The weather was less than ideal on Sunday, 14 September 2025, for the second round of the Mackay Whitsunday Junior Cricket competition.
The blustery conditions didn’t rattle the Under 12 Pitbulls as they faced North Mackay Devils. Skipper L. Aitken won the bat flip and sent the Devils in. The Pitbulls’ bowlers were on target, with R. Clarke shattering the stumps for the first breakthrough. F. Holscher grabbed two (including a sharp caught-and-bowled), while L. Aitken and N. Aitken took four between them. N. Aitken was on fire with two in two, thanks to a slick catch from H. Valmadre. Norths were held to 7-85.
In reply, Proserpine lost N. Aitken early to a run out, but that was the Devils’ only joy. From there the runs flowed, with B. Whitty smashing his maiden half-century (67* off 40) and R. Clarke steady on 35*. With contributions from H. Valmadre (19), P. Regan (12*) and the Holscher brothers, the Pitbulls cruised to 2-202. Whitty was named player of the match for the second week running, as the Pitties went top of the table after two rounds.
The Under 14s faced Sarina Spartans in their first turf-pitch game of the season at Harrup Park. Sent in to bat, the Pitties delivered through M. Aitken with his maiden half-century (60 off 53, retired) and K. Whitty’s patient 26* (off 49).
Defending 142, the bowlers struck early. A. Farley was sharp behind the stumps (one catch and a run out), while L. Appleton added 1-7 off 3 overs and a catch. S. Green chipped in with 2-33. Spartans reached 6-99 before rain ended play, with the Duckworth–Lewis method confirming the Pitbulls as winners.
Conditions improved for the Under 15s clash with Walkerston Roosters. Electing to bowl, the Pitties struck quickly, led by A. Valmadre (3-3 off 3 and a run out) and L. Smith (2-16). Walkerston were dismissed for 63.
In reply, E. Baker (17 off 21) and W. Marshall (32 off 54) put on a steady start, while M. Aitken (20 off 16) and B. Hope (19 off 14) kept the scoreboard ticking. The Pitbulls passed the total comfortably with 135 runs, silencing the Roosters’ crow.
The Under 17s enjoyed home-ground advantage against Magpies White. Choosing to bat, J. Valmadre cleared the boundary regularly on his way to 55 (off 51), while O. Seamer added a composed 30* (off 37).
Set 148 to win, the Magpies faltered against sharp bowling and fielding. K. McLoughlin starred with 2-7 off 4 and three catches, while J. Lawn claimed 1-3 off 2 and a run out. Only one Magpies batter reached double figures as they were bowled out for 71, giving the Pitbulls their first win of the season.
Contributed with thanks to L Valmadre & D Green
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