By Steven Doble

The Under 16 Astute Financial Douglas Muddies played Mulgrave at Fuller Park in the first day of a two dayer last Saturday to be the last game but also one of the best games the team has played all season.

Captain Keel Sorensen lost the toss and the Muddies were sent into bat. Daniel Davidson & Nathan Deuble opened the batting and got off to an awesome start with both batsmen looking good at the crease and the pair made a good partnership, before the Muddies lost their first wicket in the 15th over, with Daniel run out for 30.

Ryan Doble was next and he and Nathan kept up the good work before Ryan was caught 6. Levi Trewick joined Nathan and the pair continued to bat well until Levi was given out caught behind for 13. Keel  was next to bat and he and Nathan batted out the last 5 overs with Muddies finishing their 32 overs first innings on a satisfying score of 3/150 with Nathan not out for 66.

It was time for Mulgrave to bat and Muddies opening bowlers Ryan and Liam bowled well and tight but were unlucky to take a wicket. It was Reuben Allison who got the breakthrough with a nice catch from Ryan, finishing his spell with two wickets for 10 runs.

Nick Rayner who came up from under 14's was the next bowler to take a wicket.  Levi and Daniel also took a wicket each. Keel  picked up two wickets with his bowling. Tex McDowall, Nathan and Tom Harvey bowled well but were unlucky to take a wicket.

With the tight bowling from the Muddies, Mulgrave's score kept at a 7/81 at the end of their first innings. Coach Steve said the boys bowled and batted the best they have all season.

The match continues next Saturday and although the team are to low on the ladder to make the finals berth their hope is to finish their last match on a terrific win.