With the juniors already washed out the Senior Grand Final was moved to Forrest Beach where Uniteds crushed Northern Districts in between showers in less than ideal conditions. After the game everyone continued to the Trebonne Hotel for all the awards and trophies as lightning lit up the skies.
Northern Districts won the toss and batted first and with a few of their gun batsmen missing runs were hard to come by. Captain Steven Devietti (33) fought for his runs but no one else could stay with him. Brendan Devietti 3/15 (7) was the best of the Uniteds bowlers and he also claimed a screamer of a catch over his head. Kyle Chiesa 2/22 (7) and Luke Sartor 1/0 (1) were also successful. Veteran Steven Carrara (10) was the only other batsmen for Northern Districts to reach double figures managing a disappointing 89 runs before being bowled out in the last over. Uniteds Mitchell Seri 1/13 (6.3) collecting Northern Districts last wicket.
A screamer of a caught and bowled to Damian Devietti 1/34 (5.4) early gave Northern Districts a sniff of a chance but Uniteds lost only three wickets on the way to victory. Uniteds batsmen Craig Menegon (18) and Mitchell Seri (12no) both managed starts but it was man of the match Luke Sartor (36no) that did all the damage chasing down the runs in the 22nd over. Northern Districts bowlers Michael George 1/10 (5) and Damian Floyd 1/15 (3) broke through Uniteds batsmen trying to defend the modest total.
A quick trip to Trebonne and it was time for all the awards and no surprise it was Troy Menegon into the trophies first including Most Runs (907), best average (129.57) as well as player of the year narrowly beating out Aiden Tennent by two points who was also one of five players to make a hundred runs. The most wickets for the year resulted in a tie with Brendan Copley and Michael George sharing the honours at 18 wickets each. Michael also won best average and most improved player. In the catches department it was Steven Devietti (12) who claimed the trophy with Brad Chiesa (10) the best behind the stumps.
Herbert River had a stunning year at the Goldfield Ashes this year with Craig Menegon (134no), Brett Gilbey (122) and Liam Devietti (120) all making big hundreds at Charters Towers. It is worth mentioning that Craig and Brett both made their hundreds in the same 20 over match. Craig Menegon won the award for best Herbert River’s 1st XI player as well as representative player’s player. Luis Aranas won the best player for Herbert Rivers 2nd XI and Jonte Grazioli won the best Junior Representative Player.
The encouragement award went to Kurt Vettoretto with Damian Devietti winning best and fairest while a worthy Paul Britton won Clubman of the year. Uniteds won the Steven Chiesa Trophy for the second time beating Northern Districts five games to three.
Well that wraps up our season for the year but don’t forget the HRCA “Hinchinbrook Hotel” Over40T20 Challenge is gearing up for first weekend in May and Milo Cricket still has a little over a month to go on Friday Nights. See you at the cricket.
