A Grade
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Corowa 8/238 def New City 9/74
A warm but windy morning greeted Corowa and New City at Ball Park on Saturday, with the Corowa A Grade side chasing a third consecutive win after a sluggish start to the season.
With Ben Mitchell sidelined through injury, North Albury recruit Cal Langlands was handed the reigns, and fitted seamlessly into the captaincy by losing Corowa’s fourth toss of the season.
After electing to bowl New City was unable to make early inroads. Joe Lavis and Ethan Lane managed to avoid being run out for a change and progressed the score to 18.
Lane’s departure saw Langlands join Lavis, and the pair weathered the New City spin onslaught to add 53 runs.
Joe Lavis (24) and Langlands (39) were then replaced by the in-form Ben Fulford and veteran Jarred Lane, whose 87-run partnership propelled Corowa past 170.
Fulford compiled a clinical 78 runs, equalling his previous score at Ball Park and proving that the nervous 70’s may exist.
Corowa batted out their 50 overs and amassed an extremely competitive 8-238, with some powerful lower order hitting including an enormous six from Kade “Spud” Wilson that may not have landed yet, good running from Angus Massey and an ever-reliable not out for Tyler “red-ink” Abley.
Defending a large score and after tucking into one of the better afternoon tea spreads of the season, the Corowa bowlers were rearing to go.
Nick Grant and Blake “Billy” Elliot wasted no time getting to work, restricting the visitors to 4-23. New City showed some resistance with Gagan Preet Singh and Haydyn Roberts delaying proceedings, however Langlands, Joe Lavis and Tyler Abley ensured the visitors were not provided any easy scoring opportunities and took regular wickets.
Without a raft of senior bowlers including Mitchell, Hamish Starr and Mark Athanitis (who offered absolutely nothing in his stint as 13th man), the Corowa side produced an exemplary bowling and fielding display.
Elliot returned and castled the final batsman to dismiss New City for 74. Elliot finished with a with a well-earned 3-13, mostly bowling into a strong headwind as his senior opening partner Nick Grant glided in with the wind at his back.
Grant and Joe Lavis finished with two wickets a piece, with the pair combining for Lavis’ second wicket as Grant took an athletic, diving catch.
Leg-spin twins Langlands and Abley each picked up a wicket as Corowa won by a mammoth 164 runs.
B Grade
New City 10/110 def by Corowa 0/113.
A dominant display by the B Grade side secured their fourth consecutive win on Saturday, annihilating New City by 10 wickets at Urana Road Oval.
After losing the toss and being asked to field first, Corowa’s bowlers immediately put New City under pressure.
Young gun Eli Lavis drew first blood, claiming two early wickets to leave the opposition reeling at 2/22.
While veteran Aaron Phibbs collected the third scalp, New City briefly found stability, reaching a somewhat comfortable position of 3/67.
The momentum shifted dramatically when Lenny Power grabbed a crucial wicket, opening the door for "The Eli Lavis Show" to return.
A sharp run-out, followed swiftly by two more quick wickets for Lavis, triggered a catastrophic collapse, reducing New City to a disastrous 7/74.
Jack Eales secured another dismissal before Blake Keenes efficiently wrapped up the innings, taking the final two wickets.
New City was all out for 110 in the 39th over.
Lavis was the standout bowler, finishing with superb figures of 4/26 off nine overs, while Keenes provided excellent support with 2/8.
The chase proved to be a mere formality for Corowa’s openers. Lenny Power and Blake Keenes dismantled the small target with ease, reaching the required runs in less than 15 overs and ensuring a flawless 10-wicket victory.
While Keenes played a steady hand, compiling 29 runs off 34 balls, it was the aggressive approach of Power that defined the chase.
In a destructive mood, he smashed an unbeaten 74 off just 56 balls, an innings peppered with power-hitting, including seven boundaries and three sixes.
The teams clinical performance is a clear statement as they continue their winning streak.
This Saturday, the B Grade side faces East Albury at Ball Park Oval.
C Grade Div 1
East Albury 10/106 def by Corowa 6/107.
After a tough loss last week at home, Corowa C1 travelled to East Albury to face the reigning premiers at their home ground.
After skipper Blayre Smith lost the toss the Corowa boys were sent out into the field to start a beautiful day for cricket.
East Albury got off to a handy start being 0-23 before veteran Dan Osborne combined with new and maybe slightly improved keeper Baxter Macfarlane for two quick wickets taking the score to 2-26. Even East Albury’s spring loaded stumps didn’t help them as Osborne then knocked over those stumps helping himself to the first three wickets of the game.
