CRICKET
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It may only have been the third match of the Friday night McDonald's Megahit competition but the clash between the Cricketer's Arms Journeymen and CYMS Cougars may well have been the match of the season.
A six over long on from Aaron Morris on the final ball of the game gave the Journeymen the most thrilling of wins as they chased down the Cougars' total of 6-152.
The Journeymen, RSL-Colts' Twenty20 team, needed 17 off the last over and Ryan Medley, having the impressive figures of 2-18 from his first three overs, couldn't contain Morris.
After Jakke Gardiner hit a single of the first ball of the last over Morris went 2, 4, 2, 2, 6 to get his side home.
"I heard the announcer, Mick Davis, say there was six needed off the last ball so I was glad to hear that and down the ground was the only way I was going to go," Morris said.
"It was just a matter of keeping calm and getting to the pitch of the ball and he threw it right up.
"I was a bit nervous because I usually hit the ball really flat and I know all the boys were hoping I hit it hard enough too so I was pretty relieved."
Earlier in the night, well before Morris' heroics, the Cougars had given themselves a great chance to open their Megahit campaign with a win after posting 6-152 from their 20 overs.
Fourteen-year-old Callan Braithwaite again showed quality well beyond his years as he made 43 while Todd Summers (24 not out) and Ben O'Donnell (22 not out) finished the innings off well.
Johnathon Woodbridge and Matt Keenan took two wickets each for the Journeymen.
Matt Keenan and Paul Hulthen faced pressure early and Keenan fell for 4 while Hulthen rode his luck early on, dropped twice, before settling and continuing his rich vein of form by making 51.
Hulthen's 70-run partnership with Jason Ryan (43) was vital in the run chase but the Cougars kept the pressure on in the middle overs through tandem spinners Stuart Naden and Ryan Medley as well as quick Dale O'Donnell.
With 31 needed off the last three overs the Cougars were liking their chances but they were left dejected afterwards as Colts celebrated.
With a mix of experience and youth, with juniors Mitch Ashford and Tom Atlee in the team, Morris said a win was the perfect start for a team he feels can go all the way this season, especially with the imminent arrival of Englishman Greg Buckley.
"We've got a big chance, Buckley will be back any day and we've got Tim Cox and a few representative players to come back plus some guys out with harvest at the moment so we'll give it a good shake," he said.