A Grade
Corowa was set to face East Albury in one of their biggest games of the year for their push for finals.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The boys started with a good warm up and we’re eager for the big challenge to play ahead.
Corowa won the toss and elected to bat first, looking to get the best of the pitch conditions before it would weather later in the afternoon.
Corowa openers Jesse Moloney and Blake Keenes got off to a positive start rotating the strike and attacking any loose deliveries, while seeing the score tick to 67 before losing the first wicket of Moloney being run out on a well-made 41.
Jarred Lane then came to the crease and looked to further build upon his golden run of form. Keenes (23) and Lane (13) were both dismissed from tidy spin bowling before the 30th over.
As Corowa sat at 3-84, Ben Fulford and Cal Langlands stuck around building a vital partnership of 55 which put Corowa in a comfortable place of 3-139 before Langlands fell for a gritty 23 in the 44th over.
As Corowa looked to up the run rate with wickets in hand, it proved to be a tough wicket to score quickly on.
Starr came and went looking to be the aggressor off the back of his amazing innings last week.
Corowa’s lower order struggled to find runs.
Fulford fell for a well-made 38 within this.
With a short cameo from captain Ben Mitchell (13), the innings came to a close with Athanitis and Grant able to bat out Corowa’s 50 overs for 174 runs.
With a slightly under par score, Corowa opening bowlers Starr and Grant started superbly with Grant getting the first breakthrough in the second over putting the pressure on early.
An early runout from Moloney took East to 2-15 in the fourth over and Corowa was up and about. East Albury’s middle order came together and built a strong partnership as the score moved to 118 when Nick Grant made the much-needed break through trapping Scales lbw to get the fourth wicket.
Corowa knew that this was a big moment that they needed to ride off to rip through East’s batting lineup.
Some positive batting by East Albury saw the away team pass the total of 174 in the 46th over off the back of a well-made 78* from Pell.
Grant was the pick of the bowlers as he took 3/31 off 10.
Starr (1/29 off 10) and Athanitis (0/32 off 8) bowled tidy spells, and Mitchell led the spin front taking 1/34 off his 9 overs.
Corowa still sit 6th on the ladder with a tough couple of weeks ahead on their charge towards finals.
Corowa take on Lavington next week and are deeply determined to get back on the winners list.
B Grade
In a high-stakes encounter at Alexandra Park, Corowa’s B Grade side suffered a narrow 4-wicket defeat at the hands of East Albury.
Despite a blistering start with the bat and a resilient effort in the field, East Albury managed to reach the target with four overs to spare.
After losing the toss and being sent in, Corowa’s openers looked to dominate from the outset.
Joe Lavis (22) and Lenny Power (41) provided a masterclass in aggressive opening, racing to 50 runs within the first six overs.
However, the momentum shifted once the opening pair departed with the score at 83.
East Albury’s bowlers tightened the screws, making runs hard to come by for the middle order.
Mick Drew (51) and Jeremy Carr (25) fought hard to rebuild, anchoring a patient partnership that moved the total to 142.
As Corowa attempted to lift the run rate in the final ten overs, wickets fell in clusters, leaving the side at a precarious 6/161 with only three overs remaining.
A late cameo from Kade Wilson (16*) and Ethan Lane (8*) proved vital, providing a late flourish to push the final total to a competitive 185.
Corowa turned to spin early, with Tyler Abley opening the bowling for the second consecutive week.
The move paid immediate dividends as he claimed the first breakthrough with East Albury at 1/16.
The visitors consolidated well, moving to 74 before Abley returned for a second spell to strike again.
When Kade Wilson was introduced and took a wicket with his very first delivery, Corowa sensed an opening at 3/92.
East Albury’s middle order proved difficult to dislodge, putting on a steady 49-run stand.
Joe Lavis sparked hopes of a comeback by collecting two quick wickets to leave the game on a knife-edge, and Jack Eales claimed a scalp with the scores tied, but East Albury eventually hit the winning runs in the 42nd over.
The side must now reset quickly for another crucial clash against Lavington this Saturday, as the race for finals positions heats up.
C Grade
Div 1
Corowa C-Grade (Division 1) has bounced back from an embarrassing loss to knock off ladder leaders St Pat’s at Morris Park.
A week after being skittled for 69 against Lavington, Corowa were set 196 by the ladder leaders but chased down the total with wickets and overs to spare.
A raft of contributors saw Corowa cruise to the total in the 35th over with Max Groenewald (28* off 12) bringing up the win with a four and a six.
Two weeks after his three-six, six-fours half century, the No.8 confirmed his status as the Tim David of C1 cricket with another belligerent knock which included two maximums.
Skipper Blayre Smtih (20*) was similary solid as the side wrapped up the total with four wickets to spare.
