 U/14 Blue Annual Report
The Gordon Blues Under 13/14 team enjoyed a tremendous year’s cricket, winning 13 of their 16 games, and culminating in capturing the Minor Premiership. Not even an unexpected loss in the semi-finals can dampen recognition of what was a great team effort throughout the year. Built around consistently strong batting and very tight fielding performances, the Blues combined experience and youth to play a dominating form of cricket that gave the opposition little chance of taking the points.
The 06/07 Blues success was based on a true team performance, with the following highlights:
§ Mathilda Carmichael continued to enhance her reputation as a highly skilled and talented cricketer, with an exceptional year’s performance scoring just short of 550 runs, at an unbelievable average of 180! She also captured 17 wickets at an average of 5 runs per wicket and took 5 catches. Mathilda totally dominated the competition, and enjoyed her best ever season playing for Gordon – well done!
§ Marc Williams grew in stature as an opening batsman, scoring around 250 runs, and proving capable and dependable in seeing off the new ball attack and providing the foundation for the middle order fireworks. Marc also excelled as the teams main wicketkeeper, proving safe and sure behind the stumps. Marc proved also to be one the teams natural leaders during the year.
§ Charlie Long enjoyed his best ever season for Gordon, and had the honour of regularly opening the attack with his accurate and quick bowling. Capturing 12 wickets at an average of 10, made Charlie the teams most successful strike bowler. Charlie also demonstrated an ability to score runs at vital times, and has the potential to develop into a true all rounder and an excellent fielder (7 catches including the undisputed years ‘classic catch’).
§ Recruited from New Zealand to strengthen the team, Elliot Lodge played his first year for Gordon and made a huge impression with his fast outswingers and hard hitting batting. Elliot secured a regular opening bowler role, and his 8 wickets at an average of 11 runs regular put the opposition onto the back foot. Expect to see even bigger things from the big Kiwi next year.
§ Rohan Rathod had a sensational season, proving again that his is one of the hardest hitting batsmen around, and an increasingly dangerous bowler (8 wickets at an average of 13) Rohan achieved his first 50 runs retired this year, a great effort - congratulations!
§ Daniel (Macca) McMahon returned to top form during 06/07, scoring just short of 300 runs at an average of 36, to become the teams top scoring batsman. Whether opening the batting or coming in the middle order, Daniel is one of the most aggressive and dominating players around. Capturing 7 wickets with a mix of medium pace and slower balls, reinforced Macca’s status as a strong all rounder.
§ Nick Wynne continued to mature as a cricketer, and achieved excellent results, particularly with his very tight, controlled medium paced bowling. Nick played a vital role as the teams ‘sweeper’, proving a dependable and capable outfielder who regularly stemmed the flow of opposition runs. Overseas commitments robbed Nick of the opportunity to play more games - expect him to do even better next year.
§ Jackson Martin cemented his position as the teams vital Number 3, and scored nearly 200 runs at an average of 22. Relying upon a tight technique and a cool head, Jackson is a very difficult player to remove when he gets set at the crease - which often causes him to run himself out so that the opposition don’t get too demoralised. Jacko also captured 10 wickets with his beautifully flighted spinners, and may have been the teams leading wicket taker if he hadn’t suffering from a cruel late season injury.
§ Capable of batting anywhere, Nick ‘Buckets’ O’Shea settled into the Blues solid and dependable middle order, and played a vital part in providing the large scores the opposition just couldn’t match this year. Having a very safe pair of hands in the field, Nick also chipped in with key wickets at vital times.
§ Tempted by the honour of playing for Gordon, Ben Thomas joined the team at the start of the season after having spent the earlier part of his career playing for Mosman. Ben is a confident and talented cricketer, and a genuine all rounder, contributing runs and wickets (9 wickets at an average of 13 runs) to the team effort. Mosman’s loss was Gordon’s gain this year – watch this space next year because he could do anything.
§ One of the most popular players with team mates and supporters, Tate Benham played a huge role in the team through his late order batting, his increasingly tight bowling and his outstanding, unflagging efforts as a boundary rider in the outfield. Tate continues to develop his cricketing skills and a bag of wickets or bundles of runs are just around the corner – well done Tatey!
§ Without doubt the most improved player in the Gordon Blues, James Sloan emerged in 06/07 as a very hard to handle opening bowler (7 wickets at an average of 18) and powerful, middle order batsman. James also emerged as the team’s natural point-cover fielder, having excellent pick up and accurate throwing at the stumps.
§ The newest player to join the Blues, Alex Thambipillai become an important part of a strong team, and more than pulled his weight for the side. Developing as an increasingly accurate medium paced and a handy batsman, Alex also held down mid off or mid on with his athletic and enthusiastic fielding. With more experience and practice, Alex is sure to continue to improve his skills with excellent results to follow.
Well done Blues – bring on next season! John Wynne | 
