The Mounties Manly Warringah Waratahs have taken home the 2023/24 A.W. Green Shield U/16 Men’s competition by defeating a gallant Parramatta at Manly Oval.
It’s the first time we have won the Green Shield competition since 1991/92.
It was a scene of absolute jubilation at Manly Oval when the final wicket fell, with celebrations not seen in many a year. It ended a 7 Grand Final Green Shield losing streak dating back to that famous victory by Simon Couch’s team in 1991/92.
Skipper Lukas Overhoff finally lifted the shield late Sunday after the 46-run victory.
The day started with Overhoff winning the toss and deciding to bat. After losing a wicket in the first over, it was a cautious start with Overhoff himself navigating a tricky period, but the fall of his wicket led to the game in the balance with the Tahs at 5-110.
Miles Milliner has hit some amazing innings this year. Still only U/15s, his 101 off 90 balls in a junior rep game one his best. But his entrance into the game at this time proved the turning point.
Milliner hit a sublime 76 of only 58 balls, including 4 sixes, to get the Tahs to a very defendable 218. All out in the final over with 5 balls to spare.
Parramatta started well at 0/35 and then 2/88, slightly behind the run rate, but not a concern with wickets in hand. However, the introduction of Myles Kapoor resulted the wicket of the danger batter and opposition captain Blake Noorbergen, followed closely with a wicket to Kershler of the other set batter.
Another wicket put Parramatta at 5/110, the same score as us when we lost our 5th wicket, and with Parramatta having more overs to spare. But we all know that chasing in cricket results in extra pressure, and that’s exactly how it panned out.
Bill Martin came on and bowled an excellent spell at the end to clean up the tail, with Parramatta falling for 172 in the 47th over and the Tahs getting the win,
Congratulations to Parramatta on a fantastic game and competition. Despite finishing 5th on the ladder, there was an overarching thought that they were always the team to beat. They were going for 2 premierships in a row after winning last year, and clearly have a strong pathway and a strong club.
To skipper Lukas Overhoff, coach Kevin Davies and all the players, coaches, and officials, well done on making history. You did everyone at our club proud, but more importantly you did yourselves and your family proud.
Go Manly, you little beauty!!