With a slow outfield and some brilliant fielding from the Corowa sides three fill ins, East Albury were looking for any runs they could but ended up being quite easily dismissed four different times as run outs.
Ever experienced Greg burgess involved in three of them and Smith in two of them. East Albury finished their batting innings with a total of 106.
Smith, Burgess and Cody Kuschert each picking up a wicket to go with Osbornes three and the four runouts.
Openers Caleb Kuschert and Karvan Silva started off the run chase perfectly with plenty of good cricket shots from the both of them to get the score to 64 before Kuschert was dismissed for a well-made 32.
Macfarlane was the next in and hit two beautiful boundaries before he was dismissed for a quick score of eight (100 per cent boundaries).
After running himself out on 49 last week, Silva was rock solid through majority of the innings having batted with five different partners before finally being dismissed for a well made 53 with 10 boundaries.
In the end Osborne and Judd Kuschert got a handful of lucky runs to get the boys over the line.
Next week the Div 1 are back at home to face Lavington and hopefully continue to win.
C Grade Div 2
Corowa 4/278 def Wodonga 3/95.
Local heroes faced Wodonga on a windy Saturday afternoon, the toss was won by the muscular captain Closter, and he elected to have a bat.
The bowling attack found the opening overs difficult as Sam Burdon and Billy Raggett cleared the front leg and give it an old fashion slog.
Billy once again getting bored and hitting some catching practice to the outfield, falling for 27.
Despite hogging the strike last week, centurion Nath Anic made sure he pushed some younger fill ins aside to race out and take guard at first drop.
He and Burdon continued the assault and by the time the later fell only three runs short of a blistering century it was 2/170 and the result looked decided.
New recruit Nicker McCormack dusted off his under 12s kit from 15 years ago but forgot his pants so give it his best wearing shorts, rather unconventional like his batting style.
The scorecard looked strong for the home side, and this presented an opportunity for some developing future champions to get a taste of senior cricket.
Nicker doing the right thing and hitting out to allow future superstar George Smith a crack, handling himself superbly for an unbeaten 21.
Fellow youngster Jacko Barber sat patiently padded up waiting excitedly for an opportunity, but Anic had other ideas, closing in on back-to-back hundreds.
Nine to get off the last over had the side on the edge of their seats and Wodonga let their fill in eight-year-old bowl the last over and he was about to learn a lesson as Anic freed the arms and dispatched him to cow corner to bring up this second century in a row.
A fantastic effort.
Wodonga were always going to struggle chasing 280 and despite valuing their wicket they eventually fell short.
Clarky and C grade hero from yesteryear G Cork the pick of the bowlers, Jacko Barber and young gun Kobe Raggett picking up two wickets each in a glimpse of the future.
A humble effort from the inspirational captain to allow all to have a go.
Special thanks to injured mascot Rhylee Barber for his infectious attitude, he could be seen giving thumbs up to everyone all day. Thanks mate.
Pressure will be on next week without the ravishing Closter to guide the unbeaten side but be sure to join for the best four hours of village cricket in the state.
Bring your whites in case we are short.
Under 16s
Corowa 8/221 v Baranduda - yet to bat
The Under 16s are in a commanding position heading into the second day of their clash against Baranduda at Ball Park Oval, after their batsmen powered the team to a formidable total of 8/221 from their allotted 40 overs.
Winning the toss, Captain Eli Lavis elected to bat first, a decision quickly validated by the opening pair of Lenny Power and Harry Norman.
The openers laid a steady foundation, putting on 31 runs before Norman was dismissed for eight.
The stage was then set for a spectacular middle-order performance. Power, immediately finding his rhythm, showcased his destructive potential, combining with Lavis to add a rapid 70-run partnership. Power’s brilliant innings came to an end in the 14th over, but not before he had smashed 74 runs off just 50 balls, including a stunning display of 11 boundaries.
Following Power's departure, the momentum never slowed. Austin Ross-Anderson joined Lavis, and the pair continued to score freely, compiling an influential 73-run stand.
This crucial partnership pushed the score past 170 before Lavis departed for a well-made 40, an innings highlighted by a towering six.
With the scoreboard reading 174, Ross-Anderson executed a thoughtful retirement after compiling a fine 44 runs, allowing the lower order valuable time at the crease.
In the final overs, Camry Abley provided the finishing touches. Abley played a quick-fire innings, dominating the lower order scoring with an unbeaten 19 runs off 21 balls, helping Corowa reach a highly competitive total of 221.
