After much better preparation and general support from all clubs the Kangaroo Island Cricket Association was able to put together as good a squad as we have for a number of years to compete in this year’s Meyer Shield hosted by the Torrrens Valley Association.
Opportunities were given to some younger guys to be able to experience playing at a much higher level than what they are used to. General feedback from the other associations was that we had improved and we had the potential for more in the next few years if we could keep this talented young group together.
Saturday we were up against Southern which was always daunting as they draw from a population of approximately 180000 people.
Our boys batted first and achieved a competitive 132 on a slow oval with the highlight being a half century from Rick Rostron. Clayton Willson made 42 and Anthony Anderson chipped in with 18 at the end.
Our bowlers started well with Rick Rostron and Paul Green not giving away any easy runs but were unlucky not to take any wickets.
The Southern batsmen took to our first and second change bowlers with Clayton Willson taking our only wicket.
Sunday saw us heading to Gumeracha to take on Torrens Valley and with us again batting first it was a good opportunity to get some runs on the board. Young Damon Weatherspoon did well in his first carnival top scoring with 30 runs assisted by Ben Wilks 27 and Chris Smith 21. A few others had starts but were unable to go on with seeing us all out for 139.
Paul Green and Rick Rostron started well again this time rewarded with wickets. Ben Wilks and Clayton Willson both took a wicket as well. Daniel Pledge chipped in with one towards the end but Torrens Valley were able to reach the target with four wickets in hand which was a far better result for the KI boys.I would also like to mention Khyal Stead’s efforts in the Invitation 11 side where he bowled really well taking two wickets.
Hopefully everyone in the squad gained something out of the trip and I am sure we will achieve the successes we strive for if we have the same commitment next year. Thank you to Sealink for once again supporting K.I.C.A. enabling us to participate in this event.
2012 Squad: C Linke (captain), R Rostron (vice capt), B Wilks, C Willson, D Weatherspoon, L Virgo, A Anderson, X Larcombe, C Smith, P Collins, P Green, D Pledge, K Stead. Managers are M Virgo and S Sampson.
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