Game #1 of the carnival saw Hutt River Dedication matched up against long-time rivals Johnny Walker XI. Signs were not good early, with debutant captain Tyler Hankinson losing the toss, twice. Johnny Walker captain Matt Barclay sent Hutt River in to bat, traditionally a poison chalice for the River boys.
Boasting one of the strongest batting line-ups in recent years, hopes were high amongst Dedication fans for a rare 50 over stint at the crease. Signs were not great early, with both openers losing their wickets in quick succession. The middle order performed a little better, with rookie Brendan McArthy (17) and Joel McMahon (24) making solid starts. However Hutt River lost wickets at a steady click, bringing specialist fill-in Ian McMahon in with the side at 5/74. In a masterful display of defensive stroke-making McMahon was able to amass 48 balls at the crease and with the tail was able to work the score for 113. A reasonable first day score (for Dedication at least) on a tough pitch.
Taking up the new ball star recruit Jackson Brazzale impressed with a wicket with his second ball followed shortly thereafter by a stump shattering wicket by Phil Barker. Despite these early successes, the Johnny Walker boys led by Vaughan Garner worked the total 2/51 and things looked dire. Enter Jakob 'Ruthless' Sluiter who got a wicket with his first ball after drinks followed by back to back wickets in the subsequent over. Garner and the Walker boys again rallied, pushing the total to 5/103 - just 11 runs shy of the victory. Brendan McCarthy entered the attack and was able to turn the match on a dime, whilst barely conceding a run he was able to dismiss five Walker Batsmen and win the game for Hutt River by a solitary run. McCarthy's superb bowling was ably assisted by impressive stump to stump support bowling by Brazzale, Barker and Sluiter. A stunning catch at cover point by Joel McMahon and Jarryd Mills showing why he is the reigning keeper of the tournament also helped get dedication over the line.
Boasting one of the strongest batting line-ups in recent years, hopes were high amongst Dedication fans for a rare 50 over stint at the crease. Signs were not great early, with both openers losing their wickets in quick succession. The middle order performed a little better, with rookie Brendan McArthy (17) and Joel McMahon (24) making solid starts. However Hutt River lost wickets at a steady click, bringing specialist fill-in Ian McMahon in with the side at 5/74. In a masterful display of defensive stroke-making McMahon was able to amass 48 balls at the crease and with the tail was able to work the score for 113. A reasonable first day score (for Dedication at least) on a tough pitch.
Taking up the new ball star recruit Jackson Brazzale impressed with a wicket with his second ball followed shortly thereafter by a stump shattering wicket by Phil Barker. Despite these early successes, the Johnny Walker boys led by Vaughan Garner worked the total 2/51 and things looked dire. Enter Jakob 'Ruthless' Sluiter who got a wicket with his first ball after drinks followed by back to back wickets in the subsequent over. Garner and the Walker boys again rallied, pushing the total to 5/103 - just 11 runs shy of the victory. Brendan McCarthy entered the attack and was able to turn the match on a dime, whilst barely conceding a run he was able to dismiss five Walker Batsmen and win the game for Hutt River by a solitary run. McCarthy's superb bowling was ably assisted by impressive stump to stump support bowling by Brazzale, Barker and Sluiter. A stunning catch at cover point by Joel McMahon and Jarryd Mills showing why he is the reigning keeper of the tournament also helped get dedication over the line.