The Horsham Cricket Association under-13s bowed out of contention at Country Week on Wednesday with an exceptionally close loss against Warnambool Blue in the semi-final.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After losing their first match of the tournament to Warnambool Gold, Horsham fought hard to make it into the semi-final with three impressive wins against Portland, Hamilton Green and Grassmere.
Taking on the previously undefeated Warnambool Blue, the side fought hard to make 81 runs in their 25 overs.
Joey Nagorcka top scored with 15 runs and Will Gellatly chipped in nicely with 12 off of 11 balls late in the innings.
After an opener fell for a golden duck to the bowling of Nagorcka, Warnambool Blue steadied and looked comfortable at 1-32 in the run chase.
But some tremendous bowling from Horsham brought them back into the contest.
Will Gellatly and Max Bunworth both claimed three wickets as they brought Warnambool to 9-79, needing just one more wicket to seize victory in a dramatic finish.
But Warnambool Blue were able to find the runs they needed with three overs remaining to advance to the final.
Horsham coach Damien Bunworth said he was proud of the effort from his side.
“They played fantastic,” Bunworth said. “Warnambool hadn’t lost a game but the boys realised that if you have a go and you do the basics well you’re a chance.
“We batted very well and got to a score of 80 which was the plan. We were thinking 80-100 would be a good score.
“The bowlers bowled a beautiful line and length. Will Gellatly took another three wickets. He had a fantastic carnival.
“It was just unfortunate they passed us nine wickets down.”
Bunworth said there was mixed emotions after the result.
“It was a bit of a mixture, the boys were rapt with how they played but disappointed to get that close and not win,” he said.
“But they played fantastic. They got better each game. They realised playing a better standard of cricket you have to do the basics well, you can’t just get a wicket and hit a four when you want. You have to work hard and be patient.
“It was a great experience.”
The Wimmera-Mallee under-13s also gained some valuable experience at the tournament, winning two of their five matches. They scored one thrilling victory against Portland when they chased down Portland’s first innings total of 112 with five wickets and not many balls left to spare.
Connor Lee and Noah Berry were two of the stand-out performers for the side, both scoring an impressive amount of runs.
Richard Crabtree
richard.crabtree@austcommunitymedia.com.au
richard.crabtree@austcommunitymedia.com.au
