Quality Century from underr 13 in strong victory for VECC

Match No. 5 Report Under 13 2s. Valentine Under 13 2s travelled to the Thomas Percy Oval, Waratah for their match against Waratah Mayfield. Our Captain Effie Drummond lost the toss and Waratah sent us in to bat. Our openers Daylan Bolton and Courtney Moulton set a cracking pace, against a mediocre attack, before Daylan was caught for 5 runs making us 1 for 20 runs. Our next couple of batsmen did not trouble the scorers too much, but Courtney kept the run rate moving nicely averaging about 4 runs an over. Courtney finally retired, not out for an unbeaten 111 runs, including 19 4s. Nice innings Courtney, club junior record. This did not stop the run rate, as James Mahoney and Mark Finlayson took to the bowling in the dying overs. James hit 14 not out, including a century partnership with Courtney, and Mark an entertaining 11 not out. Valentine after their 30 overs, 5 for 186. Full of confidence our openers Frazer Price and Sam Jenkins got us off to a good start, will some great bowling coupled with outstanding fielding, restricting their openers. Sam finished with 4 overs 0 for 10 and Pricey 3 overs 1 for 4. Other successful bowlers, Luke Walker 2 for 7 off 3, Courtney 2 for 7 off 2, and Josh Muddle who took his first ever wicket 1 for 5 off 2. Congrates Josh, keep it up. As usual our fielding was of high quality with the likes of Angus Joseph, Daylan Bolton, Pricey leading the way. Also our wicketkeepers Mark Findlayson and Kurt Hodson performing well behind the stumps, Mark took 2 catches and Kurt a nice stumping off Pricey's bowling. Waratah after their 30 overs, 6 for 98, a win to Valentine by 88 runs. Well played guys. Althou Valentine won the match comfortably we shouldn't take our next game lightly against the leaders Nelson Bay, or we may find ourselves in the same boat. But credit due, the boys continue to improve and if we continue this way, we should be semi final bound. Special mention to Pricey and Courtney, Pricey for giving up his batting spot and Courtney for retiring to allowed one of their team mates a chance to bat in front of his grandfather who travelled down from Taree to watch the game. Great sportsmanship, which I am proud to say is a feature of this team.