The township of Somerville loves its sport, and on Saturday, Somerville Cricket Club demonstrated once again how it is engaging its players, supporters, sponsors and the wider community.
Often in sport, the focus is on the higher levels, short-term success and premierships. However, well-organised clubs understand the importance of sustainability and investing in their future.
It starts at the top, and true Somerville stalwarts, President Ashley (Jock) White and Coach Chris Robson, experienced the joy of seeing their plans come to fruition over the weekend.
Young Talent Shines for Somerville Cricket Club
On Saturday at Barber Reserve, the club’s thirds took on ladder leaders Baxter. With a team of emerging and enthusiastic young players, supported by several experienced leaders, they recorded a magnificent victory, 5/182 to 9/181.
Toby Black, Cooper Wilkes, Charlie Young, Archie Huf, Tilly Black, Billy and Charlie Hendy, and Eric Roberts, all juniors aged between 12 and 16, rose to the occasion under the leadership of club legends Russell Wilkes, Jason Huf and Nick Marshall.
Nick Marshall (50) and Toby Black (35) opened with a partnership of 78, while Charlie Young (33), Jason Huf (19), Archie Huf (14 not out) and Russell Wilkes (17 not out) helped chase down Baxter’s total.
Charlie Hendy (2/30) and Toby Black (2/28) applied the pressure to Baxter, while Cooper Wilkes, Eric Roberts, Charlie Young and Billy Hendy performed their roles admirably.
Somerville Women’s Team Claims Top Spot
The Somerville women’s team continues to do the club proud, recording three consecutive wins to claim top spot on the ladder.
Taking on Mt Eliza, the Eagles piled on 2/138 before dismissing the opposition for just 49.
Somerville sisters Marlee Black (50 retired) and Tilly Black (28 not out) sizzled, while Sienna Robson blazed an excellent 37.
In reply, emerging Somerville star Kaitlyn White produced one of the greatest performances in the club’s history, recording the eye-popping figures of five wickets for zero runs, including a hat-trick.
With so many emerging young players, the future of Somerville Cricket Club is looking bright.
