Cricket
21 November, 2025
Giants fall to Marnoo in WMCA
The Southern Mallee Giants endured a tough afternoon on Saturday, falling to a strong Marnoo outfit by six wickets in a low-scoring contest defined by early batting trouble and determined late resistance.
Sent in to bat, the Giants struggled to find stability as the top order faltered under disciplined Marnoo bowling.
Wickets fell in clusters, with the Giants slumping to 5/23 before mounting any form of recovery.
A lone bright spot emerged in Clint Castleman, who held his nerve while chaos unfolded around him.
Castleman finished 21 not out, carrying his bat and showing the patience and grit the situation demanded.
At the tail, Axel and Colt Decker added invaluable resistance, helping drag the total to a modest 69 all out, preventing what could have been an even more lopsided scoreboard.
Defending a small total, the Giants showed impressive spirit with the ball.
contest on its head.
Castleman backed up his batting effort with the ball, snaring one wicket, while the fielding unit tightened up after the early overs.
Despite the pressure, Marnoo’s depth and composure proved decisive.
They reached 70 with six wickets in hand, sealing the result but made to work for it during a tense middle period where the Giants’ bowlers briefly controlled the match.
Although the final margin reflects Marnoo’s strength, the Giants’ determination, particularly in the field, offered positives to build on as they look to rebound next round.
Hopetoun Community Hotel award: Jackson Moore
The Southern Mallee Giants came out firing on the second morning, tasked with chasing a target of 131 set by Warracknabeal.
After getting off to a good start last week, the young Giants resumed on 0/15 with Max Robarts and Lenny Weir who had came into the side for the sick Lawson Hallam.
Max could only add five runs to his score before being bowled by a very good ball.
Lenny batted well with Colt Decker and they built a nice partnership, steadying the chase.
Colt made 16 before falling to a sharp catch.
Young Murphy Jochinke was promoted up the order after showing some promising signs in the nets at training. He was unlucky to be bowled for nought.
Lenny continued to look to capitalise on a great batting wicket and faster than normal outfield to continue to bring down the required runs quickly. He retired on 51 which is a great effort.
Ned, Denzel, Fletcher and Clancy were able to work together to get us past the 131 target.
With the boys retiring, It was a great feeling to get the win and more towards giving everyone a bat for the rest of the overs.
Well done to the juniors on a great win by the team.
Mealsbox Café award: Lenny Weir
