After Day 2 of the 2012 Willowfest Carnival PHR are extremely well placed to challenge for their maiden championship. With 2 wins and an extremely tight loss the team sits second on the B Grade ladder.
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. Hutt River Dedication today unveiled the line-up to represent the Principality at the 2012 Willowfest Carnival. 2012 marks the sides 8th appearance at the Carnival which is in it's 35th year . The squad was named as follows:
Tyler Hankinson (c) Joel McMahon (vc) Jarryd Mills Jakob Sluiter Phil Barker Adam Burke Todd McArthy Haydn Falconer Jackson Brazzale Brendan McArthy The 2012 squad sees the loss of 2011 Captain Geoff Pascoe, whose contract was not renewed after several years of sub-par results. Tyler Hankinson has been named as his replacement. Chris Hope has left to play county cricket in England citing a rift between himself and self proclaimed 'Star Player' Phil Barker as the reason for his departure. Kyle Moore was de-listed by selectors after becoming the first player in the History of Dedication Supercoach to be priced at a negative value as a bowler. The 2012 squad sees the addition of some new faces. Haydn Falconer has been selected after a successful trial match in 2011, impressing the Hutt River selectors with his aggressive stroke-making. Falconer's batting style starkly contrasts with that of cousin Jarryd Mills which selectors hope will provide Hutt River with a formidable opening combination. Phil Barker was asked to scout his District Cricket side in Melbourne for possible recruits and is responsible for bringing Jackson Brazzale into the lineup. When quizzed on what Brazzale will bring to the side, Barker responded 'He is a lethal quick, I made sure I recruited a bowler so as to not take attention away from me as a batsman - hopefully allowing me to win back to back MDP awards.' Brendan McArthy rounds out the new additions, and although McArthy is rumoured to have spent a large portion of his career playing for Merbein South, he impressed in the nets - indicating that those rumours may not be correct. The 11th position in the line-up will be shared by Ian McMahon, Ian Sluiter, Howard Hankinson and Ian Barker. Who all will no doubt bring years of experience to the side. Joel McMahon was named Vice Captain for 2012. Dedications most decorated player, McMahon's appointment is a deserved reward for his years of service to the team. Selectors hope that the leadership responsibility will be just the kick start McMahon needs to reverse his sub par form of 2011. Things to look out for this carnival: - Will Jarryd Mills go back to back as keeper of the Carnival? - Will 2012 see a return of Todd 'Buckets' McArthy's famous Bucket Hat? - Does Phil Barker know any of his teammates names? -Can Hutt River Dedication improve on last years second place? - Will Jakob Sluiter return to his MDP winning form of 2010 after being usurped by nemesis Phil Barker? - Will Adam Bourke perform better now that he is not playing regular cricket? - With such a strong side, who will win this years Horse's Arse Award? All these questions will be answered in the next four days! |
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