There are some games that stay with players for the rest of their lives, and this will surely be one of those for this team of youngsters. With perfect weather conditions, a large enthusiastic crowd and The Vineyard in immaculate condition, the scene was perfectly set for the Cubs league semi-final play-off against a visiting Adamstown side. Captain for the day Leo Russell lost the toss and Adamstown put The Hills in to bat. With the game played on a net score basis, it was as important not to lose wickets (minus 5) as to get runs.
Tom Jackson (5) and Daniel Adderley (10) got The Hills off to a solid start during their 4 overs with no wickets lost. Next in, Callum Walsh batted beautifully to top score for the day with 13 in a partnership with Caleb Keane (4). The remaining pairs – Ed Lynch (3) and James Davies (5), Ryan Clinton (6) and Gary Costello (4), Sam Clinton (3) and Leo Russell (7), all contributed and kept the scoreboard ticking over. Crucially, only 2 wickets were lost in the innings against a very strong bowling attack who were able to get the ball to swing. Adamstown bowled extremely well giving away only 15 extras which at this level is an extremely good performance.
Set a target of 66 net to win, the Adamstown opening pair came under immediate pressure from a focussed Hills team who produced a superb bowling and fielding display, remaining calm throughout which cannot be said for the parents on the sidelines whose nerves were being tested to the limits! Wickets fell at a regular pace. Pick of the bowlers was Sam Clinton, a chip off the old block, with a miserly 3 for 11 off 3 overs. Ed Lynch took 2 wickets in his first over and Leo Russell took a superb catch off his own bowling to end up with 1 for 4 off his 2 overs of leg spin. Daniel Adderley took two on the bounce to end up with 2 for 9 which included another spectacular catch, this time from James Davies in the covers. With 11 wickets down Adamstown ended the evening with 83 on the board, 28 net.
The Hills coaches Luke Clinton and Andrew Russell were delighted with the performance, and they would like to thank the visiting Adamstown players, coaches and supporters for the spirit in which the game was played. Special thanks also to those that helped prepare the team during the week – Stephen Jackson, Tracy Clinton and Simon Adderley. Thanks also to Laura Walsh for scoring the book and of course to the team of volunteers who had The Vineyard looking incredible again.
