Corowa back in winners circle

The match began in predictable fashion… Corowa lost the toss. In other breaking news, the sun rose in the east.

Lavington innings: a rollercoaster without a seatbelt

Lavington strode out to bat first and got off to a respectable start, despite the best efforts of Nick Grant and Hamish Starr, who bowled so tight early on you’d swear the ball had a curfew.

The breakthrough came when Jay Lavis, introduced into the attack, bowled Rhodes around his legs, much to Rhodes’ disbelief and Jay’s delight.

Then came Callum Langlands, who must’ve eaten something special for breakfast. He ripped through the next three wickets, including the dangerous Galvin—stumped and probably still confused about how he ended up halfway to Bunnings.

Tyler Abley joined in with his trademark stump-to-stump rockets, making scoring so hard the Lavington batsmen briefly considered asking for donations instead of runs. He picked up one for his troubles as well.

At 5/84, Corowa were on top and loving it—but also fully aware that this is Corowa, and things can go sideways quickly.

Grant and Starr returned, and with Blake Elliott joining the party, the tail didn’t wag for long. Lavington were eventually all out for 140, a total that looked chasable… theoretically.

Corowa innings: the usual chaos

Joe “Son of Stump” Lavis marched out to open with Spud Wilson, who earned a promotion this week because… well, someone has to.

The pair started nicely before Joe was trapped LBW.

Wilson followed shortly after, bowled by Galvin, leaving things at 2/23, a score so familiar to Corowa cricket it could be printed on the club merchandise.

On came Jarred Lane, who looked up at the scoreboard, sighed, and carried on as if it was business as usual.

Then, like a character returning from a hospital drama, Ben Fulford strode to the crease—still recovering from flu symptoms and, according to witnesses, possibly hooked up to an IV drip at the break.

The inspiration was short-lived as Galvin trapped him LBW, and suddenly Corowa were 3/23 and in strife.

But Jay Lavis and Langlands decided they’d had enough of this chaos. They steadied the ship until disaster struck: Langlands smashed a straight drive so cleanly it hit the bowler, rebounded onto the stumps, and left him run out.

Cricket: the sport where you can be too good for your own safety.

Ethan Lane’s run out followed—this time courtesy of the Invisible Man, who must’ve been stationed at point. No one saw him. Literally.

Suddenly it was 6/72, and things were wobbling again.

The Billabong bolt and the barking big dog

Debutant Maloney, proudly bringing that trademark Billabong grit, entered and played with composure beyond his years, top scoring with a gritty 27.

When he fell, Corowa were 8/108, needing 33 runs and a minor miracle.

Enter Blake Elliott and Hamish “Big Dog” Starr.

The pair batted like seasoned veterans, leaving Lavington with fewer chances than a chocolate bar at a kids’ carnival. Elliott later revealed:

“I’m not sure why Starry started barking at me, but if he’s hitting boundaries while doing it, I’m all for it.”

Both finished 18 not out*, guiding Corowa home in style and—finally—back into the winners’ column.

No game next week

With the Riverina Cricket bye, Corowa will enjoy a well-earned rest.

A Grade send best wishes to Ben Fulford (IV drip hopefully removed) and Callum Langlands as they head to the Central Coast to represent the club with pride.

Corowa win by two wickets.

Chaos avoided.

Barking encouraged.

B Grade

Lavington 5/182 def Corowa 10/176.

Corowa's B Grade suffered their second loss of the season, falling to Lavington by five wickets after being unable to defend their total of 176 at Lavington.

After losing the toss and being sent into bat, Corowa faced an immediate challenge, losing Jeremy Carr for four in the opening over.

Michael Drew and Blake Keenes then stabilized the innings, adding 52 runs before Drew departed for 27.

Corowa stumbled slightly, losing Austin Ross-Anderson to be 3 for 67, but Keenes found another valuable partner in Jack Eales. The pair pushed the score past the century mark, reaching 111 in the 26th over.

The key wicket fell when Blake Keenes was dismissed for a well-made 47. This triggered a minor collapse as Corowa lost two further wickets quickly, slumping to 6 for 124.

A gritty partnership between Aaron Phibbs (21) and Leroy Chester (9) lifted the total to 165 before both fell in quick succession, leaving the team 8 for 166.

Corowa managed to push their total to 176 before being bowled out in the second-last over.

