No sticky wicket for the Muddies

l PORT DOUGLAS

SPORTS clubs from the Douglas Shire have a reputation for being winners, as we have discovered in previous editions of the ‘Goss.

It is no surprise, therefore, that locals are now celebrating another success, with the NQ Homes Tropical Living Muddies recently winning Cricket Far North’s 3rd Grade title, taking out Townsville’s Norths Cricket Club in a onesided affair.

Apart from the challenge of a final against potentially tough opponents, it came at very late notice that the Muddies would also host the final. The spotlight was, therefore, on grounds man Keith Taylor who did an exceptional job to get the pitch and grounds prepared, keeping in mind the recent wet weather hindering his work.

On the day, the toss would prove pivotal with a green wicket promising much for the bowlers at the start of play. Skipper Ethan McCullough continued his good form with the coin toss and elected to put Norths in to bat.

Norths opening batter, Wayne Wood, leading the competition with over 500 runs this season and averaging 36, was the obvious danger man for the home team. To help combat this at the other end of the pitch, the Muddies were fortunate to possess Adrian Bannerman, who just happened to be leading wicket taker for the season, with 35 wickets at 6.51.

The battle between the two was short lived, with Adrian starting a collapse, dismissing Wayne Wood for 1.

From this point on, the seamers dominated the North’s batsman, with none of the visitors making double figures and 8 being the highest score for a visiting batter.

Ethan McCullough and Jayk Murphy opened the batting for the Muddies, aware that they had time to build an innings with minimal pressure. The two applied themselves to the task at hand and saw off the opening spell of the dangerous Ben Bergamo. Jayk’s day ended trying to hit the ball out of the park and was caught at mid-off for a well-constructed 13. Evergreen Daniel Harris added 16 with the skipper Adrian McCullough and Jayban Bannan guiding the team to victory in the 17th over.

To celebrate this mighty victory and to round off a fine season, the Douglas Muddies held a presentation evening last Saturday at their excellent club house facilities at the Port Douglas Sports Complex.

My wife and I were privileged to be invited to the occasion at the Mud Pit, enjoying a beverage, great food and fine company.

Having now met some of our local cricket stars, I’m off to work on my batting average, so for now it’s Gazza signing out for a duck.

Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalsnews.com.au