Weekly Update - 24th March

Finals Wrap-Up

What a weekend of cricket! Congratulations to our Tier 3 team – 2024/2025 Premiers!

A fantastic effort from our young stars to take out the Grand Final!

In 1st Grade, Rovers fell short against Norths, meaning Norths will now face Mulgrave in the Grand Final at Cazalys this coming weekend.

Our 2nd Grade team battled through a rain-interrupted match, but unfortunately, the game couldn’t be completed. As per competition rules, the Grand Final will be played again this week. We are still awaiting confirmation on the venue and day – stay tuned for updates.

A huge thank you to all our incredible volunteers who helped out in the canteen over the weekend. Your efforts are truly appreciated! 

Let’s get behind our 2nd Grade team as they go again this weekend! Stay tuned for more updates.

Tier 3 – Halpin Parters Rovers match report by Mark Peters

TIER 3 Grand Final – Halpin Partners Rovers (9-140) V Atherton (5-136)
 
A sensational grand final win, and a game to remember.
 
By some miracle the heavens cleared above Cazalys Cricket Stadium for a full morning of uninterrupted cricket, as Rovers took on the season Minor Premiers, Atherton.
 
Captain Ian De Lange won the toss and put us in to bat on a damp outfield. After an early wicket Captain Ian (20 off 34) and Lucas Brierley (13 off 16) settled things  down to start  a long, gringing innings on a difficult wicket. Taj Walker contributed a solid 15 off 31.Brodie North then joined the fray playing an essential supporting role to hard-hitting  Max Costello who delivered a game changing knock (32 off 45 including four 4s). With the help of a spirited tail end  we were happy to reach 140.
 
Atherton then settled in for a nail-biting run chase which saw their worm a zigzag across the Rover’s worm throughout their innings. Despite an encouraging early wicket from Hayden Brommell,  Atherton  fought back with determination.  Brodie then took out their star batsmen with a fine caught and bowled. Taj took a magnificent full reaching catch off Max Costello’s tricky leg spin breaking a key partnership. Shortly after, Max’s spin knocked down the stumps leaving Atherton needing 51 runs off 10 overs.
 
Atherton then started to surge, with runs flowing freely, until a brilliant piece of fielding from Cody Peters saw their threatening, settled batsmen run out.
Needing just 24 runs off the remaining 32 balls, we were in for an exciting finish. Lucas, Ian and Tadhg Mcdavitt combined  to bowl tightly as Atherton ever so slowly edged their way to their target without losing a further wicket. With Atherton needing 17 off the remaining 12 balls, Tadhg’s tight bowling restricted them to 4 runs off the penultimate over.
 
In a “down-to-the-wire” exciting final over, Atherton needed 13 runs, still having five wickets in the shed.  Lucas bowled well under enormous pressure leaving Atherton needing six runs, off the last ball of the season, to take out the Grand Final. As the silenced crowd chewed on their nails, Lucas bowled a beautiful line and length, restricting the batsman to 1 run. Rovers and their supporters rose to their feet to celebrate a sensational last ball win of the 2025 Grand Final.
 
Although there were a couple of wonderful individual performances, all members of the team combined magnificently under the spirited leadership of their Captain Ian, who set tight and effective fields throughout the second innings.
 
The awards ceremony saw Atherton being presented with their Minor Premiership trophy and Rovers the Grand Final “Jimmy Maher Cup” and medals.
 
A large crowd of the Rovers family and supporters descended to the change rooms cheering on the winning team and the drinks flowed as everyone celebrated this exciting achievement.
 
A brilliant ending for the season. Congratulations to all the lads and also to Coach, Simon North who worked hard throughout the season, always lifting the boys to achieve their very best. It all came together on the big day!
 
A special thanks to Sanet De Lange for all her scoring throughout the season and to all those who also helped with scoring, umpiring and bringing morning teas. You all contributed to make this a very special season that will be remembered for many years to come.

2nd Grade Red Beret Rovers match Report by Graham Dutton

Port Douglas 148 v Red Beret Rovers 1-19

We headed to Cazaly’s for the grand final against the table-topping Port Douglas team. Under ominous skies we were asked to field after the visitors won the toss.

Their classy opening batsmen hurtled the score to 0-50 after 10 overs and we looked in a bit of trouble. Things started to turn away when Sykesy and then Aaron removed the openers. Aaron would finish with a sensational 4-29. We started to work our way into the game nicely as Chaddy and Skipper Sauce also grabbed 2 wickets. At the half way mark, on a deadening pitch, 148 from Port left the match very much on a knife edge.

Unfortunately as it threatened to do all afternoon, the rain took hold shortly into our batting innings and it became apparent that no amount of waiting time under Cazaly’s lights was going to get the match completed.

So both teams are left to look to the skies for the next week hoping for some drier conditions for our GF rematch!

1st Grade Twomey Schriber  Rovers match Report by Marcus Berryman

Twomey Schriber Rovers 1st Grade took to the field in a high-stakes semi-final against Norths at Griffith Park 1. After a strong campaign to reach the finals, the boys were eager to book a spot in the decider.

Batting first, Rovers started well and looked in control at 2/90, with Andrew Phelps and Marcus Berryman both set. However, the momentum swung dramatically when Elliot Lord dismissed Berryman and then a further three wickets in an over Phelps, Edwards and Newcombe. The sudden collapse halted Rovers’ charge, and they were eventually bowled out for 142 off 39 overs.

In reply, Norths chased down the target with authority, finishing on 1/143 after 27 overs. Aidan Firman led the way with a dominant 90 not off 50 balls, and Lord capped off a great day with 40 off 63 balls. 

Seth McGinty was the lone wicket-taker for Rovers, while Marcus Berryman bowled with control, finishing with 0/14 off 5.

It was a disappointing end to the season but there are plenty of positives to take away as the group looks to push further next year.