The Butcher's will be represented by 3rd Grade in this seasons Cricket Illawarra Grand Final Day after demolishing Keira in a dominant display at Hollymount Park. 4th Grade went down to Dapto on Saturday and 2nd Grade bowed out after a long tussle with Keira at Keira Oval.
The Butchers 2nd Grade made 234 on day one, courtesy of 61 to Michael Allen, and also 58* to Graham Sismey, however were unable to remove the Keira top order who pushed to victory for the loss fo 4 wickets. Still a great achievement by a 2nd Grade team with 6 players under the age of 17. A learning curve and no doubt they will all be better for the experience of finals cricket.
4th Grade took on Dapto at Reid Park and young off spinner Brice Hilliard completed a great debut season in grade with 4/47 to take his season tally across all grades to 26 wickets. Quite an impressive debut season. The Butcher's were however unable to chase down the target and were dismissed for 97. Dan Bond showing some grit to make 25. Again a good year for 4th grade with the emergence of some good talent in the likes of Hilliard, Bond, Burton, Matthew Van Wijk and not to forget Matt Craig who took 30 wickets for the season. A massive effort and after dedicating himself to bowling this season, Matthew could well continue to improve next season.
3rd Grade are now flying the clubs colours after a rousing victory on the hallowed turf of Hollymount Park. This season has seen the benefit of a good balance of impressive young talent and season veterans who are desperate for silverware. With the likes of Pete Cleaves, Dave Joinking, Matthew Benstead, & Curtis Wilson comes the youth of Aaron McRae who has now notched over 300 runs this season, along with leg spinner Jason Wilson, & fast bowler Jed Austin. A stronger blend of youth & experience which has helped 3rd Grade obtain the One Day Grand Final and also Minor Premiers of the 2 Day Comp. After being sent into bat by Keira's skipper, Piper, a decision which was well greeted by Pat Tobin. Aaron McRae (60), Curtis Wilson (28) & Jason Wilson (36) then took the Butchers to all out for 177 from 76 overs which on the slow Hollymount outfield is a very hard target to chase down. This proved correct as Keira crumbled to be all out for 66 on day 2 after Cleaves (3/19), Austin (2/8), Benstead (3/22) and Jason Wilson (2/11) wrapped up the game without even needing to call on Curtis Wilson.
A good win and the club is hoping a strong turnout of Butchers will be there to support the guys this coming weekend. Stay tuned for more news on match details.
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