Page 50 - West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Cricket Club Yearbook 2014-15

UNDER 16 TAREE TOUR REPORT
U16 Stan Austin Carnival Taree 2015
In January of 2015 we were invited to participate in the U16 Stan Austin Carnival held in Taree previously attended by a number of WPHCC touring sides. This is an invitation that is warmly accepted by our club as it gives a team of 12 players the opportunity to play on turf wickets for 4 games against some of the combined country association representative teams.
Before we even get to the cricket side of the carnival let me say that after being part of 3 of these country tours, if you get invited to represent WPHCC in Tamworth, Armidale or Taree grab the opportunity with both hands. The total experience, the bonding with teammates and parents, the stories you will tell and the memories you will gain are special and will last for a long time.
Now to the cricket,
Day 1 had us up against Mid North Coast (who went on to win their 4th title in a row). Mid North batted first scoring an impressive 180 but true to our previous country carnival form we bowled them out with a few overs to spare. Unfortunately that is where the fun stopped with our inexperience on the turf wickets showing through as we were all out for 95 but kept our heads up.
Day 2 had us up against Hunter Valley who we have come up against in previous carnivals. With Kyle scoring 31 in a respectable total of 128 and Jack leading the way taking 3 / 11 off 4.1 overs the boys bowled them out for 103 in the 36th over.
Day 3 saw us up against the old foe Tamworth. This was the game we had been looking forward to seeking redemption for our poor loss in 2013. Unfortunately they proved to be too strong again bowling us out for 109 and scoring 4 / 114 in the 40th over.
After play on day 3 there was a BBQ and presentation of awards to date where we were altogether enjoying the company and atmosphere of the country carnival. During the presentation we were nicely surprised when awarded the carnivals “Spirit of Cricket Award” judged by the carnival umpires and officials. This was a very proud moment for the boys, the club and myself.
Day 4, the playoffs against Far North Coast. Despite bowling them out for 115 in 36 overs their bowling line up was just too good rolling us for just 71.
Regardless of the results everyone had a great time and I wish there was an under 17 comp so we could got around again next season.
A huge thanks to all of you in the touring party who helped me during the games, scoring, keeping everyone fed / happy and midnight trips to the hospital. I hope you have all enjoyed the experience of the past 3 years.
Andrew Rickard Coach / Manager
Our Team was presented with the ‘Spirit Of Ready to go – Day One Cricket’ award at the Taree Carnival
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