Under 17s
Day 1
Fremantle won the toss and elected to bat first on what looked to be pitch that offered a bit for both bat and ball. A solid opening partnership between Trav Day 36(61) and Korey Sweetman 60(40) got us off to a fantastic start to have Fremantle 0/98 before the first wicket fell.
Partnerships were the order of the day with several throughout the innings. Other notable knocks for the day included Sam Harding 70(82) and Charlie Mustard 51(45). After 50 overs Fremantle 6/271.
Day 2
Early wickets to Riley Walker and Tom Backhouse had Joondalup on the back foot early, coupled with some good field pressure throughout made it difficult for Joondalup to mount a challenge. Once again leg spinner Zac Spark weaved a web, snaring 3 wickets and unlucky not to get a couple more.
After 50 overs Joondalup 7/190.
Under 15s
On Saturday we won the toss and elected to bat. Unfortunately, we lost an early wicket at 1/10 then steadied to get to drinks at 1/55 but straight after drinks, first Saxon (18) then Mathews (20) lost their wickets to see us 3/55. Another Hwight/Cardaci partnership saw us get up to the 102 mark before Cardaci (22) was out LBW and Hwight (34) chipped one back to a fielder, we were sitting 5/124. From then on Bourne (19) and Page (32) added some vital runs with a few tail contributors which helped us get to a very defendable 199. All in all, a pleasing effort from the lads which proved the point that even though no one went on and made a big score, batting 50 overs and forming partnerships will generally get you to a defendable total.
After having a poor day in the field by our standards last round, the coaches asked the boys to dig deep and redeem themselves going into the Christmas break. Day 2 and the feeling was excellent from the group as soon as they arrived. Very upbeat and switched on in the warmups which carried on as soon as they crossed the boundary, ready for battle. They were ruthless all day, a maiden to start then a run out in the second over and the Freo boys were right on top. The chat on the ground was one of mate ship, support and enjoyment and their PORT culture was beaming. At drinks, Joondalup were 2/10 (10) and finding it very hard to get anything away due to the highly disciplined bowling by our first and second change bowlers. Joondalup could only manage the highest partnership of 42 all day and our U15s continue to impress and show how hard they are to get on top of when they are switched on in the field, which is most weeks.
Joondalup could only manage 9/109 (50 Overs) and as mentioned, all our bowlers bowled good line and length all day but the pick of them was Felix Wong (3/11 off 6 Overs).
Congratulations goes out to the U15s on their effort this round, showing how good teams respond after an uncharacteristic game last round, but also to the entire squad on their first half of the season now sitting on top of the ladder at 6W & 1L. A very good start, but the boys are clear that we are only halfway there and remain focused on the season goal.
Go Port!