Proserpine Pitbulls Win The Grand final

Despite a week of uncertainty leading into the game with player availability, weather, and ground location, a last-minute decision gave the go ahead for the under 13 grand final game at McLennan Park against the Walkerston Roosters.

The young under 13 Proserpine Pitbull Cricket side have been the benchmark all season; they had taken that momentum into training the week before the game, and the only thing left was to follow it through.

Game day, Scrubbies win the toss electing to bat.

A fired-up Captain Donny P (2-5) launched in with a new ball, catching the edge and running to the boundary. He then fired a rocket at the competition’s top scorer, which struck his pad directly in front of middle stump.

He followed this up by knocking over their number three without scoring, with a bit of brilliance from Fed taking a tough chance. This brought big Ollie to the crease.

He soon ripped into the Pitbulls attack, dispatching several deliveries over the boundary, made easier by the fact that Walkerston had changed the bowling ends before the game that suited the left-hander.

The message: “Don’t panic, fellas, stick to the game plan and go hard at the others.”

Ky P got hold of the ball and bowled a great spell (2-10) which included dismissing the locals best opener with a delivery that swung both ways, 4-49.

He was well supported by Jack V (1-5) - who swung the ball everywhere - Malakai G (1-6), Josh G (1-1), and Lewis Mc (1-18) who took the prized scalp of the Big O with a great ball on the off stump corridor, resulting in a mistimed drive to mid-off which Fed managed to keep hold of, with a great turn and run over the shoulder catch.

Scrubbies all out 84.

Message at the break: “Stay calm, bat your 20 balls, bat for 25 overs and you’ll win, but it won’t be easy.”

The Prossie openers strode to the crease.

A poor leave by Ky P (1) soon had him heading back to the sheds, and Angus H (6) withstood the onslaught for 15 balls, before being caught trying to move the score along.

Captain Donny P and “Gun Bat” Lewis Mc came together to steady the ship, both retiring at their 20 balls.

Jack V (13) then joined in and played beautifully to get the Pitbulls to 2-51, and things were looking good.

He then hit one to cover on his 20th ball, which was caught, however it was a no-ball, but whilst celebrating, was run out.

Time for the middle order to stand up; Josh G (10) and Malakai G (7) pushed the team along to 3-68 before Josh was caught behind. Malakai went the very next ball 5-68 and the pressure was building. However, Axel.G (5) and Fed.R (4) had other ideas and batted magnificently under immense pressure to get the side close to the target at 5-80.

But then another double wicket surge and Pitbulls were 7-80 with 5 runs to win and no wickets left in the shed.

The scene was set for returning batsman Capt Donny P and Player of the Year Lewis Mc to seal the deal.

The fired-up attack ripped in with Lewy on strike, dot ball, the sighs of the nervy Pits supporters evident.

The next ball, on middle stump, and what else would the “Gun Bat” do? Play across the line, clearly disregarding his father’s well-intentioned advice, and smash it for 4.

Coach, trying to hold his nerves, said, “Boys, plenty of time, no rush, no risk.”

Next ball, bowler comes in, Lewy pushes into the covers straight to a fielder, “yes” is the call, the throw is good, Lewy in trouble at this point, a draw looming, but the bowler drops it.

Job done.

The journey for most of this group started last year; the leadership group of Donny, Jack and Ky, which has rubbed off on all players.

They are a great bunch of boys who listen, are respectful, and simply love playing cricket.

Congratulations and well-done, boys. You were the best team all year by far and are deserved Premiers as you are the best.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Porter

The Proserpine Pitbull U13 Premiers

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