Greg Pritchard, left, and Oliver Jermin with the Under
14 premiership trophy
THE Palmwoods Under 14 B cricket team has claimed the Sunshine Coast premiership
after defeating Caloundra Gold in a dramatic final.
Palmwoods won by three runs after Caloundra was dismissed for 121, in reply
to Palmwoods' 124.
Palmwoods coach Don Pritchard, said the team maintained the pressure on
Caloundra's batsmen throughout the entire run chase. The Palmwoods boys
gave no runs away, bowling a tight line and length.
The final was a tense conclusion to the season, with Palmwoods being one
of the three competition leaders throughout the year.
Its premiership victory was sweet revenge, after losing to the same Caloundra
team in the President's Cup first round final.
"It was a close contest. The kids weren't worried, but the parents were
on the edge of their seats," Mr Pritchard said.
He said the most pleasing aspect of the Palmwoods win, had been that the
players had never given up.
"We went into the game as underdogs, and that position continued after
we lost the toss and were bowled out relatively cheaply for 124," he said.
"It was certainly a high note to finish the season."
Mr Pritchard said it was a special effort from the players, especially
considering that the Palmwoods captain, Oliver Jermin, was forced to withdraw
from the final through ill health. Greg Pritchard came in as acting captain.
Trophies were presented at an end of season break-up at the Oasis on March
23.
Introduction - Palmwoods District News
Contents - April 1997