Combined Independent Schools (C.I.S.) and Mackillop will compete today for the NSWPSSA Boys cricket title after an exciting day of cricket around Armidale on Thursday.
Mackillop, the only side to finish and win all three of their opening matches during the rain-affected tournament, piled on the runs again scoring 7/216 before dismissing Riverina for 74 in the first of the virtual semi-finals.
The Armidale School Oval staged a cracking encounter as C.I.S., loaded with famous names in Australian cricket, were dismissed for 100 by Sydney North and looked on the rack with a small total to defend. However, they claimed a wicket on the first ball and took wickets regularly before eventually dismissing Sydney North for 76.
Cranbrook Junior School students James Cowan (nephew of former Australian test opener Ed Cowan) and William Watson (son of former Australian allrounder Shane Watson) featured in the impressive victory for C.I.S..
The seeded style semi-finals saw the sides who won easily in the early days of the tournament face each other for a spot in the decider. Armidale Sports Ground will host Friday’s final from 930am with TAS Synthetic the back-up venue
After a day one defeat at the hand of Mackillop and a Wednesday where the match against North Coast at Harris Park was abandoned North West fronted up at the same venue to play Mackillop Invitational on Thursday. They posted an improved total of 93 after scoring 67 on day one against Mackillop. However Mackillop Invitational chased the target down with four wickets in hand.
Hunter, North Coast, Sydney East and Sydney West were the other winners on Thursday.
Thursday’s excitement was a relief for organisers after Wednesday’s action was close to wiped out with only two matches of seven completed.
Mackillop completed an eight-wicket victory over Hunter extending their record to 2-0 after dismissing the Hunter for 36 before chasing down the target quickly before the rain came. Sydney South West secured their first win of the carnival chasing down the 111 posted by Western with four wickets in hand.
Elsewhere in the five abandoned fixtures on Wednesday, Sydney North dismissed Sydney East for 69. The Sydney North pace attack was on top early with opening bowler Lucas Neal starring with a double-wicket maiden. The Lisarow Ourimbah Cricket Club/Lisarow Public School bowler finished with figures of 4/11 off seven overs before the inclement weather meant a chase was not possible.
Schedule for today’s games
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