Spectators were delighted with an action-packed contest.
Deniliquin South sent JeriBerriO in to bat first, and their bowlers made an immediate impact.
The new ball duo of Callen Leiper and Mason Glenn delivered a devastating opening spell. Two wickets fell in the first two overs, setting the tone for an intense struggle.
Mason was in red-hot form, claiming four wickets for just five runs during his five overs, a performance sure to be remembered in school cricket circles.
Callen, Lennix Leetham, and Jed Fitzmaurice joined the party with crucial wickets, and JeriBerriO was eventually dismissed for 71 runs in 22 overs.
Harvey Swann was the backbone of the JeriBerriO innings, fighting back with an assured 20 runs, as the lower order scrambled to rebuild after early setbacks.
Chasing a modest total, South made a confident start, accumulating 18 runs before the visitors struck back.
Will Batten tore through the top order, claiming two quick wickets, and put the brakes on South’s momentum.
Jed (24 runs) and Callen kept the scoreboard ticking, but JerBerriO maintained relentless pressure, claiming wickets at regular intervals and keeping the contest alive.
In a nail-biting finish, South’s lower order fought valiantly, but was eventually bowled out just five runs shy of victory.
Will finished with astonishing figures of four wickets for only two runs, while Swann’s captaincy shone with a tidy 2/13.
The match proved a showcase of young local talent, sportsmanship, and the unpredictability that makes school cricket so exhilarating.
Both teams left the field with heads held high.
JeriBerriO now move on to round four, to take on Tocumwal later in term three.
~ Luke Moodie
