Successful season for Upper Hunter U15s cricket team

By Jarrod Watts

THIS year, Upper Hunter cricket moved to the Central North cricket zone, so players could get a taste of higher quality cricket and play against rivals who could be teammates when central northern sides are selected.

It was a great opportunity for players to measure up against some good quality cricketers in a wide variety of towns.

The Upper Hunter campaign started with a loss at Narrabi however, there were some promising signs, with Vice Captain Cooper Gageler shining with the bat.

Next up, the team played in Maitland and openers Matt Edwards and Hayden Deakin combined a 50+ run partnership early on, with more players scoring 30+ before being dismissed.

Vice captains Peter McCallum and Cooer Gageler again started with the bat, with 43 and 47 not out respectively.

Captain Ashton Blake, who led the side to perfection throughout the series, always starred with the ball in hand.

A massive loss against Tamworth, despite a 40 from Peter again, looked like the Upper Hunter campaign was over however, a massive win against Gunnedah and a loss by Tamworth saw the team through to the final.

At Gunnedah, Matt Edwards and Cooper Gageler both shared 4 wickets each, while Lochie Hails was impressive with 60 in the inn against Gunnadah.

On December 6, the boys started the semi final match well, having to face Maitland side who were heavy favourites and hold nine Hunter Valley players 4-45.

A great innings from Maitland, number 6 Edwards, off 60 put the Maitland side score to 180.

Captain Ashton started with 4 wickets, while opening bowlers Dan Crowther and Cal Winter were outstanding as always!

The boys started well in the chase, Edwards and Deakin seeing the new ball through however, when they fell, star trio, Mccullum, Blake and Gageler all fell before the next drinks break, which had the Upper Hunter boys in huge trouble.

The tail end of the batting order fought hard but wasn’t any match for a well drilled Maitland side in the day!

Boys were bowled out for 75 falling 100 short.

Matt Edwards, Cooper Gageler and Peter McCullough were great all year with the bat, while Daniel Crowther, Cal winter, Ashton Blake and Jim Parkinson always impressed with ball in hand.

A few laws of cricket changed due to Covid-19, including too much sweat or salvia on the ball, which took a bit of used to for the boys.

They managed everything well and to make the finals when not expected to is a real credit to the way the boys played, all carrying themselves really well throughout and most of all enjoyed their cricket!