Defending 176, Corowa's bowlers needed early wickets and got one when Blake Keenes made the initial breakthrough, leaving Lavington 1 for 21.

The bowlers maintained tight lines, and Jack Eales was rewarded, claiming a wicket to have Lavington 2 for 49.

Spinner Harry Norman delivered a crucial spell, bowling nine overs on the trot and collecting two vital wickets, leaving Lavington in a challenging position at 4 for 104 after 27 overs.

However, Corowa couldn't find the necessary next breakthrough, allowing Lavington's middle order to consolidate.

A match-defining partnership added 52 runs before Eales collected his second wicket.

Lavington comfortably reached the target in the 39th over.

C Grade Div 1

St Patricks 9/250 def Corowa 8/237

A poor 20 overs in the field has cost Corowa C-Grade (Division 1) victory in its top-of-the-table clash against St Pat’s.

Chasing a mammoth 254, Corowa fell 21 runs short from their 40 overs, and were left to rue a disastrous second 20 overs in the field when they conceded 170 runs to the ladder leaders.

The visitors had St Pat’s on the back foot at drinks at 5/80, with opening quick Danny Osborne bowling the league’s leading run-scorer for a duck, Karvan Silva throwing down the stumps from mid-off and Nate Kuschert (low down at mid-wicket) and Silva (backpedalling at mid-off) taking super catches.

But things went awry after the drinks break, with Corowa’s six bowlers copping some stick – Osborne’s economy rate of 5.12 the best while offie Blayre Smith did claim three wickets at less than a run-a-ball.

St Pat’s pummelled 36 fours in their innings, as Corowa’s fielders lamented what could have been.

But with Silva this year (averaging 50-odd) there is always hope, and the master-blaster combined for an opening partnership of 79 with John Conroy (16) before holing out for 67.

This gave Corowa the foundation for the unlikeliest of chases, and Osborne and Smith were happy to take up the challenge in the middle order, also combining for 79 runs.

It came down to about a run in the ball in the last 10 overs, and Corowa kept grinding.

Future CCC hall-of-famer Osborne (52) crunched some delightful cover drives and Smith (41) was similarly dangerous through the mid-on area but the duo fell with more work to do.

In the end, the run-rate required overwhelmed and Corowa recorded an honourable loss.

The juniors’ Archie Rhodes made sure the tail kept wagging with a more than a run-a-ball 18 in his second game, while younger brother Jake got his first bat in senior cricket and remains undefeated at the level (one not out from one delivery faced).

In footy terms, Corowa played three good quarters and were punished for one bad and will be better for the experience.

C Grade Div 2

Corowa 10/143 def by Lavington 9/187

Claytons toss as the away team wanted a bat and the local heroes were happy to have a bowl so come one o’clock, it was time to sort the men from the boys.

Lavington’s openers were aggressive early, and chances were going to have to be held as the willow cracked and the leather flew.

No surprises for the swelling crowd when it was the cat like Closter, who often does his best work horizontally, who leapt to his right in a perfect imitation of Jonty Rhodes circa 1997 to hang onto a C Grade classic and break the opening stand.

The top order was fighting hard though, and it took some cunning tweakers from Jase Raggett to remove the next couple in a vintage display.

With the score rolling on and Ty Stanton bowling four’n’twenties, the Corowa boys needed a lift. Unfortunately for the hometown heroes their go-to young gun Rhylee Barber was stuck on the sidelines giving thumbs for a third week nursing a vicious thumb nail injury (lucky mum was there for emotional support).

So it was his hero and idol Closter, despite being heckled by the local media, who again rose to the occasion.

Two wickets and it was hattrick time. Thankfully for everyone involved Lavington’s captain was able to keep out the third as the boys were never going to hear the end of it, but the very next ball was too good and it was three in four balls for the bicep swollen megastar.

A fantastic bowling partnership in the death between he and debutant Albie Wood keeping the visitors to a respectable 187.

Some fantastic work late in the field from the 10-year-olds on debut (yes, 10) “Dusty Dog” Closter and “The Chad” Corcoran who got behind a couple of solid shots and saved some runs, long careers in front of them both.

Usual top order cherry picker Collins noticed that Lavington weren’t bring any juniors to fill in, so he was a late out which meant the top order needed a shake-up.

Closter (0) and Perry (21) opened the bating and combined for 21 to get the innings started. Big George Smith fresh off a golden duck earlier in the under 14s was desperate to get off the mark and avoid the Sam Sarah treatment, but he only managed a couple which brought Raggett and Nathan “Don” Anic (as he is now referring to himself) together.

