Aussies have triumphed over a hopeful Delungra in the Inverell Cricket Association grand final played on Saturday at Varley Oval.

Aussies have been grand final regulars over the years, and took home last year’s premiership, while Delungra was playing its first grand final in first grade.

Delungra was unable to compete with the tight bowling of the reigning champions.

Aussies batted first and scored 136.

In reply Delungra was dismissed for 112.

Aussies captain Jack Lawton said he was pleased with the win, that was made all the sweeter by it being his first year as skipper.

“All the guys played well, I’m really pleased with the win and how we have played all year.

“It’s also satisfying to have a premiership in my first year as captain and to keep the trophy for another year.”

While the victory was sweet, Lawton admitted it was hard to achieve.

“We could have batted a lot better, but we fielded and bowled really well and restricted their runs with five run outs, which was rare for us.”

Blake Uubergang and Kyle Tonkin top scored for the side with 45 and 36 runs respectively to raise the total to 136.

“Kyle Tonkin was one of the best all rounders on the day, he is only a young guy but was really handy in the field and his late 34 in the innings boosted our score.”

Delungra responded well in the bowling with captain Eric Higgins taking 2-11, Kurt McCarthy with 2-13 and Nick Lehman 2-24.

Delungra experienced slow going in the runs after a good start from Eli Kimmince and Eric Higgins both with starts of 22 and 21, but Aussies asserted pressure in the field with five run outs as well as figures from Brendan Reynolds who went 1-16 and Damien Smith whose nine overs cost only 11 runs.

Hayden Sutton also picked up 2-25.

The game started late due to wet weather which saw the second grade final called off, and Lawton said there were challenges for all the players in the wet.

“We still had our 45 overs but scores were quite low and the weather affected the wicket, the fielders and bowlers definitely had problems with slipping around but it came good in the end.”

© 2009 Inverell Times

<< Back