COOTAMUNDRA’S under 12 representative cricketers celebrated a historic victory in the Stacey Shield Grand Final at Clarke Oval last Sunday afternoon.
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In defeating Wagga by 21 runs – the third time they’d beaten the powerful Wagga outfit this season – Coota took possession of the Stacey Shield for the first time since it was introduced in 1999/2000.
It was Coota’s first representative victory in the under 12 age division since 1997/98 when the competition was called the Primary Shield.
Coota batted first on Sunday after somewhat surprisingly being sent in by Wagga and after losing James Woodhead early they were given a solid platform by Richie Tooth and the classy Mitch Brown, before Tooth was dismissed with the score on 46.
Coota then lost captain Joe Ward and Nick Holt in quick succession before Brown and Ben Rumble, who’d combined in a crucial stand in the previous win over Wagga, took the score to 94.
Rumble was run out for 11 and Brown retired soon after for a match-winning 50, with some late hitting by Lachie Webb (9 not out) seeing Coota finish with a competitive 7-111 off their allotted 40 overs.
Wagga’s pursuit started well with their openers putting on 33 before James Woodhead snared a spectacular one-handed catch off the bowling of Nick Holt.
Wagga appeared on the road to victory at 2-67 before a sharp caught and bowled by Joe Ward triggered a dramatic collapse.
George Harpley produced an inspired spell of bowling, claiming three wickets in quick succession, while Coota’s fielding was sensational with Richie Tooth, Nick Simons and Lachie Webb also taking ripping catches.
Wagga’s final two batsmen were run out as the visitors were dismissed for 90 in the 36th over.
George Harpley took 3-9 off his six overs and player of the match Mitch Brown claimed 2-7 off five, while Joe Ward (1-5 off 5), Nick Simons (0-10 off 6) and Lachie Boatwright (0-7 off 5) all bowled superbly in a high pressure situation.
Ben Rumble and Nick Holt also snared a wicket apiece as the jubilant Coota boys completed an undefeated and history-making Stacey Shield season.
Sunday’s successful Stacey Shield team comprised Richie Tooth, James Woodhead, Ben Rumble, Nick Simons, George Harpley, Tom Sharman, Lachie Boatwright, Joe Ward, Mitch Brown, Nick Holt and Lachie Webb.
Coaches were Gerard Guthrie and Mark Ward.
If the talented junior cricketers from the Stacey Shield side are anything to go by the future of cricket in Cootamundra is certainly looking in terrific shape.
