Cougars claw cricket trophy

By MIDN Ben Wenban

The ADFA Cougars Cricket Club has returned from Sydney with the silverware after their third bi-annual cricket match against Training Command - Army (TC-A) at Victoria Barracks.

In a low-scoring contest, it was the mettle of the boys from Canberra that turned the game, despite the best efforts of TC-A’s Leading Aircraftman Michael Gunn.

TC-A called correctly and sent ADFA into bat on a green, two-paced wicket.

The Cougars started slowly, losing openers Officer Cadet Paul Hynes and Officer Cadet Cam Robottom cheaply.

However, a strong stand from the middle order, including Officer Cadet Justin Ryan 25, Officer Cadet Rodney Davis 23, and Sargeant Martin Stewart 21, steadied the side and pushed the total into three figures with overs in hand.

The introduction of left-arm quick, LAC Gunn for TC-A did the damage as he picked up 3-17 from his seven-over spell, ably assisted by Captain Mark Neich who bowled consistently and without luck to register 3-41 from his 10 overs.

The tail made timely contributions as Officer Cadet Tom Van De Waterbeemdt and Officer Cadet Ben Watson found cow corner to see the Cougars post 154 from 49.5 overs.

In return, TC-A made a healthy start as the pitch showed signs of more consistent bounce. LAC Gunn raced to 22 at better than a run-a-ball and appeared in fine form before top-edging a full-toss from Officer Cadet Ben Atherton to deep square-leg. This triggered a collapse as perennial wicket-taker Officer Cadet Pete Nugent ripped through the heart of the top order, finishing with 3-25 to add to his summer of wickets.

OCDT Watson took a scintillating catch at gully to give OFFCDT Robottom his first wicket, as ADFA began to dominate.

OCDT Watson then got in on the act, snaring a wicket of his own, to have TC-A at 7-77.

Sargeant Ryan Ingram then took the batting up to the attack and plundered his way to an impressive half-century to leave TC-A just 21 runs shy of the target with three wickets still in hand.

First year player Officer Cadet Brendan Corbett returned for his second spell to work wonders with the older ball. He had the remaining three batsman caught behind by OCDT Davis for just one run to finish with figures of 3-27 from six overs, leaving the TC-A dismissed in the 28th over for 134.

The two sides will next clash in September, with TC-A travelling to play the match on RMC’s Oval No.1.

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