Everett celebrates selection with century at McGrane

In a huge week for the cricketing prodigy, Everett has gained selection for NSW Country to contest the Australian Country Championships in Albury next month which is a great boost for local cricket.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Town Services came out of the blocks firing with Ash and Kieren Hazelton racing to 29 off the first five overs before Kieren was dismissed for a swashbuckling 19. The inform Jason Carter was dismissed two overs later for zero and when skipper Ash Hazelton departed for a well compiled 30 the wheels on the Town Services bus were wobbling at 3/55.

Adam Hazelton and Brank Hammond then steadied the ship and took the score along to 94 before Adam was dismissed for 15. A couple of quick wickets then fell before Hammond found an ally in young Preston Ahsee. The pair put on 23 before Hammond fell for a team high of 51.

Preston finished 23 not out in a valuable innings that helped Town Services compile 8/165. Matt Zell (3/33) was the leading wicket taker with brothers Kenny and Henry Johnson both taking two and veteran John Alchin one.

Breelong started their run chase on a positive note with skipper Liam Zell and Everett putting on 44 for the first wicket before Zell was adjudged leg before wicket for 11. Everett was then joined by Nathan Tuena and they combined for a 28 run stand before Tuena also fell the same way. Kenny Johnson came and went for six which left Breelong at 3/86 off 24 overs.

Experienced stalwart Guy McAnally-Elwin then strode to the crease and turned back the clock with a valuable innings that showed all of his class and guile. The pair put on an invaluable 61 run partnership to wrestle the ascendency back in Breelong’s favour before he inexplicably run himself out for 14 with the finish line in sight.

Two more quick wickets fell but the damage had been done. It was fitting Everett should hit the winning runs in the final over with four wickets in hand. Adam Hazelton was the pick of the bowlers with 2/30 off nine overs, Jacob Wilson finished with 1/28 off his nine and Brank Hammond and Mark Temple picked up a wicket each.

It was a match befitting a grand final and full congratulations should go to both teams for the tremendous spirit in which the game was played. The focus now turns to this week’s grand final with minor premier’s Gidgee taking on Breelong for the right to hoist the Bendigo Bank ABC Shield aloft.

The match will get underway this Saturday from midday at McGrane Oval. This should be a great game of cricket and a large crowd is anticipated, good luck to both teams.