ANGUS Smith’s 45-run performance for Merbein South against Nichols Point has given the Saints Under-16s side a last-gasp opportunity to make the finals.
Nichols Point have set the standard in the 2021-22 Sunraysia Cricket Association’s Under-16s competition, scoring the most runs (985) and conceding the least (422).
But Merbein South have also been economical with the ball, sitting in second behind Nichols Point, having only allowed 471 runs.
They have been helped in part by Smith, who led the Saints bowlers at the weekend as he took 4/33 to restrict the Pointers to 120.
In reply with the bat, the X-year-old Smith also anchored Merbein South’s run chase, hitting the bulk of the Saints’ 85 runs.
It was a performance which earned Smith the Junior Player of the Round nomination.
While he ultimately stayed at the crease for over two hours, Smith’s stint with the bat was not without luck after he was dropped in the slips early on.
Smith has been caught three times in five dismissals and said he had been feeling “under pressure” during the innings as he tried to push his side toward the 121-run target.
But his fortunes improved, and a further two nicks passed through the slips for four.
Smith has spent just as much time playing in Merbein South’s 3rd Division side this season and said had been able to focus on his bowling in the senior side.
But the goal remains simple for Smith as he heads into the final round of the Under-16s competition.
“I’ve never made finals before, so I’m hoping we make it,” Smith said.
Merbein South sit in fourth place and face Mildura East this weekend at Chaffey Park.
The equation for the Saints is simple: secure points against struggling East and book a semi-final meeting with Nichols Point.
Smith said his hopes were modest if Merbein South were able to play finals.
“I ‘m hoping just to win one game,” Smith said.
As the Junior Player of the Round, Smith wins a $50 voucher, thanks to Sportspower Mildura.
