B Grade
It was a day of mixed fortunes at Ball Park Oval as Corowa B Grade took on East Albury in a high-stakes semi-final.
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While the scoreboard didn't go Corowa’s way on the day, the unique "lucky loser" rule has handed the boys a massive lifeline.
They now move on to face Wodonga Raiders for a chance at redemption and a Grand Final berth.
East Albury won the toss and elected to bat on a good surface.
Corowa’s attack was disciplined, consistently picking up wickets just as East Albury threatened to run away with the game.
Eli Lavis and Aaron Phibbs were clinical in the early and middle stages, while Ethan Lane kept the pressure high with a vital breakthrough.
As the innings reached its climax, Daniel Athanitis proved to be the "finisher" with the ball, cleaning up the tail to ensure East Albury were bowled out for 174 in the final over.
Chasing 175 for a direct path to the Grand Final, Corowa’s innings got off to a nightmare start.
The top order was rocked early, losing both Daniel Athanitis and Lenny Power within the first two overs.
Michael Drew and Kade Wilson attempted to steady the ship with a gritty partnership, but the East Albury bowlers proved too difficult to get away.
Ethan Lane (top-scoring with a defiant knock) and Jack Eales provided some late-order resistance, but the mountain was simply too high to climb.
Corowa was eventually bundled out for 80.
Cricket can be a cruel game, but sometimes the format offers a second chance.
Despite the 94-run defeat, Corowa’s strong regular-season performance and the results of other matches mean they advance as the "lucky loser."
Corowa now turns its focus to a sudden-death preliminary final against Wodonga Raiders.
It’s a clean slate and a chance to rectify the mistakes of the semi-final with a Grand Final spot on the line.
C Grade Div 1
To be or not to be, that is the question for Corowa C-Grade (Division 1) players after another tragic – fourth consecutive – preliminary final exit.
To continue to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous bad luck or to takes arms against cricket’s sea of troubles and retire - to play golf.
Alas, William Shakespeare has known no tragedy like Corowa all out for 75 chasing 184.
Questions will also be asked why Karvan Silva, who has been at the pointy end of the league’s ‘champion player’ standings all season, was unavailable due to a friend’s wedding.
The side has already begun a petition to the Albanese Government for a plebiscite to ban all weddings in March and September, a long overdue reform for the nation.
There were moments in this match, even in the run chase, with Baxter Macfarlane, Caleb Kuschert and junior Archie Rhodes all looking dangerous with the bat.
But unlucky runouts, including for Rhodes as well as star Greg Burgess, reiterated that this was not to be Corowa’s day.
In the field Burgess and Kuschert were economical, the former taking three scalps as Lavington recorded an about-par total.
Ollie Collins (long-off) and Judd Kuschert (mid-wicket) held onto skied chances while John Conroy and keeper Macfarlane combined for a runout, the latter also a catch.
Macfarlane hit four boundaries, including one six, in his innings while Matt Goodall carried his bat from No.8.
But Lavington went at a 100 per cent catching rate, just about, and were ruthless as they broke Corowa hearts.
Another enjoyable season, with the post-match drinks going down well regardless of win or loss, and plenty of laughs, banter and memories.
Thanks to supporters Larni, Courtney, Steph and others – including their contributions to afternoon teas including homemade cupcakes and rumballs.
Thanks to skipper Blayre Smith for corralling the boys every week and continuing to make Corowa such a regular force.
Good luck to the sides still alive, and remember: use a straight bat in cricket, and a straight bat in life.
C Grade Div 2
Prelim final weekend meant there was going to be no next week for the loser as arguably the 2 best sides faced off for a spot in next week’s grand final.
St Pats boys were looking sharp in their warmups and after a disappointing result last weekend Sportsbet had the boys at $3 outsiders.
Jase Raggett is 5/5 bat tosses this year and under instruction from the intimidating captain Closter the boys chose to bowl.
St Pats huddled arm in arm for a final address before the openers walked out to try and set a competitive total, Collins and Wilson however had other ideas.
A blistering opening 10 overs and the damage was done.
None of the top 5 managed to make it out of single figures and by the change of ends the boys had picked up 5 for 30 and St Pats needed a hero, unfortunately for them c grade had one more ace up their sleeve.
Enter Playford - the dominant quick stood at the top of his mark, glanced over at his muscular captain, winked, and bounded in.
The St Pats lower order could do nothing but survive and even that proved futile in the end as the big quick ripped them apart.
The favourites could muster no more than 87 and our C grade heroes walked off after 25 overs full of confidence.
In a warning to whomever was unlucky enough to make it through to the grand final to try and oppose the c grade titans, the boys chased them down in 20 overs only losing one wicket, barely getting out of first gear.
With eyes squarely on the prize the boys will head back up next weekend to have a rematch with Baranduda, and you’d be a brave man to bet against Corowa’s C2.
Led by the beast Closter 13 warriors will head up and attempt to bring home glory it what promises to be an epic dual.
Bring a chair and an esky, you won’t be disappointed.
Under 16’s
Corowa Under 16s have stamped their ticket to the grand final after a batting masterclass performance against East Albury White in their semi-final clash at Ball Park Oval.
In a high-stakes match where composure is everything, Corowa proved they have it in spades, chasing down the target with eight wickets in hand and eight overs to spare.
