Under 16 Twenty20 - so close!

U16B just miss out in a nail biter!

Moonee Valley U16B, captained by Alex Coote, just failed to beat St Andrews at Ormond Park on November 30 after the visitors we coasting to victory - needing only 9 runs with 8 wickets remaining!

MVCC batted first with Dan Comande (25) and Tom Memery (20) leading the charge with an opening stand of 46. Other useful runs also came from Reilly O’Brien (17) and skipper Alex Coote (21no).

In reply St Andrews, after losing two early wickets built a long stand of 86, so with 30 balls remaining only 9 runs were needed. Game over, or so they thought.

Enter spin bowler David Royle who ended with figures of 3/4! He was well supported by opening bowlers Kurtis Tankard (2/19) and Reilly O’Brien (2/20) and teammates in the field like Nick Whalley (3 catches).

The Valleys pulled in St Andrews, who lost 6 wickets for only 8 runs. As a result, the St Andrews camp went from relaxed enjoyment to total panic.

The final over needed two runs for victory, and with one ball left St Andrews won the game.

It was a moral victory for this improving MVCC junior side.