By Darren Killeen

Muddies under 12s' final game of the season was once again played on a water logged ground with the usual format giving way to a more relaxed T20 match.  

With uneven numbers on both sides the coaches decided on a school yard style team selection with the two captains picking their sides one by one.  

Muddies were rewarded for a strong performance coming away with the win 82 to 48.

Muddies captain Vincent Killeen won the toss and after a careful inspection of the ground, Atherton were sent in to bat.  

Vincent struck in the first over of the day and finished his spell with 1 for 5 from two overs.  

Connor White bowled very tightly conceding only one run from his spell.  

Brothers Luke and Daniel Twomey kept the pressure on with figures of 0 for 9 and 0 for 5 respectively.  

Ryan Stanaway took 0 for 8 and was outstanding at first slip combining well with keeper Charlie Dowling to effect three run-outs.  

Birthday boy Nick Raynor continued his bowling form taking 1 for 3 from two overs.  

Ashton Davenport took 0 for 11 and Liam Clacherty chimed in with 1 for 2 from his two overs.  

There were a few heads being scratched when Coach/Umpire Damian Darlington handed over the counter to bowl an over.  

It looked like he'd bowled a wicket maiden, only to have the decision overturned by the square-leg umpire who called a no-ball.  

Even Damian could not overshadow the efforts of Bailey Elliott who took bowling honours for the day with the enviable figures of 3 for 2 from two overs.   

Playing for the Atherton team, Muddies regulars Josh Edward 5, Able Terry 2, Lockie Dowling 1, and Scott Cooper all batted well against their team mates to help Atherton to a total of 48.

Opening batsmen Liam and Ryan both fell to sharp catches scoring 3 and 0 respectively.  

Bailey protected his wicket well and retired before coming back in and finishing unbeaten yet again scoring 4 runs.  

Luke also retired before coming back in and was also unbeaten making 15 from 18 including two fours and a six.  

Ashton, Connor, and debutant Daniel were all unlucky to fall for ducks, while Charlie was the third batsmen to retire, scoring two.  

When Nick and Vincent arrived at the crease they’d been told the Muddies were still 30 runs behind.  

Within three overs the boys had blasted the Muddies to victory with Nick finishing unbeaten on 16 from 16 and Vincent unbeaten on 27 from 16.  

In true T20 form, Nick and Vincent belted two fours and four sixes between them.  

Scott, Josh, Lockie, and Abel all bowled well against their team mates but were unable to contain the Muddies who came away victors with a score of 82.   

Being the end of the season, the boys would like to thank Damian Darlington for his coaching efforts as well as Roy Edward, Nat Terry, and Noel Twomey for assisting with umpiring duties.  

They would also like to thank the Mossman Welcome Mart for supplying the weekly 'Player of the Match' awards.