Game 1
A new-look Principality of Hutt River Dedication line-up took to the Mildura Senior College Oval against the old enemy Kangarilla for Game One of the 2013 Willowfest Carnival. After losing the toss, Hankinson’s men were sent into the field. Newcomer Clinton Murdoch opened the bowling in tandem with Sluiter and a high level of pressure was applied to the Kangarilla bowlers from the first ball. Murdoch needed little time to achieve his first wicket in the red and white – breaking through on his fourth delivery. This early success was met with the traditional Joel McMahon mid pitch face plant celebration, much to the delight of the Dedication faithful. From the outset the bowling was tight, with Murdoch (3 for 15 – 10 overs), Sluiter (2-17 – 8 Overs) and Simon Body (10 overs for 26 runs) the pick bowling crop that was consistent across the board.
Unfortunately Dedication were their own worst enemies in the field, dropping five catches including twice dropping Kangarilla’s top scorer on his way to 76. Jarryd Mills found it rough going without the gloves, moving into early horses arse contention with two dropped catches in the outfield. Despite these setbacks, Dedication was able to restrict Kangarilla to a very gettable 9/156 off 50 overs.
After the early dismissal of Mills, PHR Dedication’s run chase started in a positive fashion, with Marshall Richardson (24) and Vaughn Garner (19) putting on a steady second wicket partnership. Garner’s dismissal triggered a mini collapse, with the wickets of Richardson, McMahon and Sluiter falling in quick succession. Hankinson, Falconer & Murdoch all contributed to the total in the closing stages; with Murdoch partnering with Todd McCarthy to almost drag the side across the line in a dramatic final eight overs. However it was Sluiter’s inability to incapacitate the 13 year old Nathan Lester when bowling that ultimately cost Dedication, with the youngster breaking Dedication’s back with a spectacular catch to dismiss Hankinson (25) as well as a pearler of a delivery to dismiss Murdoch (20) and end Dedication’s run chase.
PHR Dedication are scheduled to play two 20/20 matches tomorrow against powerhouse local sides Mildura West and Mildura East. With the temperature predicted to reach 42 degrees, fans are eager to find out which ex Johnie Walker XI weakling will succumb to the heat first.
Unfortunately Dedication were their own worst enemies in the field, dropping five catches including twice dropping Kangarilla’s top scorer on his way to 76. Jarryd Mills found it rough going without the gloves, moving into early horses arse contention with two dropped catches in the outfield. Despite these setbacks, Dedication was able to restrict Kangarilla to a very gettable 9/156 off 50 overs.
After the early dismissal of Mills, PHR Dedication’s run chase started in a positive fashion, with Marshall Richardson (24) and Vaughn Garner (19) putting on a steady second wicket partnership. Garner’s dismissal triggered a mini collapse, with the wickets of Richardson, McMahon and Sluiter falling in quick succession. Hankinson, Falconer & Murdoch all contributed to the total in the closing stages; with Murdoch partnering with Todd McCarthy to almost drag the side across the line in a dramatic final eight overs. However it was Sluiter’s inability to incapacitate the 13 year old Nathan Lester when bowling that ultimately cost Dedication, with the youngster breaking Dedication’s back with a spectacular catch to dismiss Hankinson (25) as well as a pearler of a delivery to dismiss Murdoch (20) and end Dedication’s run chase.
PHR Dedication are scheduled to play two 20/20 matches tomorrow against powerhouse local sides Mildura West and Mildura East. With the temperature predicted to reach 42 degrees, fans are eager to find out which ex Johnie Walker XI weakling will succumb to the heat first.