Raggett fought hard but Anic found the going a little tougher than previous weeks facing men instead of eight-year old’s and so when was removed and the pressure was on the lower order. Barber, Stanton, Clark and Corcoran refused to give it away but in the end the home team were bowled out for 143 in their first loss.

Join next week as Corowa take on archrivals St Pats in what promises to be the highlight of the cricket Albury/Wodonga weekend and as always, bring your whites as the team might be short.

Under 16s

East Albury White 10/104 v Corowa 2/23 ~ in progress

Corowa's Under 16s are firmly positioned to secure another win, needing just 82 more runs with eight wickets in hand after bowling East Albury White out for 104 on Day one of their clash at Alexandra Park.

Despite the absence of key players Lenny Power and Eli Lavis (representing Riverina at the Bradman Cup in Orange), captain Austin Ross-Anderson won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that immediately paid dividends.

Jagger Doody provided the perfect start with an early wicket. Fellow opening bowler Will Forrest then struck twice, reducing East Albury to a precarious three for seven.

The pressure remained relentless through the middle overs with Lachlan Douglas breaking through for a wicket, while Harry Norman and Abe Spencer both claimed wickets in their very first overs.

This collective effort had East Albury reeling at 6 for 43. Norman added his second wicket, and Jake Witherden chipped in, dropping the opposition to 8 for 63.

Corowa used 11 bowlers in total, demonstrating their depth. Captain Ross-Anderson and Ethan Sorerson finished off the tail, dismissing East Albury for 104.

Forrest (2/6 off four overs) and Norman (2/6 off four overs) were the standout bowlers, showcasing exceptional control and effectiveness.

Corowa faced a challenging six-over period until stumps, aiming to minimize damage. Openers Austin Ross-Anderson and Harry Norman took to the crease, but the side suffered two late setbacks. Ross-Anderson departed for five, and Charli Hall followed shortly after, leaving Corowa vulnerable at 2 for 11.

However, Norman (14*) and Callan Corcoran steadied the ship, successfully batting through to stumps.

Corowa finished the day at 2 for 23.

The team is well-placed and will resume the innings next Saturday, needing another 82 runs to secure victory and continue their excellent start to the season.

Under 14s Div 1

Baranduda Blue v Corowa Black 10/238 ~ in progress

Corowa’s Under 14 Division One side travelled to Baranduda at the weekend, losing the toss and being sent in to bat on what proved to be a lively wicket.

Openers Blaire Livingston-Laing and Cal Corcoran set a positive tone early, putting together a 22-run stand highlighted by several crisp boundaries. Blaire was the first to fall for seven, bringing Jackson Barber to the crease.

Barber joined Corcoran in another steady partnership before Cal was dismissed for a well-made 27, missing a straight delivery just as he looked set for more.

Jackson continued to anchor the innings superbly, reaching a composed 50 before retiring.

Will Torney and Leo Davis then kept the scoreboard moving with an energetic stand. Leo contributed 27 before his departure, while Will retired shortly after on 17, adding valuable middle-order runs.

Lower-order batters Abe Spencer (23) and Archie Rhodes also chipped in with important contributions, ensuring Corowa maintained momentum right to the end of the innings.

By stumps, Corowa had compiled an imposing total of 238, setting a strong platform for next week’s bowling effort.

Under 14s Div 2

Corowa Blue 1/55 v Yackandandah 10/110 ~ in progress

The boys hosted Yackandandah at Morris Park Saturday morning and they were sent into bowl.

Top agers Lucas Tait and Nathias Price again showing fantastic leadership getting the younger players involved.

Benji Casey bowling his usual venom, Max Tull from the other end with his deadly precision and by the end of the first spell both had wickets.

Tait, Moolman, Collins and Smith all bowling incredibly well and some sharp chances held onto in the field meant that wickets fell regularly.

Welsh, Witherden and Hicks bowling the difficult final overs for peanuts meant the away team were bowled out for 110 in under 30 overs, a fantastic effort.

Closter (2/1) and Price (2/4) the pick of the bowlers but those figures could have gone to anyone, those two getting the rewards this week.

Eight overs to bat to finish day one was always going to be a unique challenge and absolute peach first ball removing the dangerous Smith for a golden duck meant the pressure was going to be on but Price and Moolman took up the counterattack and gave no chances to finish on 27* and 15* respectively.

