SAINT Stanislaus’ College first XI have earned themselves a title shot in the Independent Schools Association division one competition after they defeated St Patrick’s College last Saturday in their semi-final.
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A gritty batting effort from a handful of players and a strong all-round bowling performance from helped Stannies to the 32-run victory on home soil.
They will now take on St Pius X in the Sydney-based decider tomorrow.
“This is big for us, we lost badly to Pius the first time we met this year, but the second time around was very close, a real one versus two contest,” Stannies coach Tony Fisher said.
“They have a powerful, solid top order though they did struggle last week against Oakhill, and some classy strike bowlers. They are a good side, but on paper I think we match up with them very well.
“It will be all about who stands up on the day and who doesn’t let the occasion get the better of them.
“I’ve ticked off one first this season in getting a win against St Pat’s, beating Pius away would be another first and one that would mean a lot.”
Batting first on their home ground last Saturday, Stannies were in early trouble at 3-19. However, James Donato was still at the crease and produced a determined effort amidst the chaos around him.
Jacob Tuxford gave him good support and the pair took the score to 3-80 before Donato fell for 45.
Tuxford departed a little while later for 36, but Lachlan Menzies, recently promoted from the school’s second XI, carried on the good work with a vital 33. Stannies made it to 9-155 at the end of their 50 overs.
The pitch itself has proven tough to score big runs on and the target was always going to be a challenging one for St Pat’s.
They had a similarly poor start to Stannies at 3-21, and the wickets continued to fall. However, given St Pat’s captain James Redman was still at the crease, the visitors were in with a chance.
He was on 52 not out during a 15-run last wicket stand that was just starting to put Stannies on edge when skipper Brad Glasson produced a moment of brilliance.
He threw the stumps down from the boundary, running out Declan Armstrong for one.
Victor Giuliano (3-17) was the best of the Stannies bowlers, but six of their seven-man attack took wickets.
“James Donato held things together really well with the bat and Jacob Tuxford did a great job too, I’d love to see him get a 50 but I’ll take 35 from him every day of the week. Lachie Menzies made a crucial contribution too,” Fisher said.
“That score was more like 200 on most grounds. We got some good decisions early with the ball and the boys just bowled very straight to get us off to a good start.
“The bowling was excellent, Vic Giuliano and Josh Coyte were outstanding and the highlight came with that last wicket from Brad when he threw the stumps down.
“James Redman didn’t look like getting out and they were still a chance with him there.
“Young Glasso assessed the situation well the whole way along and allowed him singles to keep the other guys on strike.”