Last month saw the 1st XI take on Sacred Heart College in their annual traditional fixture. This was a new experience for most of our 1sts in this re-building year.

Lineup

Jack Allnutt
Luke Brinkhurst
Liam Casey
Max Haines
Jack Hislop
Connor McKey
Guy Sherry
Solomon Spanton
Thomas Stewart (c)
Makenzie Thomson
Noah Whiteside
Nathel Wijemuni

Day 1 (Tuesday 23 Jan)

A little overnight rain cast a shadow on the start, but a big effort from the groundsman and a few bodies pulling on and off the covers saw a scheduled start of 12pm.

St Bede's won the toss and elected to bat. The boys could not get a start and were all out for 68, with Luke Brinkhurst making 38 and Thomas Stewart 15. This left St Bede's reflecting on whether choosing to bat was the right option.

Sacred Heart went into bat full of confidence, but only managed to put 91 on the board. A massive effort from St Bede's to keep them at bay with some great bowling and fielding. Wickets: Max Haines 3, Makenzie Thomson 3, and Sol Spanton 2.

Day one ended with an early finish as the rain came in. Another day like this would definitely see the boys in the pool on Day 3.

Day 2 (Wednesday 24 Jan)

Looks like a decent breakfast and some wise words from coach Garfield Charles did the trick and the boys came to play. An early setback saw Jack Hislop retiring hurt with a knock on the arm, and Thomas Stewart came in to bat a bit earlier than expected. Thomas managed to steady the ship with a great knock of 89 to leave St Bede's with a tidy lead at the end of Day 2.

Day 3 (Thursday 25 Jan)

Bede's intention on Day 3 was to face a few overs in the morning and put on a few extra runs for Sacred Heart to chase. Liam Casey finished up a great innings with 64 not out, with St Bede's ending up on 263 all out. Jack Hislop recovered enough to come back in and post21.

With St Bede's winning the trophy last year, Sacred Heart had no option other than go for it. And go for it they did.

Some good knocks from Lachie McHardy (61), Lucas Anderson (46) and George Fraser (32) had the St Bede's boys a little nervous, but they dug in to bowl Sacred Heart out for 223, leaving them 18 runs short.

Noah Whiteside took three wickets and Max Haines, Connor McKey and Nathel Wijemuni all took two.

Some great performances from both teams over the three days made a great match that went down to the wire. A huge experience for the boys, which we hope to capitalise on over the coming weeks.

A massive thanks to the Sacred Heart team and their coaches. It was a pleasure to meet you all, and best of luck in your next game back home. Thanks also to all those involved in making a great few days.

Justin Boyle kindly agreed to say and few words and present the David 'Bomber' Mills cup to the winners, St Bede's 1st XI.