The boys will be back next week to chase down the remaining 55 and potentially look for some bonus points.

Under 12s Div 1

Corowa Black 8/88 def Albury 8/87.

Friday night delivered a top-of-the-ladder showdown for the Under 12 Div One side, and what a thriller it turned out to be, with a one-run victory that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

Winning the toss, the team chose to bowl first, and the tone was set immediately by Jake Rhodes, who claimed two wickets in his opening over.

The momentum continued when Ollie Bedford struck with a wicket, supported by a clean catch from wicketkeeper Jobe Ollington.

The fielding unit worked brilliantly together, delivering disciplined bowling and creating opportunities that led to three more important catches in the field.

On a tough pitch, the boys knew they’d need to dig deep with the bat. Hugh Hicks anchored the innings superbly with 26 not out, while Jobe added a valuable 13.

Oscar and Jake contributed nine runs each, Ollie added seven, and Kobe Raggett and Tex Rhodes chipped in with four runs apiece.

A gritty effort, a nail-biting finish, and a game that showcased incredible teamwork and resilience.

What a match to watch.

Under 12s Div 2 White

North Albury 127 def Corowa White

Under 12 White travelled to Thurgoona to take on North Albury. As they warmed up the kids were excited and pumped for a big outing and they didn’t disappoint.

Albert Taylor was an out this week due to illness. But the Roos were lucky to have Mauritz return from injury and he was a welcome inclusion.

Captain Archer won the toss and decided to bat on a pitch that looked like there was plenty for the batters.

Johan on seven batted well opening with Jack who scored an unbeaten 17 not out.

Next Mauritz came in and slayed the willow around the park making a nice 13. Benji then entered the game and made a nice eight not out.

Another standout was Tas with a ripping 12 runs.

Remaining scores on the sheet were Archer two, Rory six, Lachy five and Fletcher two.

At the finish of batting Corowa made an excellent 100 which was going to be a hard total for North Albury to chase.

The Roos started well bowling with some really nice line and length. North Albury were finding it hard to get the ball away with some really nice bowling from Benji and Jack.

Archer was keeping well behind the stumps stopping everything. It wasn’t until the five overs Corowa collected their first wicket by some brilliant fielding by Benji.

Bowler results were Johan being best of the bowlers taking three wickets, Mauritz one, Lachy one and Rory for his first wicket in his career.

Unfortunately, North Albury got Corowa late in the game by three runs off the bat and 17 runs on countback.

Really proud of the team this week, they worked on running between wickets which was great to see and also keeping extras down with the bowling.

This week Corowa play Albury at Corowa High School.

Under 12s Div 2 Blue

Corowa Blue 72 def by St Patricks White 118

The Corowa boys hosted St Pats at the high school oval Friday night and despite their best efforts they fell short.

The team improved its bowling, batting and fielding enormously over the previous weeks which can be seen as they build into their season.

The Corcoran boys Chase and Chad growing in confidence each week, the Shultz boys Jaxon and Kylo making their mark with both bat and ball, the Lyons’ Sam and Charlie not far of dominating games weekly.

Dusty Closter and Levi Wright finding their feet and club debutant Flynn Ollington showing he’s more than ready to become a regular.

Massive thanks to all parents and helpers as always. Under 12s Blue look forward to next week as the boys take on Baranduda away.

Club news

The club would like to acknowledge 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, VK Logic, Wodonga Pneumatics, Back on Track Physiotherapy, Corowa Curtain & Decor, Corowa Meats, TH Kitchens Joinery, KB Wilson Seeds & Corowa RSL Club.

Rutherglen won some battles, lost some wars.

The U12s dropped their first game of the year with a last over loss to Wangaratta Magpies.

Tyler Mullavey was the star of the day with an incredible 70 off just 38 balls, supported by Rory Campbell with an impressive 15no.

A good learning experience for the young superstars.

The C grade result went the same way with a last over loss to Benalla Bushrangers Cricket.

A great game of cricket with Dan Moshopolous stroking an attractive 50 and first year player Jono Michaels taking an impressive 4/27.

B Grade made short work of Wangaratta Magpies chasing down 118 in just 13 overs.

Matthew Lister hit a ballistic 91no off just 55, and Balu Reddy chimed in with three wickets.

With the win they move to the top of the table and will take some shifting in their current form.