The Armidale School (TAS) will contest the grand final of the statewide Douglas Shield knockout competition for the first time since 2002, after a solid victory over defending premiers Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange on Tuesday, 18 March.
The win marks a significant milestone for TAS, with none of the current First XI born when the school last reached the decider. It also avenges last year’s semi-final loss and the 2019 grand final defeat to Kinross.
“Kinross are always a very tough side, so we’re stoked to have turned the table,” captain Archie McMaster said.
Kinross won the toss and elected to bat, but were restricted by disciplined TAS bowling. Luke Schmude led the attack with 5/23, while Tony Formaggin delivered an economical spell of 0/2 from seven overs, including five consecutive maidens.
McMaster said a key moment came when NSW Country wicketkeeper Fletcher Byrne was dismissed for eight, bowled by Schmude and caught by Archer Starr in the 21st over.
Kinross were all out for 113 in the 43rd over, leaving TAS to chase with a revised approach.
“We changed our batting order from our last game to give us a bit more depth down the line in case we lost some early wickets,” McMaster said.
Opener Sinclair Little made 18, while McMaster finished unbeaten on 23. Mitchell Evans (15 not out) sealed the win, striking a six to take TAS to 6/118 in the 34th over.
TAS will now face 2023 winners Inaburra School, from Bangor in Sydney, in the final.
“We’re confident, but we haven’t played them before and we’re expecting them to be a very good side,” McMaster said.
The Douglas Shield is a knockout competition for independent schools that do not compete in weekly inter-school fixtures.
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