The Armidale School’s First XI is through to the regional final of the Douglas Shield knockout competition after a decisive win against St Philip’s Christian College, Newcastle on Tuesday.
Winning the toss, TAS captain Archie McMaster sent St Philip’s in to bat. After an early wicket, with E. Finlay out for two, SPCC steadied before a collapse lower down the order. St Philip’s was all out for 91 in the 30th over. McMaster led the bowling for TAS with figures of 4-15.
TAS began its innings confidently, but the visitors claimed an early wicket when Sinclair Little was out for one in the second over. Archer Starr and McMaster then put on a partnership of 61 before Starr was caught by A. Zukouski for 25. McMaster remained at the crease for the rest of the match, finishing 37 not out. He partnered with Ashan Jayawardena, who made 10, and then Oscar Saunders, who sealed the match with a six. TAS reached 3-92 in the 12th over to secure the win.
“We thought the wicket was a bit sticky and would have more for the bowlers this morning than this afternoon, and that seemed to work in our favour,” McMaster said.
“We haven’t played St Philip’s before so didn’t know what they would be like – having a team comprised nearly all Year 12s meant we had experience on our side and that definitely helped as well. Losing a wicket early hurt a bit but we fought our way back into it and batted well.”
TAS will play Kinross Wolaroi School from Orange in the northern final of the knockout competition on a date to be determined.
“They are a strong side and it’s important we just treat it like another match and give it our best crack,” McMaster said.
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