Kendall Jennings, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

It has been a challenging start to the 2022/23 cricket season for the Murray Raiders Under 16s. Road closures have made it difficult for the team and players to participate in the Swan Hill Cricket Association matches.

Hats go off to parents who have made the commitment and travelled the extra kilometres for their kids to play sports – the passion was definitely on display in Swan Hill on Friday night at Gurnett Oval against RSL.

Murray Raiders won the toss and elected to bat first. The pitch was challenging after recent rain, favouring the spinners, but a few yorkers bowled for a pitch with little bounce.

Kynan Laursen was the opening batsman and did not disappoint with his 37-run haul, including two fours. However, the following batsman was sent back to the pavilion early, with Sam Copland (1) caught by Tallen Hinton.

Hinton would also claim the wicket with another catch, stopping Riley D’Silva (5) – who stepped up to the Under 16s this season – from being warm at the crease. Zeb Hein was run out for three. Kye McKerrow made 10 runs with a four before the overs ran out.

The home match was advantageous for RSL as they powered past the Murray Raiders’ score of 77, making 97 runs, with the Murray Raiders claiming three scalps. The game continues this Friday night (weather permitting), with the Murray Raiders batting first.

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 24 November 2022.