Caleb Kushert had set the tone of the run chase with a top-score of 48 at more than a run-a-ball, the opener hitting eight boundaries including two sixes.
Baxter Macfarlane (32), Danny Osborne (34 and Mitch Ladd (14) also got in on the act as Corowa piled the pressure on St Pat’s bowlers, Macfarlane hitting another of his trademark straight sixes while Osborne was devastating with the cover drive.
Earlier, Corowa’s bowlers had done a good job of restricting St Pat’s deep batting line-up which had posted a score of 330 just a week earlier.
While wickets were rare – St Pat’s lost only five – some tight bowling and focused fielding kept the game alive.
Medium-pacer Greg Burgess was the pick, with an economy rate of just 1.2 runs per from his five overs and the wicket of St Pat’s centurion from the week prior.
The three spinners were crucial, bowling 19 overs, with leggies Karvan Silva and Archie Rhodes claiming a wicket apiece and Smith only conceding 33 from his eight.
Cody Kuschert was the top wicket-taker with 2/29, St Pat’s batsman struggling to get his pacy bouncers away and spooning two catches which were gratefully accepted by Silva and Smith.
A fantastic win which blows the premiership race wide open, with the side to host Baranduda on Saturday before an anticipated finals campaign.
Div 2
Noreuil Park was the venue for Closter’s XI, a win would secure top spot for the year.
Renowned cherry picker Collins was back and excited to see half the side were under 14’s as he and Anic, fresh from a haircut which was a risky move, continued to fight for player of the year.
Stanton rocked up late as per usual and Playford didn’t show up at all, so it was going to be on the broad shoulders of the handsome captain once again.
Winning the toss again the boys decided to have a bowl and the banter was sharp.
A few chances went down but Wilson and Clarkey bowled fast and tight to keep the score low on a tiny fast outfield.
Stanton may as well have gone golfing with Playford as he leaked runs like he’d had a night on the bundy tins and part timer Collins refused to bowl at anyone older than 15; not that it mattered as the young blokes wanted a piece of him anyway.
Closter glided in and bowled without luck, his rippling biceps often distracting even his own teammates.
Baranduda managed to set a competitive 189 for victory.
Billy Raggett must have had somewhere to be as he literally destroyed a ball on his way to a game breaking 87, Keith Miller all over that one.
Jono Perry performed his role perfectly paving the way for Don Anic to enter the contest, but he was judged LBW for 14 by Clarkey who will not be on the Christmas card list this year.
That brought his nemesis Collins out to finish the game, offside fielders got a rest as he hacked everything to cow corner to bring up a 50.
He and Jase Raggett chased down the target in 26 overs to secure top spot.
Next week’s dead rubber is back at Noreuil Park against the Albury umpires.
Be sure to make the trip and watch the best captained side in country cricket, you never know who will pad up.
As always bring your whites, Playford and Closter could get stuck at the pub.
Under 16s
The Corowa Under 16s have finished the home & away season on a high, securing a hard-fought victory over East Albury at Ball Park.
Defending a competitive total of 6/163 set the previous week, Corowa’s disciplined bowling and clinical fielding proved too much for the visitors, eventually dismissing them for 114.
Opening bowlers Eli Lavis and Lenny Power set the tone early with a tight opening spell that dried up the scoring.
The pressure told when Lachy Douglas and Rhylee Barber were introduced into the attack; both struck quickly to remove the openers and leave East Albury reeling at 2/15.
East Albury showed resilience, recovering to reach 46 before Harry Norman broke through thanks to a sharp catch from Charlie Hall.
Despite the mounting pressure, the visitors managed to grind their way to 3/93 by the 29th over, threatening to take the game deep.
The match turned on its head in a frantic period of play, Cam Abley claimed the crucial wicket of East Albury’s set batter, caught in the deep by Norman.
Harry Norman then turned provider into executioner, hitting the stumps with a sensational direct-hit run-out.
Norman capped off his dominant afternoon by tracking another catch, this time off the bowling of Douglas, as East Albury collapsed to 6/102.
The tail offered little resistance against Corowa's relentless finish.
Jagger Doody and Lenny Power both picked up deserved wickets, while Cam Abley claimed her second of the day following a superb catch by Will Forrest.
The final wicket fell with the score at 114, confirming a comprehensive win for the team.
With the home and away season now complete, with the side having a two-week bye period.
The break offers a perfect opportunity to freshen up before they begin their finals campaign full of confidence.
Under 14s
Div 1
Corowa Black went into the final day determined to post a commanding total in pursuit of an outright victory, but despite a spirited all-round performance, had to settle for six points after Baranduda shut up shop late in the match.
Needing quick runs to set up the game, Corowa’s innings got off to a shaky start with the early dismissals of Archie Rhodes and Finley Douglas.
