A Grade
Round 6 found the Hawks hosting round 1 counterparts Dunsborough at home. Another great day for cricket and another magnificent ground prepared. Skipper Mathew Kent, replacing the injured Paul Tognolini, won the toss and elected to bat first.
Chris McLean was removed early but Gareth Edmonds looked powerful before he too fell for 17. Kade Dittmar joined the reliable Shane Joyce in the middle and the pair set about the task of steadying the ship. The pair batted through to drinks in what was to be a match defining partnership of 77 runs and ensured that Hawks still had 8 wickets intact at the break.
Dittmar was eventually dismissed for 12 but more importantly had seen off much of the opposition bowling and combined beautifully with Joyce who brought up another half century for the club. Grant Garstone joined Rumesh Silva at the crease and the run rate began to climb courtesy of some lusty blows from Garstone. Past premiership star Ryan Miller enjoyed his second knock for the season, showing his class to close out the innings with 18 not out and seeing the home team to a solid total of 192.
Dunsborough came out with intent with the Hawks opening bowlers coming in for a bit of stick from an aggressive Aaron Mott.
The bowlers stuck to their guns however and were rewarded with both opening batsmen in the shed with the score on 31. Aaron Thomas continued his brilliant form with the ball and removed the opposition skipper and last week’s centurion Nick Ritchie for a golden duck. This sent shock waves through the Dunsborough camp and what followed was really a procession of wickets and a disastrous collapse for the visitors. Sharp fielding, astute bowling changes and relentless pressure saw them bundled out for just 64 in 19 overs.
The Hawks third win for the season, and again with bonus points and a real confidence boost for the club with the proof that runs on the board is a winning recipe. On a sad note, Dunsborough’s West Indian speedster Riccardo Small-Boyce suffered a broken thumb and will spend quite a while on the sidelines. The Hawks wish him well for a speedy recovery.
Another fantastic team effort with the atmosphere a sheer joy to witness and be part of. It appears the Hawks have really discovered the key to enjoying the game and importantly rejoicing in team-mates successes, all played within a solid framework of excellent sportsmanship. If I sound a little over the top, it is only because this type of team cohesion is quite a rarity in the most part... and is a direct reflection of the work we have all put in toward creating it. – Paul Tognolini
B Grade
Having faced every team in the competition and yet to register a win, Saturday’s game held a little more importance for both Dunsborough and Margaret River Hawks. Winning the toss the Hawks chose to bat first and openers Maurice Shinnick and Aeodhan Bailey went about their business trying to see off the opening bowlers. Having succeeded seeing off young quick Josh Barr the two fell in quick succession bringing to the crease Hawk’s stalwarts David Morris and Michael Earl.
Runs began to flow quickly, especially from Earl’s bat and in less than 10 overs together, the pair piled on 73. The partnership ended on 103 in the 19th over when Earl was bowled for 48 off just 25 balls. His wicket sparked a mid-order collapse for the Hawks having been 2/103 to then be teetering at 8/112. Dave Morris, of the 6 wickets to fall, deserves special mention making a well-earned 26 as he turned the clock back many years. Dunsborough were well on top bringing to the crease Joel Lawrance and Mitchell Broun at 9 and 10.
If there were any nerves they didn’t show, as the piled 9 off their first over. They slowly began to regain control and for the next 15 wonderful overs looked in total command as the Hawks again put their noses in front of this wonderful contest. The pair put on 69 for the 9th wicket taking the tally to 181 when Lawrence was dismissed and when partner in crime Broun followed soon after, the innings was closed at 185.
The bowling didn’t start as we would have hoped. Taj Thomas, being no balled on the first delivery through knocking the non-strikers’ stumps, rattled the young gun and proceeded to concede 14 off the first over. The game had once again changed momentum, no better time than to introduce our “Ace in the pack” Michael Earl. Bowling into a stiff headwind with his fourth ball of the day he removed young Darby Tas sharply caught by Jude Shinnick at point.
However, that was the only wicket to fall for the next 22 overs as Ben Danaher and Tully Schofield for Dunsborough thwarted tight Hawks bowling till drinks. Remaining positive and upbeat in hard times shows this team is evolving, with the likes of Pete De Gennaro, Ed Cotter and David Morris, (I know!) leading from the front the Hawks took to the field in search of their first win for the year.
It only took two balls to change momentum once again. Ever reliable Jordan Stanbury removed Danaher with score on 90. In following the days script another collapse followed with Dunsborough going from 1/90 to 5/107. Stanbury finishing his spell at 3/25 along with Mitch Broun 1/40 and Taj Thomas 1/36 bowling well in partnerships and giving Hawks a sniff. Runs on the board are always an advantage, this proved to be the case as the run rate climbed higher every over. Finishing with “death” bowlers, Earl, (3/20), Jude Shinnick, (0/7) and Lawrance, (1/27) Hawks were able to stay in front. It was fitting that, in the 45th over, it was player of the match, Lawrance finally dismissed Dunsborough for 169 to bring up their first win for the year and move into the top 4! It was an outstanding effort against a formidable foe, one that should give us great belief going forward. Well done lads, look forward to next week.
This Weekend!
The Hawks will play host to Cowaramup in A grade and Vasse in B grade this weekend in what promises to be a fantastic day at the Nest. With new Welsh recruit Stuart Roberts set to play his first game at home, the Hawks are encouraging all supporters to come down and meet the newest Hawk! A top order batsman, Roberts will be looking to put some runs on the board straight away for the Hawks and impress his fellow team mates. With the A grade keen to keep climbing the ladder, this weekend’s match will not be easy with Cowaramup’s own Sri Lankan, Kaveen De Silva, due to play his first game for the season. A Hawks win will strengthen the club’s hold on the Duggan Penfold Shield and could see the club atop the ladder at the conclusion of the weekend.
A B grade victory over the in-form Vasse would see Hawks end the weekend in 3rd spot and some great momentum for the pre-Christmas rounds. Vasse will be no easy beat, boasting the in-form bowlers of the competition. Some handy inclusions this weekend should bolster Hawks batting and hopefully enable a great game of cricket. C grade will play away to what will be a strong YOBS team at Churchill Park Trotting Track. The Hawks will be desperate to have a win to cement themselves in the top four.The Hawks are still looking for players for the season and with the best facilities in the shire, your club wants you. Trainings are on Thursday afternoons from 430pm and all interested people can contact Al Wilkie 0419 957 799 or visit www.facebook.com/MargaretRiverHawksCricketClub