 Academy Challenge match Ed Howitt X1 V James Packman X1
Killara Oval Wednesday 19th December 2007.
An exceptional day’s cricket was witnessed by all and sundry at Killara Oval in the annual U19 Academy grudge match between Hoppa’s X1 and Packers X1.
(Ed Howitt bowling to James Packman)
The day saw an unbeaten century, two unbeaten half centuries and a 41 in a total of 480 runs, on a barren Killara deck where the bat obviously dominated. It was the perfect opportunity for the Academy lads; the Greenies and the Grade players to get in some much needed centre wicket practice and to learn some new skills from our experienced players.
They did not disappoint.
 The Howitt X1 batted first and kept the run rate around 4 an over for most of the innings. James Ryan was the pick of the early bats with a patient 37, which was an excellent preparation for the Green Shield game on Sunday against Bankstown.
(James Ryan faces up to Charlie Cozens)
The extremely talented Shore opening bowlers of Jack Playfair and Charlie Cozens bowled the initial 14 overs. They bowled a good line and length and moved the ball at a brisk pace.
It was only later that they suffered at the hands of Carmichael and Howitt. We are eagerly looking forward to their entry into the Gordon grade ranks.
Henry Carmichael (70no), the Greenies Captain, played a gem of an innings, clubbing 3 big 6’s in a classic display of good clean, straight and long hitting. His skipper, Hoppa (22no) joined him at the death and they put on 69 runs for the last 6 overs.
Ed hit one huge 6 onto the roof of the play-school. Of the other bowlers Pat Effeney (1 for 20 off 8) and Declan Jakrot (2 for 20 off 10) deserve special mention.
(Henry Carmichael, Declan Jakrot and Ed Howitt at Killara)
Indeed Declan is rapidly improving his leggies with each outing. He has a lot of zip in his delivery, can turn the ball, drifts back and we are really looking forward to him combining with young Justin Avendano in the Greenies.
 220 runs after 50 overs made a game of it, however was it enough? The Packman team lost an early wicket, consolidated with James Martin and Packers, however then lost 2 quick wickets to be 3 for 60 at the first drinks break.
Tom Ledgerwood (68 ret) came to the crease and together with his Captain, they demolished the attack. Packers, after a slow start, fully utilised his time in the centre to score 101 retired, including 14x 4’s and 3x 6’s.
(Tom Ledgerwood clears the fence)
It was much needed practice for the 1st grade big chase at Hurstville on Saturday. Tom Ledgerwood showed what a talented all-rounder he will be with a superb innings of 68 retired, including 2 big 6’s. He is now starting to bowl again and what a package he will be when fully fit.
His schoolmate, Jack Playfair then chimed in with a delightful cameo knock of 41 at the death, to seal the victory. The pick of the bowlers were James Campbell with 1 for 11 of 7 overs and Chris Archer with 2 for 57 off his 10 overs.
 On the keeping front, the glove-work of both Harry Evans and James Ryan was exceptional, particularly up to the stumps.
The result was another win to the Packman X1, to give him a clean 3 nil sweep, with Hoppa after revenge next year.
(Jack Playfair during his 41)
From a Club’s point of view this was another resounding success for the work achieved in the Academy. The selectors are able to gauge the coming generation of talent that we will hopefully soon be able to see in our grade ranks. From a player’s point of view, we sincerely hope that the youngsters benefit from playing and learning from our senior players.
Many thanks to all involved in today’s game. I loved it and I hope you all did as well.
Tony Wilson
The teams were:
 |
James Packman’s XI
Top row left to right
-
James Martin
-
Jack Playfair
-
Charlie Cozens
-
James Packman ©
-
Tom Ledgerwood
-
Chris Hulston
-
Declan Jakrot
Bottom row left to right
-
Biraj Shrestha
-
Patrick Effeney
-
Justin Avendano
-
Harry Evans
|
 |
Ed Howitts XI
Top Row left to right
- Blair Lindsay
- Paul Campbell
-
James Campbell
- Seth Tulloch
- Sam Monk
- Henry Carmichael
Bottom row left to right
- Brett Marvell
-
Chris Archer
- Ed Howitt ©
- Darren Jayasekera
- James Ryan
|
The Gordon Cricket Academy is sponsored by:
| 
