Cricket Kim Hughes Shield Finals against Newman and Belridge SHS
The 1st XI cricket team beat Newman College in a very tight game on Wednesday 22 March to advance to the Kim Hughes Shield Grand Final at Murdoch University in Perth. Jarmon Smith took five wickets and Shay Thackrah made 40 runs in this match, with a great effort all round against a much fancied team.
Our opponents in the final were Belridge SHS, a credited cricket specialist school who have had success in recent years with their names already on the Shield at least once. But our students were in high spirits and keen to give it their best, having earned their spot with a never-give-up attitude.
We bowled first after losing the toss, and some tight bowling early by Shay Thackrah in particular made scoring difficult for Belridge’s openers. However, MacKillop were not able to get a breakthrough and eventually Belridge had the upper hand. Our bowlers shared the wickets, and our fielders took some very good catches and saved runs through some fantastic diving efforts. But the runs still flowed and Belridge were able to accumulate a sizeable total of 8 for 300.
After a very healthy and delicious lunch provided by the WACA, our boys faced a very determined bowling attack. Belridge’s quick but misdirected opening over added six wides and then a four off Jack MacKinnon’s bat, but quality bowling soon followed and they took some quick wickets. Fraser Oates tried desperately to hold his team together but lost batting partners with terrible regularity. At drinks MacKillop were in trouble but Fraser was still batting beautifully and fast approaching his first century. Our number eleven batsman, Jack Omedei, held up his end beautifully after drinks and never gave the opposition bowlers a chance. Eventually, Fraser was able to bring up a much celebrated century with an edge through slips off their leg spin bowler. He was dismissed shortly after to wrap up our innings at 163, but it was a fantastic result for Fraser, who had batted well through most of the games and especially during this innings.
Despite the score, MacKillop conducted themselves brilliantly throughout the day and were a credit to the College. They were even congratulated during presentations for the way they conducted themselves on the field and removed themselves from what the umpires referred to as “unsportsmanlike behaviour” by the winning team. Fraser Oates was awarded Player of the Match for a terrific all round performance.
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