19 Feb 2019
Epping Boys High School claimed a thrilling win off the last ball of the match to win the Northern District Cricket Club Schools Knock-Out Cup. This is the second time Epping has claimed this honour, with the last win coming all the way back in 1979!
Epping won the toss and elected to bowl at Mark Taylor Oval. Some very tight bowling and fielding restricted Knox Grammar to 8 for 112 at the conclusion of their 20 overs. Nick E (2-15 off 4 overs), Mackenzie M (2-21 off 4 overs), Harley W (1-14 off 4 overs) and Arinath G (1-2 off 2 overs) all did an outstanding job with the ball.
Knox Grammar bowled with great control in their first 10 overs to leave us at 1 for 30. Plenty of wickets still in the shed, however we needed to score 83 from the next 10 overs. From this point Nick E and Felix B combined for a 58 run partnership to give us a chance. Nick ended up with 54 very valuable runs. It eventually came down to a situation where 18 was required from the last over the match. Felix hit the first 5 balls for 2, 4, 4, 2, and 2 (including some excellent running between the wickets by Mubeen K) which left us needing 4 from the final ball. Felix did the job on the last ball, sneaking another boundary past mid-wicket to end the game 39 not out.
Nick E was deservedly named man of the match for his role with both bat and ball, as well as some impressive captaincy.
Well done to all the boys who have played a role throughout this tournament. It is always a pleasure to coach these boys who play with great sportsmanship at all times. A very well deserved result! Thanks also to all the parents who attended and supported the team during the earlier rounds and in the Grand Final.
Cameron Gordon (14A Cricket Coach)