The annual Walter Taylor Shield cricket competition concluded last Thursday with Ballina defeating Hornsby to claim the 2012 shield. Armidale defeated arch rivals Tamworth in the playoff for fifth and sixth position.
Armidale coach Brad King was pleased with his side’s progress throughout the competition, however a slow start in their first outing against Penrith and a poor spell of bowling in their match against Ballina could have been the difference between being in the final and finishing fifth.
“We started pretty poorly against Penrith getting bowled out for 79,” King said.
“It was disappointing but I think it was the case of first day nerves.
“In our second match we played Ballina and they made 235 against us,” he said.
“We had a little bit of bad bowling in the middle period that cost us, and they scored plenty of runs during that period.
“We couldn’t chase it down, only making 155 in reply, however we did bat a lot better than our first game, which was really pleasing.
“In our third game we played Hunter Valley and we came away with the win thanks to a great inning by Lachlan Elks who scored 113.
“We played Tamworth on the last day with it coming down to the wire, narrowly defeating Tamworth in the last over.”
The Armidale side played in good spirits throughout the competition with strong performances from all the players particularly batsmen Lachlan Elks and Will Archer.
“Both Lachlan and Will are only 14 and will have the experience from this year, that will put them in a good position for the shield next year,” King said.
“On the final day against Tamworth bowlers Brayden Graham and Dylan Yeomans both picked up three wickets, each bowling beautifully.”
Story: Jo Harrison
