Aces deal to cricketing rivals
Tommy Bryson (MCC Chair), Luca Blair-Moore, Samuel Perriam, Isaac Brien, Luca Hinton, Griffin O’Sullivan, Rua Davis, Thomas Chisnall, Lennon Davis, Tim O’Sullivan (coach), Mason Van Leeuwen. Photo: Supplied.
The Motueka Cricket Aces have completed another unbeaten season, extending their incredible winning streak to 29 matches.
The Aces hosted Wanderers Gold in the 6th grade final and to quote their coach Tim O”Sullivan, “blew the opposition away”.
Bowling is the side’s strength, and they limited Wanderers to 85, chasing that down in just five of the 25 available overs. It is a nine-a-side competition and the Motueka outfit, made up of 12 to 14-year-olds, has eight bowlers.
“As one rival coach commented, ‘you think you have seen off the best bowler and then another one comes on’,” says Tim.
The batting really improved this season too, highlighted by chasing down over 200 runs to beat ACOB in one of several close games. The Aces comprise players from five schools – Brooklyn, Motueka South, Motueka High School, Garin College and Nelson College. Rua Davis and Isaac Brien are co-captains. The side’s phenomenal strike rate was recognised as seven players were picked in the nine strong U14 Tasman representative team. “I am really proud of them. They are a great group,” enthuses Tim.