Upper Hunter Cricket 2018 Grand Final

By Russell Sakey

ON a very hot sunny day, with a strong blustery N W wind, Upper Hunter witnessed 2 very interesting games of cricket. The grounds were in fine condition, with the wickets dry, hard and providing plenty of  support for any bowler who applied himself, and the outfields were mown to the lowest height possible.

“A”GRADE: Aberdeen A defeated  Belltrees

Aberdeen had to rely on the multiple talents of its many young players to eventually overcome a spirited Belltrees Grand Final effort.  Fine efforts with both bat and ball by Jeremy Smith and Nathan Connor helped secure the win.

“B”GRADE: Belmore Hotel Bulls defeated  Belltrees Busrangers

A fine display of swing bowling by Sony Bhullar ( 4 / 20), ably supported by 5 other bowlers, including a great 6 overs of leg spin  by Ben Cracket ( 2 / 10), and some tight fielding and a wonderful catch of key batsman Jared Teague by Gavin Newton Smith, resulted in the Bushrangers getting a total of only 93 off 37 overs.

The Bulls were determined to concentrate and get the total without drama. Cal Murray did well to bat through the 16 overs, and scored 52 runs in fine style.

Details:

Aberdeen A 9 / 148 off 39 overs

• J Smith 34, N Connor 34, A Hill 17, R Bennett 15.
• W Osmond 3 /23, A Williamson 2 / 20, B McRae 2 /38,

defeated

Belltrees 9 / 146 off 40 overs.

• C Simpson 46, B McCosker19, B McRae 17, R Vaughn14.
• N Connor 3 / 18, J Smith 2 / 21,

Belmore Hotel Bulls 1 / 97 off 16 overs

• C Murray 52*, T Wilson 9*, sundries 25.

defeated

Belltrees Bushrangers 93 off 37overs.

• C Waugh 24, G Betts15, M Dare 11.
• S Bhullar 4 / 20, B Crackett 2 / 10, S Parkinson 2 / 10.