Denmark remain undefeated after win over Blues in Albany and Districts Cricket Association under-14 comp

Denmark added to their unblemished record with a two-wicket victory over Blues in the Albany and Districts Cricket Association under-14 competition on Saturday. The Blues set Denmark 88 to win and they cruised past that total with ease, declaring at 8-206 in reply. A brilliant unbeaten 75-run innings by Magpies’ Ryan Hick and a half-century by Jake Schwarzbach proved the difference in their eighth win of the season, with the pair retiring not out inside 29 overs. The Blues started well with a 30-run partnership between Ryan Goatley (5) and Fraser King (15) but they were both caught short of their crease to leave the score at 2-39. Only five more batters made their way out to the middle but all their wickets fell at the cost of just 48 as the team were skittled for 87. Tylan Menery was the only multiple wicket-taker for Denmark with 2-21, while Schwarzbach took 1-5 from three overs. Lochie Otway (10) and Gavin Davidson (4) were removed first for Denmark but contributions in the middle order from Schwarzbach and Hick proved the catalyst. Schwarzbach smashed 50 off 36 balls, including eight fours, while Hick hit a stunning 75 off 35 in an innings that included six fours and seven sixes. Koby Harvey was the pick of the bowlers for Blues with figures of 2-31, while Taj Carruthers also impressed (1-12). Warriors were 29-run victors over Mt Barker after posting a strong total of 7-165, with the Bulls managing only 136 in reply. Warriors’ Eugene Bird hit an unbeaten 29 off 44 and John Byrne whacked 28 off 35. Bulls’ Lucas Baker toiled hard in a losing affair to return figures of 3-14. Bulls’ Logan Miller top-scored for the Bulls with 32, while Lucas Smart claimed 2-17 for the Warriors. In the final round 10 clash, Redbacks emerged 35-run winners over Kings for their second win of the season. Mason Webster chipped in with 19 as the Redbacks posted 131 batting first, with the Kings failing to reach that total, skittled for 96 in reply. Evan Pretorius was the pick of the bowlers with 3-16. Pretorius again put the team on his back with a brilliant 36 off 39 in the run chase, including six fours, but it wasn’t enough to get them over the line. Redbacks’ Oscar Kerin claimed the wonderful figures of 3-10.