Ballan Cricket Club

RESULTS – W/e 5 March

Under 13

Ballan 5/118 def Golden Point 3/105
Batting – Eamon Grigg 30 Retired n.o, Clover McIlwaine 30, Sarah Burton 14, Mickey Rawlins 9, Callum Lister 8, Oscar Britt 6
Bowling – Mabel Ayres 2/19 off 4 overs, Clover McIlwaine 0/10 off 3, Jackson Letcher 0/9 off 2, Eamon Grigg 0/9 off 2, Mickey Rawlins 0/9 off 2, Oscar Britt 0/9 off 2.

Losing the toss and bowling, the team knew it would be hard work against an opposition with a talented batting top order. After playing away for a number of weeks the players were caught a little off guard at how much their home ground had quickened up. However, the team adjusted as the game progressed.

Collectively, the team bowled relatively tidy with Mabel Ayres picking up 2 valuable wickets.

With 106 runs required for a win and the chance to cement a spot in upcoming finals, smart batting and a commitment not to get frustrated at the crease was required. Regular opening batters Sarah Burton and Clover McIlwaine took on the task initially scoring 13 and 14 runs not out and retiring after their allocated 20 balls. This brought Eamon Grigg to the crease with a nicely constructed 30 not out from his 20 balls including 6 boundaries. Mickey Rawlins batting up the order after his brilliant efforts last week added some runs before an unfortunate run out which was quickly followed by the dismissal of Jackson Letcher. Oscar Britt and Callum Lister then added some runs with a few boundaries before they were also dismissed. Laila Ward came to the crease and was joined by Clover McIlwaine who for the second week in a row had the task of guiding the team to the win. Clover took control of the innings, displaying patience defending the good balls and punishing the loose balls while working well with Laila and running hard between the wickets. The team were excited to get the win and now have the opportunity to play finals in two weeks’ time.

Under 15
Bye

Under 17
Ballan 144 def Ballarat-Redan 143
Batting – M Hoey 39, N Loft 36
Bowling – C Matheson 7-2-27-2, J Burton 2.1- 0-9-1, E Muir 10-2-18-1, R Lister 10-3-18-1, N Pace 2-0-23-1

First XI (BCA 2nd Grade)
Ballan 9/275 def Golden Point 273
Batting – Jack Jarvis 86, Micky Nolan 58, Mark Kennedy 36

Mark Kennedy and Jack McGregor took to the crease with Ballan chasing a massive 273 for victory.

Unfortunately, with Jack being run out, Ballan was on the back foot before Micky Nolan and Mark settled the innings putting on 59 runs.

Mark’s dismissal brought Jack Jarvis to the crease who was simply brilliant all day in the run chase. He anchored the innings absolutely magnificently, making solid contributions with Micky and Hayden Micallef through the middle overs to give Ballan a real good shot of chasing the big total.

With wickets falling around him the young gun kept his head and again was assisted by Ryan Lister who was up for the fight making a very handy 18 at the back end of the innings.

Jack was outstanding and played brilliantly eventually being dismissed for 86.

With Ballan still requiring 20-30 runs after his dismissal Kobe Heafield and veteran, David Gardiner came together to put on a small partnership, before Matt Golding came together David, needing 15-20 with the final wicket to win the match.

Gardiner was at his attacking best while Matt’s defensive play was fantastic.

Eventually with two to win, it was Matty Golding hitting a boundary that saw Ballan chase down the total, with nine wickets down.

An unbelievable run chase for a much-needed victory.

Ballan 2nd XI (BCA 4th Grade) Day 2
Forfeit