The pressure was on, but Abe Spencer and Jagger Doody steadied the ship with a valuable 30-run partnership.
Spencer looked in good touch before being run out for 17, a setback just as Corowa were building momentum.
With wickets falling around him, Doody anchored the innings superbly, determined to both lift the total and reach a personal milestone.
Late in the innings, Leo Davis provided crucial support.
His fighting 20 ensured the scoreboard kept ticking over and allowed Doody to edge closer to a well-deserved half-century.
With just one wicket remaining, Doody brought up his 50 before Corowa declared at 9-177, setting Baranduda a challenging task.
Corowa struck early in response, with Finley Douglas making the breakthrough to ignite hopes of an outright result.
Leo Davis then produced one of the highlights of the day, taking a superb one-handed catch off the bowling of Callan Corcoran to further tighten the screws.
However, Baranduda had other ideas.
Opting for a conservative approach, they dug in and blocked out the remaining overs, effectively shutting down Corowa’s chances of claiming the outright victory and the valuable extra four points.
While the outright slipped away, Corowa Black will take confidence from claiming six points and delivering a strong bowling performance.
Div 2
Day two of the contest against Howlong was always going to be difficult, and the top order was absolutely ripped through to sit a perilous 5/8 after only a handful of overs.
Despite fantastic bowling, it presented an opportunity for some players to dig in and learn a bit about batting in difficult conditions.
It was Lucas Tait, Benji Casey and Franco Moolman who really dug in to deny the away side a quick victory.
The boys hanging in for the full 40 overs refusing to get bowled out it showed some real fight and great lessons.
We will move on next week to take on Tallangatta for our final game of the year
Under 12s
Div 1
The team travelled to Baranduda and were sent into the field first.
Jake Rhodes led the attack with two wickets, supported by brother Tex Rhodes who also claimed two.
Wicket-keeper Kobe Raggett took a sharp catch, while Hugh Hicks and Tyler Mullavey each added a wicket to restrict Baranduda to a manageable total.
In reply, openers Jake Rhodes (26) and Tyler Mullavey (23*) combined for a strong 49-run partnership.
Zach Playford and Oscar Amor lifted the scoring rate before Bill Smith steadied the innings with a composed 17, including four boundaries, as the side secured a well-deserved win.
With two games remaining, the team now turns its focus to a Friday night clash against East Albury Shepherd.
Div 2 - White
Billed as the game of the season, Corowa’s two highly ranked Under 12 Division 2 teams squared off at Morris Park on Friday afternoon.
The pitch was in excellent condition, and Corowa White was eager to put on a good show.
After winning the toss, we chose to bat first.
Jack Nixon and Lachlan Hamilton gave us a strong start, with Jack scoring an unbeaten 20 and Locky adding 16 runs.
Johan and Locky Nixon were up next, facing some tight bowling that slowed the scoreboard.
Both finished with 4 runs each.
Tasley, fresh from her week playing representative cricket for Riverina, contributed a well-built 9 runs.
Archer and Rory followed, making 2 and 3 runs respectively. Then Benji Playford blasted 10 runs, 9 of which came from his last four balls.
Lastly, Albert stepped in at number 9 and quickly made 4 runs.
By the end of our innings, we had reached 3/86.
Heading into the break, we felt a bit anxious that the total might not be commanding enough, so the bowlers needed to keep things tight and aim for the stumps.
Our fielding remained outstanding, limiting Corowa Black’s scoring and securing three runouts.
Archer delivered the best bowling performance with a two-over spell, taking 1 wicket for just 3 runs.
In the end, we clinched a narrow victory, as Corowa Black put up a strong total of 4/59.
A big thanks to all the parents from both sides who cheered for the teams.
Div 2 – Blue
A packed crowd lined up at Morris Park to catch a glimpse of the future as the 2 Corowa under 12 sides squared off and they weren’t disappointed as the 2 teams put their best skills on display for all to enjoy.
Corowa blue won the toss and elected to bowl first and despite the openers from Corowa white starting well the bowling was tight and the fielding even better.
No extras were bowled, and at one point Chad Corcoran took 2 caught-and-bowled in a row to be on a hat trick.
Unfortunately, he missed out.
The boys were chasing 86 to win, a competitive score indeed and although they only lost 1 wicket for the whole innings the team fell short.
Corowa’s cricket future looks as strong as ever and we look forward to watching the kids grow over the years.
Massive thanks to all parents and Corowa Blue for making it a fantastic evening.
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, Thrifty, Corowa Furnishing and Floors, Wiesners, First Scaff, Naubro, Back on Track Physiotherapy, Corowa Curtain & Decor, Corowa Meats, TH Kitchens Joinery, KB Wilson Seeds & Corowa RSL Club.