Cricket
20 March, 2024
Panthers storm to glory
In B Grade of the Horsham Cricket Association, the Rup/Minyip Panthers reversed the one-day grand final loss with a comprehensive 103-run win over the Colts in the two-day Grand Final.
Daniel Schaper and Clint Midgley were the stars for the Panthers. Schaper scored an unbeaten 118 off 109 balls featuring eight fours and six sixes, as the Panthers scored 5/243 off their 65 overs.
Clinton Midgley scored 32, Hugh Weidemann, 27 and Gavin Young an unbeaten 37 in the huge total.
Midgley then dominated the bowling, taking 5/48 as they bowled the Colts out for 140. It was a remarkable effort from Midgley after his father passed away on Saturday night. Schaper was named man of the match.
Schaper said it was a memorable win.
"Two day cricket suits our game a little bit better with some of our younger kids and older experienced players as well," Schaper said.
"It took a little bit to get going at the start as they were bowling well and not giving us much room. After tea we had to get a wriggle on and I managed to capitilse on the opportunities that came to us.
"It was a very special day and a great win."
Schaper said it took tremendous courage for Midgley to step out onto the field on Sunday.
"For him to go out and bowl well is a credit to him. He would have been a deserving man of the match and was probably stiff to miss out," Schaper said.
"The ball that he got Josh McCluskey out with did a bit off the wicket and it got him excited and it probably helped him bowl well.
"I think he was pretty happy that we got the win for him," he said.