In their return to the National Indigenous Cricket Championships, Northern Territory have fallen narrowly short in their opening match against South Australia, losing by 3 runs.
With significant rain falling over the last week in Yuwibara Country (Mackay, Queensland), the match against South Australia (and entire competition) was reduced to a T10 format (originally T20) in the aim to maximise playing opportunities throughout the carnival.
After losing the toss and being asked to field first, NT got off to the perfect start with a run out in the first over by Djarrin Stuart (Arrernte), who then followed up in the second over to clean bowl opener Andrew Miller and leave SA reeling at 2-6.
Despite some tight bowling from youngster Harrison Johnny (Garawa Waanyi) and captain Lachlan Dunemann (Kalkadoon), a middle-order partnership helped SA fight back to 2-66, before Brad Ilott’s (Arrernte) superb final overs included two wickets and a catch to end the innings at 5-71.
NT’s response with the bat was led by opener Aydan Allan’s (Walpiri) 24*, who batted throughout the entire innings and was supported by Steven Roser (Wuli Wuli) and Lachlan Dunemann, however a series of tight overs at the death restricted the Territory’s run chase as they fell 3 runs short.
The match was an important step forward for Indigenous cricket and pathways in the Territory, with six debutants selected including 15-year-olds Tyler Kelly (Warumungu & Luritja) and Harrison Johnny. The other players debuting for the NT NICC side were Captain Lachlan Dunemann, Steven Roser, Djarrin Stuart, Allister Young (Yawuru & Yamitji) and Matthew Groves (Ngarrindjeri).
Coach Trent Keep said “the start of the NICC has been such a wonderful experience, with the entire team eager to make the most of the tournament”.
“Despite the loss, the players learnt so much from the match and I am looking to watching them all develop their skills”.
Northern Territory will play Western Australia at 12:30pm (local time) today at Harrup Park.
South Australia 5-71 (Latham 31, Calgie 19; Ilott 2/8, Dunemann 1/10) def. Northern Territory 3-68 (Allan 24*, Roser 10; Miller 1/2, Gillespie 1/8).
Click here for the full scorecard