The Under 16s will return next week, confident that their total is a match-winning score, as they look to bowl out Baranduda to secure the victory.
Under 14s Div 1
Corowa Black 8/242 v East Albury - yet to bat.
The U14 Division 1 boys have made an impressive start in their first two-day game of the season, posting a solid total of 8/242 after winning the toss and electing to bat.
Openers Oli Matthews and Jackson Barber got the team off to a confident start, building a partnership of 59 runs before Barber was unfortunate to be run out, falling just short of his crease.
The momentum continued with Callan Corcoran adding a brisk 37 before also being run out, while Jagger Doody kept the scoreboard ticking with a valuable 29.
Contributions from the middle order proved crucial, with Archie Rhodes (32) and Finley Douglas (32) both playing composed innings to push the total past 240.
At stumps, the side finished 8/242, setting up a strong platform heading into next week’s play when they will look to defend their total against East Albury.
Under 14s Div 2
Albury 8/132 v Corowa Blue – yet to bat
The boys travelled to Albury High School for their first two-day game and despite a bit of early morning confusion with numbers 11 took to the field to bowl first.
Jacko Collins picked up the first with some crafty leg spin and sharp work behind the stumps by superstar George Smith at 1/54 and the wickets came fairly regularly after that.
All bowlers contributed but despite a late call up to fill in for the injured young gun Closter, the pick of the bowlers was young Ollie Bedford filling in bowling incredibly well to finish with five overs, two maidens, 1 for 8.
The boys showed plenty of class allowing all 11 players to have a bowl and showing plenty of support to each other through encouragement and backing each other up in the field.
Albury finished on 8/132 from their 40 overs and the boys will head back next Saturday to chase them down and remain undefeated on top of the ladder.
Under 12s Div 1
Corowa Black 7/103 def Lavington 10/39.
Corowa Black U12 Division 1 hosted Lavington at CHS on Friday night and came away with a convincing victory, finishing 7/103 in reply to Lavington’s total of 39.
Lavington won the toss and elected to bat first. Corowa’s bowlers made an immediate impact, with Tyler Mullavey setting the tone by taking two wickets in a superb opening over.
Hugh Hicks was outstanding in the field, contributing two catches, two bowled dismissals, and a run out. Supporting the attack, Jake Rhodes, Jobe Ollington, and Kobe Raggett all picked up wickets to ensure Lavington were dismissed for just 39.
In response, Ollie Bedford and Oscar Amor got Corowa’s innings off to a strong start, laying the foundation for a solid chase.
Jobe Ollington remained unbeaten on 14, while Tex Rhodes produced his highest score of the season- an impressive 14 runs, including two boundaries.
The standout with the bat was Jake Rhodes, who top-scored with 28 runs off just 15 balls before retiring not out.
It was another excellent all-round team performance from Corowa Black, showcasing strong bowling, sharp fielding, and confident batting.
The team now looks forward to carrying this momentum into their next important clash in Albury next week.
Under 12s Div 2 White
Corowa White 91 def by Lavington 102.
On Friday night the Under 12s White headed up to Alexandra Park to take on East Albury.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Tasley and Jack went out to face the opening attack and batting well, Jack finishing on 14 not out and Tasley three.
Being only 3/25 at drinks with East Albury bowling well, the run rate needed to pick up. Good knocks from Johan (12) and Lachy (11) got the score board ticking over nicely.
Rory (five) and Fletcher (four no) finishing off the innings to end at 8/63.
With not many runs on the board Corowa White have to start well with the ball and that’s what happened with East Albury being 3/12 after the first five overs with Benji on fire getting two wickets and a run out early.
Archer after keeping for the first 10 overs, came on to bowl and had an immediate impact getting two wickets with his first two balls.
Some good late hitting from East Albury saw them track the runs down and finishing up at 6/91.
Thanks to Ed for scoring this week.
Under 12s Div 2 Blue
The young fellas were due to take on Wodonga Raiders but unfortunately they had to forfeit. The decision was made to head out to Balldale and take the opportunity for some much-needed match simulation.
The improvement from first game was obvious as the basics started to take shape.
Far less wides, much better fielding and improved running between the wickets were on display as the boys put their skills to the test against each other. Louis Raggett even finding the boundary for the first four of the year.
Next Friday the Under 12s Div 2 head to Albury to take on Scots where they can put their new skills to the test against real opposition.
Massive thank you to all parents for making the trip, especially those who brought some extras to help make a game.
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.