1st game of the season, the C2s were 50 all out, and the last game of the season, we were fighting for a spot in finals. For a bunch of blokes that haven't played in 10 years, that's not a bad effort!
This year's C2's side was made up of a mix of experience and some blokes dusting off the cobwebs. Most players were from our last U16 premiership close to 10 years ago and haven't played since, so the "Mighty Ducks" were born! Our season started out a little rocky, some fresh faces trying to settle into their roles, and connections beginning to build. Our first win didn’t come till we played ladder leaders and eventual grand finalists St Ives in round 6. Day 1 the "Mighty Ducks" were sent in to bat, after a rocky start we were 8-89, this didn't trouble the Hunt Brothers as they piled on some runs to get us to 130 before Liam fell for 26. Ollie continued to score freely, partnered with The Great Wall of Berowra Brock Crowley from the other end. The ducks end the innings 165, Ollie finished with 50, and Brock 5*.
Day 2 was a wet one, but luckily, the Ducks thrive in the wet. With a 6fa from Tommy Steele and some handy Wickets from others, St Ives were bowled out for 161. It was this performance that gave the team all the hope we needed to carry on the season a competitive team!
From there, the Ducks went on a small roll, winning the next 4/6. There were some stand-out and match winning performances in those games. Liam hunt (72) and Skipper Zac Gordon (47) Combine for a 100 run stand in a 221 - 175 win against hornsby, with Angus Mahar a handy 32. Luck Silver and Travis Vincent found a great connection at the top of the order all season, with their best performance comming in the form of a 150 run partnership, Luke (115), Travis (58). Chasing 373 against WPH Red, Berowra would hold on for a draw thanks to a handy 24 from Nick Tucker, with Sam Marriott and Mitchell Gordon batting out the day for 261. We'd eventually meet again later in the season where it was Berowra who'd have the last laugh. Nick Crossweller (4-13) would get Berowra off to a flyer with WPH 5-5!! Then Zac Gordon (4-9) would clean up the tail, bowling WPH for 77. Nick would again feature late in the season, scoring his first 50 at the dairy. There were other stand performances, whether they were top PB's or match saving. Angus Mahar (40), Skipper Ryan Lockard (34), Isaac Tonkin (31), Brock Crowley (12) as an opener!! Partnering Zac Gordon (50), Isaac Tonkin (4-20), Oscar Carroll (3-27), Mitchell Gordon (3-23) and also an outstanding innings of 16 in an innings that lasted 28 Overs to fight for a draw in our final game of the year, finals spot on the line, Berowra 9 down, before getting out on the last ball of the game to an absolute screamer at short cover!! Unlucky mate, solid effort! Great moments, from Brock at bat pad chatting the batsman's ear off, to Zac bombing 3 6's in a row at the dairy, Angus's hockey skills showing through and sweeping everything for 4 and our very own Steve Lockard winding back the clock and rolling the arm over in our last game this year. Some very average umpiring ( you know who you are) caused change room bow ups and some creative reenactments.
Overall, the Mighty Ducks had an amazing year together. I want to thank everyone involved behind the scenes on putting on yet another successful season. I'd also like to give a very special thanks to Sam Marriott for getting this team up and running and for acting as the manager throughout the season. And lastly I want to thank all the boys. Mitch Gordon, Zac Gordon, Liam Hunt, Oliver Hunt, Isaac Tonkin, Sam Marriott, Ryan Lockard, Oscar Carroll, Angus Maher, Nick Raymond, Nick Crosweller, Brock Crowley, Nick Tucker, Travis Vincent, Patrick O'Brien, Luke Silver and Liam Kissick. As well as our fill ins Kane Moloney, Ben O'Connor, Tommy Steele, Harvey Barton and Steve Lockard on an absolutely amazing season that I'm sure will have all of us itching for more over the off season.
We are incredibly proud to have contributed to this wonderful club gaining the club championship this season, and we are eagerly awaiting next season to continue doing the club proud. Congrats on yet another successful season. #UpTheDucks
Zac Gordon
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