Behind the Stumps: final round and NZ tour awaits

From the Convenor of Cricket, John McCallum

The term of cricket has concluded last week to make way for the Ashes battle of the summer, while 26 of our cricketers will enjoy an amazing experience in a cricket tour of New Zealand. Later in this article, Captain of Cricket Jacob Tomasiello writes of what he and the other cricket tourists are looking forward to on this tour, departing next Thursday after term concludes.

The 2-day cricket teams faced strong Barker sides last Friday afternoon and Saturday, with Jack Hardwicke-Owen scoring the first century of the season in an inspiring 100 not out that rescued the 1^st XI late on day 2. A full coaches’ report is also included later, though it should be mentioned that the 1^st XI also had a defeat in the Twenty20 midweek semi-final at the hands of Trinity. The 2^nd XI were unable to recover after a disappointing 1^st innings batting display, despite Daniel Andrews taking 3 wickets as Waverley kept in touch with Barker, building a 60-run lead into the 2^nd innings with Ridley Owens in sparkling touch with 72, and Aidan Arabi 42 not out.

Both the 9A and 10A sides had the opportunity when batting first to really mount serious pressure on Barker with big scores. The 9As however lost early wickets, and only recovered in the middle to post 132. Despite bowling well to dismiss Barker for 152, the 20 run defeat showed the importance of not losing wickets in groups. The 10A side did start strongly in their innings, with Brock Preston and Leo Shanahan enjoying a solid 40-run opening stand. Wickets then trickled throughout the afternoon, with only Alex Robertson with 35 not out able to consistently pierce the field. Despite an early wicket to Flynn Wild, Barker passed Waverley’s 148 to win by 8 wickets.

NZ Tour Preview – Jacob Tomasiello, Captain of Cricket

In December 2017, 26 Waverley College Cricketers will be departing to New Zealand for cricket tour, with boys ranging from Years 9 to 12. This group of players will make up two teams, a development team and the 1^st X1 team. The boys are in for an experience, including some matches against quality schools and some excellent cultural and fun activities including white water rafting and the luge in Queenstown, that will help build team camaraderie.

Waverley College has provided many tours to different places in its history and this group of boys are very fortunate to be included in another New Zealand tour. This tour well let some of the younger boys learn some valuable tips from experienced boys, while also allowing boys to build strong relationships with each other.

Cricket at Waverley is constantly growing, with many teams across the school including the up-and-coming Junior School boys. This season is already looking great, with experienced 1^st XI players Jack Hardwicke-Owen and Alex Ferrara in very good form with the bat, and 1^st XI Captain Ryan Connolly tearing up opposition teams with the ball.

A big thank you must go to everyone who made this tour possible including the Head of College Mr Leddie and Convenor of Cricket Mr McCallum, and all the parents involved in helping the boys prepare for the tour. Many thanks to the staff accompanying us on the tour: 1^st XI Coach Mr Elliot, 2^nd XI Coach Mr Bryant, 9A’s Coach Mr Rowlings and Mr McCallum, who have all been involved in the hard work that needs to be done for the organisation and planning of this trip. This tour will only come around once for a boy at Waverley, so I’m sure we will enjoy ourselves and have a great time in New Zealand.

The itinerary can be downloaded below.

1^st XI Round 5 v Barker, Coaches Mr J Boyd / Mr G Elliott

Friday afternoon began with Waverley winning the toss and asking Barker to bat. A misfield in the first over resulted in a run out with an accurate throw from Alex Ferrara right over the bails. This appeared to follow soon after with a catch behind only for the very confident appeal to be turned down with the total on 8. Barker then hit the afterburners and luck was not with the Waverley team as balls fell just short of fieldsmen or lobbed just over the hands. The next wicket wasn’t to fall until 111 was on the board. Another piece of luck went Barker’s way when Ryan Connolly had the batsman cold only for the ball to bounce off the crease line hitting the keeper on the shoulder with the batsman stranded.

Harry Whitaker bowled very well and ended up with figures of 4 for 51 and Ryan Connolly 2 for 44 when Barker declared at 8 for 290 leaving Waverley a shaky 30 minutes to bat in the shadows. The first 15 minutes looked positive for the Waverley team as 15 was on the board, however a well played pull shot from Reid McNamara fell into the hands of the fielder at deep backward square leg. It was 2 for 15 very next ball as Oliver Ruse was struck in front. Harry Whiteman was sent in as night watchman and in the last over was unlucky to be given out caught behind when the ball appeared to come off the shirt shoulder. This left Waverley at 3 for 24 at the end of day one.

A brisk start to the chase had 44 on the board in no time when Ryan Connolly was deceived to lose middle stump. Alex Ferrara was the next to go with 51 on the board and on 68 Jack Hardwicke-Owen (32) cut too close to his body to nick off to the keeper. Harry Whitaker and Jacob Tomasiello batted well and looked to be getting on top when Harry Whitaker (25) played on from an inside edge. Waverley edged past the 100 mark but ended on 107. This meant Waverley would bat for the second time and again the start was poor with the first wicket falling at 12, the second at 43 and the 3^rd at 45. At this point a solid partnership between Alex Ferrara and Jack Hardwicke-Owen moved the score to 124 after the tea break. A sharp single looked to have been completed only for the umpire to raise his finger for the run out of Alex Ferrara (48) and again dive Waverley into trouble.  Two wickets followed on 128, the 7^th on 158, the 8^th on 171 and the 9^th on 181 still leaving Waverley two runs behind the Barker total. Harry Whiteman joined Jack Hardwicke-Owen and this pair not only avoided the outright loss but put Waverley 49 runs ahead. The game ended in a 1^st innings win to Barker and was finished with a boundary that saw Jack Hardwicke-Owen reach a very well compiled, chanceless 100. Trinity lead the competition followed by Waverley and Barker tied for seond as we break for the Christmas period. On behalf of the 1^st XI I would like to wish all a very happy and safe Christmas. To the cricket tour leaving next week for New Zealand the very best of luck.