TOM HAYES
CRICKET
NATIONAL INCLUSION CHAMPIONSHIPS By TOM HAYES LOCAL impaired cricketers, Justin Morgan and Ben Morrison, were recently a part of the National Cricket Inclusion Championship winning Victoria Deaf on February 10. Morgan currently plays at Meerlieu, and spent the previous three seasons at Heyfield, while Morrison plays at Morwell. Facing off in the Grand Final, Victoria were handed with the task of defeating Queensland for all of the marbles. Queensland defeated Victoria in Round 2 of the competition by 14 runs. After losing the toss, Victoria were thrown in to bat, and listed at first drop was Morgan, who had to wait a little longer than expected to get to the crease. Thanks to a 105-run opening partnership, Morgan was introduced to the crease with the total in good shape. Although for him, it was over before he knew it, after he was dismissed LBW for a golden duck. Thankfully, he wasn’t the only batter to drop first delivery, as it was witnessed later on when Thomas Robertson did the same. Morrison wasn’t needed with the bat. Victoria posted a well-orchestrated total of 7/172 from their 20-over allotment, needing to apply the pressure to hold on. Queensland experienced a difficult start to their innings, with two wickets falling in quick succession. Morgan managed to take the catch for the first wicket, setting the tone for the Victorians. The third-wicket partnership for Queensland steadied the ship, but when the third wicket fell, so did the run-rate. By the time Queensland’s overs were expiring, it was evident that they were short, finishing 14 runs behind – the same margin they defeated Victoria by earlier in the competition. Morrison was one of the more economical Victorian bowlers, with figures of 0/8 from two overs. Victoria’s Deaf team returns home from Queensland with the trophy, after a five-day frenzy. Morgan completed his campaign with 124 runs from six fixtures, the third-most runs throughout the competition. Excluding the Grand Final, Morgan impressively had the highest batting average of anyone that playing four or more games. Morrison claimed three wickets from his 13 overs throughout the tournament.
