The third edition of the Boorowa Cricket Club Christmas sevens just before Christmas saw ten teams compete in the popular event in what can only be described as oppressive weather conditions.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In the 40 degree plus heat, players and spectators alike ensured plenty of fluids were taken in and sunscreen liberally applied.
Big hitting was the order of the day, with batters preferring to find the boundary rather than waste energy running in the draining heat.
After about a dozen preliminary matches, the final saw Hatrick Swayze go up against the rank outsiders, the Mighty Ducks.
This followed the Hatrick boys eliminating short priced favourites, the Carmy Army, who were the winners from the last two seasons.
Young guns Matt Canellis and Luke Syrec put the Carmy Army bowlers to the sword to clinch the win with 80 runs in six overs, too great for the Army.
The final saw Hatricks set the Ducks a healthy target of 72 from their allotted six overs which should have proved enough, with a useful bowling attack.
It was opener Chris Dwyer who was the star all day for the Ducks, smashing the Hatrick bowlers into the duckpond with regularity on the leg side.
The Ducks made a useful start in their first three overs reaching 28 but still required 44 with three overs left.
They continued to push hard and required 18 for victory in the final over.
It was skipper Dwyer who guided the Ducks home with an unbeaten half century causing a major surprise.
But that's the attraction of sevens cricket.
Although extremely hot, a great day was had by all and whilst many contributed to a successful event, chief organiser Brendon Shean did an amazing job in ensuring a smooth running of the event.
This Saturday will see the resumption of the Yass district competition with both Boorowa sides in action.
The Crocs will begin the new year at home at the Recreation ground against the Bowning Buffaloes who have had problems of their own this season.
Both teams have the ability to beat anyone in the competition, but both have been up and down in form this year.
This game could be a turning point for either team.
The Gators will travel to Yass for what is almost a must win game against the Clubhouse Horns.
The Gators have struggled for consistency in the season so far with constant changes to their line up.
If they can maintain a regular line up in the coming weeks, they can still make an impact.
The Clubhouse won the first-round encounter but the Boorowa team is confident they can reverse the result this weekend.
One local cricketer will achieve an unusual milestone this weekend when he takes to the field in the first game of 2020.
READ MORE: Mixed results for Boorowa's cricketers
Veteran Phil Coggins will play in his fifth different decade in senior cricket for the Boorowa club.
Having made his senior debut for Boorowa way back in 1981, Coggo reflected on the enormous changes in the game over the years.
Way back then, one day cricket at night was still in its infancy and 20/20 cricket was almost two decades away, as were mobile phones, whilst Ronald Reagan became US president.
He believes his longevity in the game is due to having the opportunity to play with a lot of great teammates who always enjoyed their time on and off the field.
Time gets us all eventually, but he isn't ready to call it a day just yet with 2030 just another ten seasons away.
It's getting towards the business end of another season, so why not catch some of the action at the Rec Oval on Saturday with play commencing at 12.30pm.
