Gilgandra Junior Cricket season is underway with three teams playing in the Dubbo District Junior competitions.
Gilgandra has its Thunder (under-12 A division) and Lightning (under-12 B division) teams playing as well as a combined under-14 side formed with both Gilgandra and Wellington-based players.
Please see reports below submitted by members of the Gilgandra Junior Cricket committee.
Gilgandra Thunder 12A versus Dubbo RSL Colts
Opening the innings, Oscar Medd set the pace with a lively 33 off 36 balls, including three boundaries.
Lachlan Fisher kept the momentum going, adding a solid 30 from 38 balls and smashing a six.
Oliver Peart showed grit, staying unbeaten with 19 off 33 balls. Extras contributed 25 runs, bringing Gilgandra's total to 121 in 26 overs.
Defending their score with only seven players, Gilgandra's bowlers gave it their all. Oscar Medd struck in his first over, grabbing two wickets for just 11 runs in his three overs.
Lachlan Fisher matched that energy, taking two wickets for 15 runs in his three overs.
Harrison Newton chipped in with a wicket, conceding only 10 runs in his three overs. Even though Mitchell Beaton, Claudia Harrison, and Lucy Zell didn't pick up wickets, they bowled with heart, keeping the pressure on.
Overall, Gilgandra's team showed great spirit and determination, making the opposition work hard for the win.
Gilgandra Lightning 12B versus Narromine Bombers
Our mighty 12Bs Lightning side are quickly learning the ropes in their first year of competitive cricket.
Playing against a more experience team, Lightning held their heads high and playing just their second game on Saturday are getting a good handle on the game and improving their skills with both the bat and ball.
Batting first, Sterling Newton strode out to the crease to open and top scored with eight runs along with Hannah Peart, with Hamish Jenkin contributing six and Hugh Harvey five runs, with Janos, James, George, Aaron and Liam all doing their bit.
Runs were hard to come by at times but the kids played with great spirit and will only improve with more games under their belt.
Hannah impressed with the ball, being on a hat trick in just her second game, finishing with 2/8 off two overs, and wickets also falling to Liam Cosier, Aaron Robins and James Riley.
Narromine took home the win 5/143 to Lightning’s 7/72. A big thankyou to the parents who are jumping in to help make sure the kids get to play, helping out with umpiring, scoring and team organising!
Gilgandra-Wellington 14A displays grit to secure win
The Gilgandra-Wellington combined team showcased determination and resilience in a closely fought match, posting a total of 116 runs over 25 overs.
Key contributions came from Georgia Allan and Mitchell Cosier, who scored 37 and 30 runs, respectively. Allan’s knock included four boundaries, which combined with Cosier's steady innings laid a solid foundation.
Despite their efforts, wickets fell at regular intervals after the openers were dismissed, with Arthur Baxter and Grace Marchant making minor contributions, scoring two and five runs respectively.
Lower-order batters Adelina Grant and Acadia Burn remained not out with two runs each, ensuring the team utilized their allotted overs.
The bowling attack for Gilgandra-Wellington was the highlight of the game, with Adelina Grant’s stellar performance grabbing three wickets for just 12 runs in her four overs.
Lilah Wykes provided solid support with a tight spell, taking two wickets for only four runs. Arthur Baxter contributed as well, taking a wicket for six runs in his two overs, further bolstering the team’s defence.
Each bowler played a role in keeping the opposition’s score under control, applying pressure consistently throughout the innings.
Despite the modest total, the Gilgandra-Wellington combined team’s disciplined bowling and fielding made it a hard-fought match, showcasing the team’s determination and teamwork on the field.
