It was a batter’s paradise on the weekend, with more than 1000 combined runs scored across the Canecutters vs Warriors and Valleys vs Colts match-ups.
On Field 1, the Canecutters batted first, with Liam Davies (28) and Michael Pettiford putting on a 61-run opening partnership before Brendan Russell (3/56) snuck one through Liam’s defence. He was supported by fellow opening bowler Regan Knight (1/67) and the crafty off-spin of Bryce Fraser (1/26), reducing the Canecutters to 4/80 after 12 overs.
Jed Farley (45) and Michael Pettiford then went to work, combining for a commanding 166-run stand. Pettiford produced one of the most dominant batting displays in Proserpine Cricket history, smashing his way to 193 before falling in the final over while attempting to reach his double century. The Canecutters posted a formidable 6/323 from their 40 overs.
With such a large total on the board, most would have thought the result was a foregone conclusion — but the Warriors had other ideas. Brendan Russell (89) teamed up with Regan Knight (78) to put on 170 for the opening wicket before the ever-reliable Scott Milne (3/44) made the breakthrough. He was supported by Shilbin Kurian (2/90) and Will Marshall (2/76). A late-innings flurry from Craig Valmadre (51 not out) and Josh Sturma (29 not out) saw the near-impossible achieved, with the Warriors pulling off victory by two wickets with 1.5 overs to spare.
On Field 2, Valleys won the toss and elected to bat. They struggled early as Ben Hope (1/17) and Malachi Gabey (3/27) made life difficult for the batters. Only Will Flynn (16) and Jacob Williams (24) offered some resistance before Corbyn Leo (2/27) and Jack Valmadre (2/13) continued to make steady inroads.
Teetering at 81 runs with the final wicket in hand, Aaron Regan (95 not out) and Dale Mengel (10) combined for a brilliant 120-run partnership. Aaron dispatched any slightly loose delivery, while Dale’s role was to hold up an end and turn the strike over. Valleys were eventually bowled out for 201.
Unfortunately for Valleys, only Aaron Regan (2/23) provided any real impact with the ball as Corbyn Leo (20 not out, retired), Jack Valmadre (69 not out) and the ever-chirpy Josh Geisler (73 not out) made light work of the chase, powering the Colts to an eight-wicket victory in just the 24th over.
A special mention goes to 10-year-old Patrick Regan, who was outstanding in the field for Valleys and bowled an impressive maiden over (0–0) when the game was all but decided.
This Sunday will see Valleys taking on Warriors and Colts facing Canecutters, with both games to commence at 10:00am.
Contributed with thanks to Dale Mengel
Warriors Players
Colts and Valleys Players
Photos supplied
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