Rupo’s Under 16 Gold pulled off a miraculous win in the Under 16 Consolation Final.
Going into the third day of the game, the equation saw Sunbury needing 12 runs, Rupo needing 2 wickets for victory.
On a cold morning, the boys were in good spirits.
Sunbury took 10 overs to get themselves to 88, needing 89 to tie the game, 90 to win.
With the ball in David Bond’s hand along with a huge amount of pressure, a fantastic out-swinger bowled Sunbury’s batsmen middle stump, bringing the equation; one wicket to win, one to tie, two runs to win for Sunbury.
With limited bowling options, Captain Shoesmith had the ball in his hand, great composure from Nathan saw two dot balls, building the pressure, the third ball saw Matt Thomas take a great high ball catch for the boys to complete (Quote  Shane Van Rooy) “the best live finish to a cricket game imaginable”.
The club couldn’t have been more proud of the Under 16’s and coach Lachlan McLean. Well done for a fantastic season, congratulations on your success!

Rupertswood’s under 16’s Captains – Nathan Shoesmith (U16Gold) and Nathan Powell (U16Blue) both prevailed with Centuries in the last round of the season (and the boys last of junior cricket)

Under 16 Blue faced Macedon at Rupertswood. Having won one game for the year, the boys felt they had a great opportunity for their second win. Keeping Macedon 7/122, Powell impressively bowled 5 overs, 3-17, also pitching in with a catch.

Coming in at no.3, Powell and opening young gun Mackenzie Casson set the platform to build upon the win, Casson batted impressively for 47. With a few more starts the boys finished up 6/197 for their second win of the season. A huge congratulations to Powell for his 102* and batting exceptionally well to guide the team home.

Under 16 Gold faced Wallan at Greenhill Reserve. Winning the toss and batting, the boys got off to a great start at 1-77. David Bond scoring 20, Shoesmith built upon the great start. A mini collapse proved no trouble for Shoesmith as he and Lachlan Smith put on a quick-fire 40 runs off 10 overs as Smith piled on 38 in an instant as the boys were privileged to see Shoesmith walk off the ground 101*.

With 218 on the board, even with the pace of Wallan’s ground, the boys felt confident they could prevail with the win. Getting Wallan 4-82, a flurry of wickets saw Wallan bowled out inside 31 overs. A fantastic effort by the boys as the win secures themselves in the Under 16 ‘B Grade’ finals.

Congratulations to both teams for successful seasons, good luck to U16 Gold and we can’t wait for next season to begin!

Former Rupertswood junior cricketer Harry Travers broke his way into the Brunswick 1stXI this weekend. Harry’s pathway has seen him play for Rupertswood, Gisborne District and Central Highlands throughout his junior cricketing years. The 2011/2012 rising star has had a great season to date which has lead to his promotion into the Firsts. Harry joins former Rupo cricketers Leigh Brennan and Kev Barker in Brunswick’s firsts this season.

Rupo is proud to have another player having success at a higher grade and we wish you well for the rest of the season and years to come!

Nathan Shoesmith will white up for Central Highlands in the coming weeks for the Victorian Pathway Under 16 Dowling Shield. In following the footsteps of Rupertswood junior cricketers such as Harry Travers and Aaron Forward. Nathan is playing his third tournament for the Central Highlands. The tournament is based in Melbourne where 11 other regions around Victoria will take part. This is a fantastic opportunity for Nathan to stamp his authority in the Victorian system. Everyone from Rupo CC wishes him luck!

Good luck mate, go get ’em!