03 Apr 2023
Cricket report - Lennox Head PS vs Alstonville PS PSSA Knock out Round 1 2023
Expectations were high. Could the new squad from the cricket powerhouse from the Lennox Head Public School replicate the feats of the mighty Swooping Magpies of 2022?Tensions grew as new captain Beau G called the toss with the wrong side of the coin being announced. Lennox were sent into bat on a heavy and slow Geoff Watt oval surface. With big shoes to fill it was now show time!!
The LHPS innings started tentatively on the back of some accurate bowling of Alstonville opening bowlers as a tough arm wrestle quickly ensued between leather and willow. Jacob P rode the early storm and soon swung the advantage in favour of the boys from the boat channel with some positive and lusty swipes to the boundaries. Beau G struggled to find his groove early but once he got rolling managed to show some mature stroke making befit of a captain.
Both boys retired with 42 and 40 not out respectively and compiled an outstanding partnership of over 100 runs. Archie B and Max P worked off the back of the magnificent stand and showed a thirst for some quick runs, scoring 21 and 10 not out between them. They were ably supported with some sharp running between the wickouts by Jayden W and Tex C which saw the visitors from Ballina coast score an impressive 175 runs in their alloted 25 overs.
175 runs were always going to be tough to chase down for the Plateau XI. The Lennox bowlers had their tail up and soon had the home team on the hop. Jayden W, Vin D, and Harry T took regular wickets for the visitors, but it was the outstanding display from Taj W that really took the wind out of the sails in the Alstonville innings. Taj finished with 3 wickets for just 4 runs from his three overs and was well supported by Jack K and Emery M who bowled without luck. Louis C had a great game in his first effort behind the stumps with special mention also going to Max P for his outstanding catch to remove Alstonville's leading batter.
Lennox Head were the victors by 126 runs in the end and will now move on to play Byron Bay PS in round 2. Regardless of the comprehensive result the team will need to improve for the next match if they once again hope to go deep into the competition this year. Special thanks to all the parents who provided transport to and from the game and to Nathan P for scoring on the day.