On Saturday afternoon, Barham Koondrook A Grade cricket won the toss and elected to bat as they faced Ultima TUF at Koondrook. Warren Lolicato was the highest scoring batsman with 35 runs. After 30.1 overs, the Raiders were all out for 120.

Local general practitioner Chameera Akurugoda claimed the first wicket, Lachlan Edwards (3) LBW when Ultima TUF was on seven.

Jacob Hatcher was caught and bowled by Akurugoda for a duck, leaving Ultima two for nine. Another wicket followed, Kade Benfield bowled for 25, and Ultima was three for 41.

The fourth wicket came shortly after, with four for 45, Samuel Nelson LBW for a duck by Akurugoda. Doc struck again, making it Ultima five for 58 with the departure of opening batsman Charlie Kingwill for 25.

Warren Lolicato captured the next wicket when Ultima was six for 67, and Jordan King was LBW for four. Ultima was seven for 86 when Caleb Davidson caught Josh Waldron from a Garry Lolicato delivery.

Cassidy Sibley was dismissed LBW by Garry Lolicato for five, leaving Ultima at eight for 95. Lleyton Purcell fell for seven, with Lachlan Laursen taking a catch from a Mason Laursen delivery.

As Ultima slowly fought for the match victory, Ian Schodde was bowled by Jayden Hall for one. The Raiders secured the match by two runs.

Akurugoda captured five wickets and two maidens from his eight overs. Garry Lolicato took two wickets. Jayden Hall, Warren Lolicato and Mason Laursen each captured one wicket. Caleb Davidson, Lachlan Laursen and Chameera Akurugoda took catches in the field.

The Raiders sit second on the ladder after three matches.

Barham Koondrook will face St Mary’s Tyntynder at Koondrook on Saturday afternoon. The club will also be having a past players’ day. All are welcome to enjoy the cricket memories in the club rooms.

This article appeared in  The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 7 November 2024.