By Sue Sorensen

The U16 Douglas Muddies playing their first rusty game of the season, travelled to Trinity Beach on Saturday to play against Barron River.

Muddies captain Keel Sorensen lost the toss and the Muddies were sent into bat on a damp pitch.  The Muddies didn't get off to a great start with Levi Trewick caught out on 0 in the second over. Nathan Deuble was next in to bat and put on a partnership with opener Daniel Davidson before Nathan was also caught out for 8. Nick Reyner was next into bat before Daniel was bowled out for 4 runs with the score on 3/16.

Ryan Doble was up next and batted well with Nick before another wicket fell, Nick caught behind for 1. Reuben Allison joined Ryan and the pair looked good smashing the Barron River bowlers around before Ryan was out with the highest score of the team of 9. Reuben soon followed caught behind on 3 runs.

Tex McDowall and Curtis White were next to bat and put on a good partnership before Curtis was out for 4. With the score at 7/48 Keel went in hoping to steady the ship but returned to the bench bowled out with no runs.

Fraser Allen shortly followed without making a score.  Remaining pair Tom Harvey and Tex had a big job ahead of them and Tex who held his ground facing 32 balls was caught out for 4 leaving Tom not out.  The Muddies total score was a disappointing all out for 51 runs after only 21 overs.

The Barron River team who didn't have a win last season were very hopeful for their first win of the new season and even though the Muddies players bowled tight the opposition team completed their 32 overs with a winning score of 9/87.

Daniel who did a handy job as first half wicketkeeper had the best bowling results with 2 for 6 off 3 followed by Tex with 2 for 11.  Nick, Keel, Fraser, Reuben and Ryan also took a wicket each with Nick taking the biggest wicket of Isi Keveau.

Tex McDowall and newcomer Tom Harvey who showed great line and length for his first game for the Club have to be mentioned as this week's players of the match.

Next week will see U16 Muddies playing the first day of a two dayer against Mareeba at the Mudpit from 1pm.