Youngster’s heroics Knott enough against OMs

The Old Xavs arrived at Melbourne Grammar in touch with, but outside of the top four and finals. A win against the second team on the ladder would go a huge way to making an appearance in the finals Series.

Jimmy Forrest elected to bat when he won the toss. Kane Pirera (32) and Olly Hicks (7) opened the batting, however some loose turf at the crease caused a slip from Hicks, resulting in a skied ball and a wicket falling. Jimmy Forrest (7) edged off early, while John Bird (0) strode halfway down the wicket to get stumped to a medium pacer. Hugh Morris (0) was bowled for a golden duck, leaving Charlie Knott (96) to face the hattrick ball. He guided it through the slips cordon, beating all five players in there, and from there he began his innings. Pirera fell shortly after, leaving the Xavs in a hole at 5/65. Daniel Tuddenham (21) joined his mate Bobby at the crease, together putting on a 44 run partnership that had plenty of bombs throughout. Callum Todaro (12) followed Tuddy and anchored Knott’s innings, before Toddy was dismissed. Matt Forrest 13* joined Bob, trying to feed him the strike to reach his century, but fell short four runs when he mistimed a short ball. Seamus O’Shannessey (2*) came out in the final over and worked the final balls over for some runs, leaving the Xavs 8/218.

Bailey Whelan (1/34 off 7) started the innings well, taking an early wicket. Callum Todaro (0/37 off 8) also deserved one. Kane Pirera (0/28 off 8) tied up one end for eight overs, whilst Matt Forrest (1/52 off 7) broke through for the second wicket. At 2/37 after 16 overs, the Xavs were on top. Unfortunately, no further wickets fell as the OM’s batsmen played a flawless innings. Nick Carabine (0/30 off 4) had a chance that was put down late in the innings, whilst Olly Hicks (0/17 off 2) ditched the pads for a bowl, but the OM’s made the runs with 2.5 overs to spare.