The Olinda Under 16s cricket team has emerged victorious in its grand final after a great battle with Eildon Park.
On day one, Eildon Park won the toss and chose to bowl on a wet, dewy surface.
Olinda’s Ethan Kennedy and Ted Box opened the batting, and helped their team to a great start.
Kennedy was his usual aggressive self, while Box worked the ball into the gaps nicely.
Kennedy lost his wicket for 42 in a stand worth 68.
Josh Langer then joined the action and helped to guide his team to 1/86 off 25 overs.
Box finished on 27no, batting right through.
In reply, Eildon Park came out with a positive attitude, running well between the wickets and playing with intent.
After 10 overs, they were 1/25, with their noses slightly in front.
As with the semi-final (on day two), the team then lost its way for the next 10 overs, as the Wildcats poured on the runs, going at nearly five runs per over.
A late wicket to Aiden Ardley was crucial as it put a halt to the runs, with Eildon Park eventually finishing at 2/80.
On day two, again under beautiful blue skies at Olinda Reserve, the fight for the flag looked a tight battle.
Early on, Olinda’s fielding looked much sharper.
An early indication was Nathan Rose diving relentlessly to cut off scoring opportunities.
The Wildcats had moved quickly to 2/100 when the skipper, Ardley, stepped up again to remove the opposition’s best batsman.
It proved a pivotal moment as Olinda jumped on a momentum shift.
The next half an hour was all Olinda, in particular for Ardley and Marc Feltham.
Backed by some great fielding, both bowled brilliantly to rip the Eildon Park batting to pieces.
The batting side lost 8/20 in the space of 14 overs.
Ardley’s eight overs delivered 4/6, while Feltham was in his sixth over when he finished off the innings to post 3/5.
This added to his brilliant run out from square leg.
Gabe Filleul was the other wicket-taker.
This gave the team a run-chase of 35, with nine wickets still intact.
Despite some early wickets, Jonty Scott (12no) and Jake Riordan (17no) wiped off the runs with minimal fuss.
Thanks went to all players, officials and parents for their efforts throughout the season.
