Earlier in the month, Jack Dodds and Lenny Shurdington represented the West Wimmera Warriors and played in the U13 HCA side at Country Week in Portland.

The team won 3 of their 5 games, with narrow losses to the two Warrnambool teams.

The Monday morning started off against Warrnambool Moyne Gold, HCA went into bat first, Jack faced his 30 balls posting 6 off his 30 balls before retiring, Lenny made 2 off four balls before the innings ended, HCA 6/128. Jack and Lenny both bowled two overs and took a wicket each, Jack 1/4 and Lenny 1/14. Warrnambool overtook the HCA total in the last balls of the morning, finishing 7/137.

In round 2, we faced Hamilton Green who batted first. HCA bowled them out for 51 runs off 18.5 overs. Jack’s bowling 0/1 and Lenny 0/4, both off one over contributed well to the win. Lenny posted the biggest total for the HCA team 11 off 28 balls, with the team finishing 6/81 off 25 overs.

On the Tuesday morning HCA faced Warrnambool Moyne Blue, HCA won the toss and elected to bat. Jack made 3 off 9 balls, the team made 6/113. Warrnambool headed into bat and the game came down to the last over again, Lenny took a wicket 1/17 off 2 overs and Jack bowled some tight bowling, 0/5 off 2 overs.

Round 4 saw HCA play South West Gold, they won the toss and elected to bat. Some tight bowling from HCA meant a lower total to chase, South West posting 4/87 off 25 overs. Jack bowled 1/1 and Lenny 0/4 both off two overs. Jack made 9 off his 30 balls before retiring. HCA made 6/113 to post their second win.

In the last round HCA played Mount Gambier, HCA won the toss and elected to bowl. Mount Gambier made 6/75 off 25 overs, Lenny bowled 2 overs, 0/17.

HCA made 1/83 only utilising 4 batters. HCA finished the carnival in third place in Division 1. Congratulations Lenny and Jack on representing our club at the next level.  

This article appeared in the  Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 29 January 2025.