Byron Bay junior XI: Back row (L–R) Tyran, Zavehn, Dougall (coach), Saxon, Harry and Texas. Front: Gil, Otis, Jackson, Oscar, Oli , and Jagger. Absent: Atticus and Archie. Photo supplied
The Byron Bay U/12s cricket team lifted the championship trophy, after beating Tintenbar-East Ballina in a hard fought grand final played at the Cavanbah centre on Saturday March 25.
The team had a successful regular season that set them up for a couple of tough finals according to coach Dougall Pennefather.
‘Byron Bay started the season as one of 16 teams in the Ballina Junior District competition. The young men had a very successful regular season only losing two games from 15 starts. They finished second on the table to Cudgen, in a very powerful competition that takes in teams from Murwillumbah to Ballina and out to Alstonville.
‘The team qualified for a home semi-final and were able to beat a very strong Cudgen team with a superb bowling effort. This set up a home grand final against an equally strong Tintenbar- East Ballina side.
‘TEB won the toss and elected to bowl.
‘The openers, Saxon (18no) and Oscar (34no) set the team up beautifully with a 40-run partnership, this allowed Zavehn (21), Harry (8 retired), Jackson (12) and Tyran(9) to build on the start and get the team to a total of 7/122,’ Dougall said.
‘In reply Byron Bay had a fantastic start removing three of Tintenbar’s gun batsmen in the second over to have them reeling at 3/4. From there, tight bowling by Texas, Saxon, Otis, Jackson and Gil enabled the team to restrict the opposition to 7/106, and claim the trophy.
‘A special mention to Oli and Zavehn for their brilliant keeping’.
Byron bowler, Jackson, collected 2/6 off three overs, as well as a run out and a catch, while Otis claimed 2/8 off his three overs, and also earned a run out.
TEB batter Mitchell top scored on the day with 43 not out.
‘It was a fantastic season where every member of our team contributed at different stages of the season,’ Dougall said.
The U/14 grand final was won by Murwilumbah Tyalgum Red, while the Cudgen Hornets won the U/16s championship.
