Tallarook takes on Northern Rivers region’s best in Kookaburra Cup

The annual Twenty20 tournament sees the premiers of the seven cricket associations within the Northern Rivers region (and the runners-up from the Goulburn Murray association) compete for the cup.

Tallarook faced Kingpower Cricket Club in its first match.

The SDCA side won the toss and sent its opponents in to bat.

Lachlan Watts and Xavier Arandt tore through Kingpower’s line-up, taking three wickets each.

Shane Topham was not too far behind, taking the last two wickets in quick succession.

Kingpower was all out for 79, a score well within Tallarook’s grasp.

The opening pair of Joshua Rudge and Topham did the majority of the damage.

By the time Topham was bowled, Tallarook had already contributed 61 runs to its tally.

Captain Lachlan Watts came in and chased down the final runs.

The victory lined Tallarook up against United Cricket Club, with the winner taking a place in the final.

Tallarook won the toss once again and decided to bat first.

United showed its class and had its opponent on the ropes early.

Rudge and Watts settled into the game after the early loss of Topham at 1-4.

But after the pair departed, the lower order collapsed.

Tallarook was able to hold on for the full 20 overs, but the side’s scoring had been limited.

With 75 runs on the board, it needed a stellar bowling effort to keep it in the tournament.

And it got off to the perfect start as Watts had the opposition at 1-2.

Leigh Irvine chimed in as well and Tallarook was sitting pretty, with United at 2-27.

But Alex Code’s spell at the crease changed the game for United.

His 27 not-out proved pivotal, as players around him added modest figures before being dismissed.

After 17.3 overs, United chased down Tallarook’s total and advanced to the final.

Watts reflected on his side’s tournament following the defeat to United.

“It was great to test ourselves against the best clubs from across the Northern Rivers region,” Watts said.

“Having not played much T20 cricket, unlike other competitions, it was a bit of a new experience for our boys.

“They handled themselves really well in the first game, getting a big win over Kingpower.

“We bowled tight with Xav Arandt. (He was) the pick of the bowlers, with three wickets in a tidy spell. ‘Rudgey’ (Joshua Rudge) helped get us over the line comfortably with the bat.

“United were tougher opponents in the second game.

“It was incredibly tight, but we just needed another 10 to 20 runs on the board.

“It was a great experience for our club. We represented the association well, and we look forward to more T20 cricket in the SDCA.”

Echuca outclassed United in the finale as the Goulburn Murray club was crowned the best of the best.