Innswood cricket coach says ‘nerves’ contribute to Grace Shield final defeat

Both teams met in the March 12-14 final to determine the best schoolboy cricket team for the corporate area.

In a repeat of last season finale, Excelsior exacted revenge, romping to a 306-run victory at Melbourne Oval on the final day to claim their first hold on the under-19 urban area schoolboy cricket title since 1963 - known back then as the Sunlight Cup. 

The contest was highlighted by Excelsior captain Raewin Senior’s brilliant second innings century of 152 to go along with his half-century knock of 51 on the opening day, and Carlos Brown, the Innswood skipper, who stroked a fine 155, albeit in a losing effort, in pursuit of an improbable 547 runs winning target.

Speaking to Old Harbour News after being dethroned of the coveted cup, Gordon lamented the chances that went a begging in moments of panic by his boys.

“It was our first time losing at Melbourne and looking back at the numerous missed opportunities that came our way and we failed to capitalise by taking our chances,” said Gordon, who has led the institution to four Grace Shield titles. “On day one we put down seven catches that went to hand; and over 10 (catches) on day two.”

He continued: “You don't expect to compete after so many errors. We allowed them to gain confidence each time we let them off the hook, but it's all in the game.

“Nerves got the best of us over the three days and Excelsior made the best use of us being nervous.”

Excelsior opted to bat first on a dry wicket after winning the toss and made 286 all out with Akeem Malcolm (60) and Senior contributing significantly.

A superb Kevin Peterson toiled long and hard with the ball for Innswood as his 31.2 overs yielded five wickets for 75 runs, while teammate Dwayne Sinclair wrapped up the tail to end with two wickets for six runs.

Innswood were off to a horrible start in their response and never recovered as they were blown away for 119 despite Brown’s battling knock of 40.

With a healthy lead of 167 runs, Excelsior tightened their grip on match as openers Kirk McKenzie (45) and Akeem Malcolm (75) shared in a century-run partnership.

Following the departure of McKenzie, Excelsior went into overdrive, as Brandon English hit an aggressive 44 from 29 balls. English was later joined by his skipper Senior, who rode his luck while piling on the pressure with a brilliant knock of 152. Eventually Excelsior were bowled out for 379 runs, setting the defending champions an improbable target to win.

Innswood started the third and final day of the absorbing encounter on 11 for one and surely wanted to give a better performance with the bat at the second time of asking.

But thoughts of another batting collapse seemed imminent when opener Gimalli McPherson went cheaply in the morning session, LBW playing across the line to a McKenzie full toss.

That dismissal brought captain Brown to the crease and the Innswood skipper threw caution to the wind with a gallant boundary-laden 155. No Excelsior bowler was spared by Brown’s onslaught; however, the skipper was unable to find an able ally at the other end, as wickets fell around him.

Both McKenzie and English ended with four wickets apiece, as Innswood were eventually dismissed for 240 all out and denied a fifth hold of the Grace Shield.

While giving credit to Excelsior for a deserved victory, Gordon noted that having a sixth form programme gave their opponents that extra bit of advantage.

“So to them (Excelsior) I must say a big congratulations and also good effort to my boys who came through our school system from grade seven,” he said. “It's like we were up against a cricket club in this final, knowing that they have recruited players while our system without a sixth form doesn't allow us such privilege.”

The top teams from both corporate and rural areas will now shift their focus towards the ISSA T20 cricket tournament, set to commence following the playing of the Headley Cup final between Manchester and St Elizabeth Technical High School.