

It was also fantastic to see the strength of the Ballan community out in force, with great support from families and friends on the night and throughout the season. The players should be proud of how they represented the club.

Finally, we wish all the best to those players moving up to Under 15s next year – a great next step in their cricket journey. We look forward to seeing everyone at presentation on Saturday.

Ballan 2nd XI Grand Final on Saturday 21 March

Ballan 2nd XI One Day C Grade v Ballarat Fire Brigade at White Flat

Ballan won the toss and elected to bat first.

Ballan 10/91 defeated by Ballarat Fire Brigade 1/95 despite a valiant effort by Jake Wernicke top scoring for Ballan with 37 not out and getting Ballan’s only wicket with a catch taken by Matt Ayres. Jake’s figures were 1/14.

A great effort to make the Grand Final with about 26 different players making up the team in the season. There was a good crowd supporting.