After losing the toss on Wednesday and being asked to bowl first, Corowa knew they needed early breakthroughs to settle the semi-final nerves.
Will Forrest provided exactly that, claiming a wicket in the second over to put the visitors under immediate pressure.
Throughout the 40 overs, Corowa bowlers struggled with their line but they didn’t give East Albury White any rhythm.
Eli Lavis was a standout, showing great control to finish with two vital wickets, while Harry Norman broke a dangerous middle-order resistance.
As East Albury tried to accelerate in the death overs, Lenny Power and Will Forrest returned to the attack with clinical precision.
Power’s two late wickets and a sharp run-out involving Aiden Wintle and Lavis ensured East Albury was restricted to 9 for 139—a total that felt slightly under-par given the occasion.
With a spot in the grand final on the line, Corowa’s top order stayed remarkably calm.
Lenny Power and Harry Norman delivered a clinic in semi-final batting, virtually batting East Albury out of the contest with a massive opening stand.
Power was the hero of the day, finishing unbeaten on a dominant 71.
His innings was the perfect mix of patience and power, including a towering six that shifted the momentum firmly in Corowa's favour.
Norman played a vital anchor role, contributing 39 and ensuring the run rate never became an issue.
After Norman departed, Rhylee Barber (9*) came in to provide the finishing touches, including two boundary fours that demoralized the opposition, as Corowa reached 2 for 140.
With this comprehensive victory, Corowa moves into the Grand Final with massive momentum.
Every player contributed to this semi-final win, setting the stage for what promises to be an epic conclusion to their season.
Under 14’s Div 1
Corowa’s promising season came to an end after a hard-fought semi-final clash against Albury, falling just 21 runs short in their pursuit of a challenging target.
After losing the toss, Corowa were sent into the field on a dewy ground, making conditions tricky early.
The breakthrough came from Oli Matthews, who struck early thanks to a sharp catch from Albie Wood.
Albury’s batters soon settled, however, and began to score freely as the innings progressed.
Corowa continued to fight, with Jake Rhodes and Cal Corcoran combining for a well-executed run out to halt the momentum.
Corcoran then produced another run out with a sharp piece of fielding and added a wicket of his own to keep Corowa in the contest.
Further wickets came from Abe Spencer, Will Torney and Finley Douglas, but Albury were able to post a competitive total of 162 by the end of their innings.
Chasing 162 on day two, Corowa needed a strong start and received exactly that from Jackson Barber, who set the tone with an aggressive 15.
Despite the early intent, Albury’s bowlers tightened their grip and runs became difficult to find.
Oli Matthews contributed 15, while Archie Rhodes anchored the innings with an excellent knock of 50, showing both patience and class with a number of well-played shots.
Abe Spencer chipped in with a quick 12 and Blaire Livingston-Laing added a hard-hitting 14 late in the innings.
Despite the determined effort, Corowa were unable to close the gap, eventually finishing 21 runs short of the target.
The result marks the end of the season for Corowa, but the team can take plenty of positives from a strong campaign.
A special thanks goes to Phil Barber, who diligently handled the scoring duties each week while patiently answering the many dumb questions from the team’s young players.
Under 14’s Div 2
Under 14’s boys faced East Albury for the first time this year as they looked to book a spot in the grand final.
Bowling first the boys started well with some tight bowling and a couple of early wickets including a fantastic run out from Jack Nixon and at 6 for 106 the game was poised.
Unfortunately, that 7th wicket proved difficult and despite sharing the bowling around the target was set at a mammoth 220.
The batting innings started well with the openers holding their wickets but in the end the wickets fell at regular intervals without anyone reaching double figures.
A fantastic year even if it was a disappointing way to go out.
The under 14’s showed great resilience and growth in their development on the way to becoming the next generation of Corowa cricketers.
Massive thank you to all parents and helpers for the year and we look forward to going again next year.
Under 12’s Div 1
It’s been a positive season for our young cricketers with plenty to look forward to for the future of local cricket.
We faced Baranduda at Morris Park in the preliminary final and batted first.
Tyler Mullavey made a quick 16 off 16 balls and Jake Rhodes added a solid 21 from 24.
After a couple of early wickets, Hugh Hicks (18*) and Kobe Raggett (9*) steadied the innings to guide the team to 99.
Baranduda came out strongly in reply, but our bowlers kept the pressure on with Zach Playford taking two wickets, while Jake, Hugh and Tyler also added to the wicket tally through strong bowling and fielding efforts.
Unfortunately, Baranduda were able to chase down the total, ending our season.
A great effort from the team and plenty of positives to take into the future.
A big thank you to Lindsy Rhodes and Louise Hicks for their scoring and mentoring throughout the season, and to coaches Billy Raggett and Tim Hicks for their dedication to the squad.
The Club would like to acknowledge our sponsors for this season, A & A Auto, Davidson White Accountants, John Rhodes Bricklaying, Waldrons Fresh on River, Kilara Group, Rivalea, Terry White Chemist, O’Connors, Balldale Hotel, Federation Steel, Collins Transport, Greenacres Motel, Corowa Furnishing and Floors, Wiesners, First Scaff, Naubro, Back on Track Physiotherapy, Corowa Curtain & Decor, Corowa Meats, TH Kitchens Joinery, KB Wilson Seeds and Corowa RSL Club.