10 Mar 2022
The mighty Lennox Head PS cricket team squared off with the side from Pottsville Beach PS on Wednesday March 9th in a PSSA knockout game that would've satisfied test cricket purists and T20 enthusiasts alike. It was truly a battle for the ages with the Lennox squad just pipping the plucky Pottsvillians in a tightly fought contest.
The Black Rocks Sports Fields in Pottsville provided the perfect landscape for an unforgettable match that will be etched in the memory of those who were lucky enough to have scored a ticket to this epic heavyweight encounter. Courageous Lennox skipper, Tully C, correctly called 'flats' and elected to send the talented side from north of Brunswick River into bat on a dewy, overgrown track that was in desperate need of some lawnmover love.
The intimidating pace battery duo of Henry R and Harry R started the innings off well and managed to choke the run rate with a combination of raw speed and surgeon like accuracy. First change seamer, Tully C, and leg break specialist, Archie B, kept the pressure on the opposition batsmen with some subtle variation despite some issues with a cherry that was wearing quickly. Kobe Mc bowled a persistent line and length and was rewarded with a scalp before the change of ends whilst working in tandem with the ever reliable Edward N. Pottsville were 1/48 after 13 overs.
The mid-innings chat was positive amongst the warriors from Lennox, but unfortunately the bowlers lost their way in the last 12 overs as Lennox conceded 105 runs during a horror period which saw the team from the Tweed Coast post 1/153 from their allotted 25 overs. A shining light with the ball was Hayley A who executed her bowling plan to perfection and was unlucky not to snag a couple of late victims. Oskah P, Jack K and Zac D were athletic in the field and provided plenty of assured chat in support of their bowlers. As always Joel W covered well behind the stumps in a talisman-like effort.
The Lennox innings got off to a shaky start with some of the running between wickets sending shockwaves through the dressing room in what was a disastrous kickoff to the Lennox batting effort. Enter the dynamic duo of Tully C and Harry R. The two stalwarts from Lennox began to repair the innings like bricklayers laying stones from the Rock of Gibraltar in a display of skill and intestinal fortitude that will be long remembered. As their innings grew, so did the confidence of these fine stroke-makers who were taunting the Pottsville attack with a combination of solid defence and attacking flair that was truly Bradmanesque. Both players retired on 40 runs having set a strong foundation for the remaining batters to finish the job.
With a run-a-ball required from the last 7 overs, Henry R set about establishing two solid partnerships with Joel W and Billy B as Lennox set their sails for a remarkable victory. Billy B hit the winning runs with 3 balls remaiing in the innnings, sending the blue and green army into howls of ecstasy and sealing one of the most phenomenal comebacks in world sport. Lenox will now play either Alstonville PS or Bexhill PS in their next round with a date and venue TBA.
Mr Robb would like to extend his sincere thanks to both Kerryn Kernaghan and Terry Rose for assisting with scoring and umpiring roles. These kinds of days cannot go ahead without the support of people like Kerryn and Terry, so thankyou. A big thank you also to all parents that provided transport to Pottsville and cheered on our team during this exciting game. Your encouragement was much appreciated. Thanks also needs to be extended to Mr Tait from Pottsville PS for organising this fixture in trying circumstances. Good luck to the team with their next contest.
