Cricket season has started with a bang for the Commercial Stallions, out to make a statement after cruelly crashing out of the competition in the first week of the finals last season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Junee have high hopes of making the finals this year after welcoming back some big names to bolster the roster this season.
The round one opener took place at Burns Park on Saturday, October 7 with the Stallions welcoming a new captain for the upcoming season in William McGrath.
McGrath won the toss and for his first time as captain chose to bat.
Junee got off to an excellent start scoring 20 runs off the first 2 overs before losing their first wicket for 24 runs. Trent Charlton then came to the crease and with steady partnerships with Nathan Charlton, Brett Dobson and Hayden Diggins got the score to 121 at drinks.
A quick lapse after drinks and Junee lost quick wickets and were looking for someone to stand up. Young gun Ben Turner fresh off the plane from playing Under 16 Riverina Cricket in India took his chance and with a 9th wicket partnership of 42 with Kye Wright got the commercial to 180 before being bowled out in the 37th over. Turner remained not out on 43 and was Junee's top scorer. followed by Trent Charlton (35) and Nathan Charlton (21).
Junee then took to the field and steady bowling from openers Trent Charlton and Will McGrath put the pressure on Adelong for scoring shots early.
It was the first change of bowler that drew first blood for the Commercial in Nathan Charlton. Adelong tried to hit Charlton out of the attack going for 8 of his first over. Charlton then returned fire and tore through the Adelong top and middle order claiming an outstanding 6 wickets for 27 runs off of his 10 overs.
Smart captaincy from McGrath kept the pressure on Adelong by rotating the other Junee bowlers from the other end keeping the scoring to a minimum. Junee then finished off Adelong for a quick 89 runs stamping their intent for the upcoming season.
McGrath stated that he was pleased with the boys’ efforts and was excited as Junee still had five of the starting team list that were not available for round one.
Junee will welcome those five players back but lose Nathan Charlton as they play Tumut Plains at Burns Park this coming Saturday.