Black Hats poised to break clear of chasing pack at right time of season

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Black Hats poised to break clear of chasing pack at right time of season

Millicent Black Hats versus Naracoorte Townies


A charitable cause and forecast milder weather should draw a large crowd to Pink Stumps Day at Millicent’s Norm Facey Oval on Saturday


According to the official Millicent Naracoorte Cricket Association program, it is a round 12 meeting of reigning premiers and ladder leaders Millicent Black Hats and fourth-placed Naracoorte Townies.


With only two more rounds to play after this weekend, the outcome of this match will have a huge bearing on the makeup of the major round contests.


While the game will be keenly contested, support for the McGrath Foundation and its nationwide network of breast cancer care nurses will be the main focus.


Members of the Millicent Black Hats Cricket Club have worked hard to secure the success of the fundraiser with tremendous donations of goods for either auction or to be raffled.


Heading the donated items list is a Gray Nicholls Kaboom replica cricket bat bearing the signature of star batsman Dave Warner.


Another piece of sporting memorabilia expected to fetch a high price is a pink cap autographed by Glenn McGrath.


The Millicent-based club has followed the lead of the Rendelsham Cricket Club which has successfully staged three Pink Stumps Days in recent years.


Out on the pitch, the young Millicent Black Hats will be out to avenge the narrow one-ball defeat at Mount Burr in round 11.


The majority of the team are under 20 years of age and so experienced players like skipper Mitchell Nitschke have to perform a mentoring role as well.


Association and Millicent officials are pleased the Naracoorte Townies are happy to enter the spirit of Pink Stumps Day.


Rendelsham versus Mount Burr


Both teams were victorious in round 11 with Rendelsham cantering to victory at Kingston while Mount Burr only just lowered the colours of the Millicent Black Hats at home.


The number five loomed large in the stand-out performances of Mount Burr veterans Adrian Thompson and Rob Francis.


Thompson toiled away in heat to capture five wickets while Francis faced five balls and calmly scored the five runs for victory.


The win is even more significant when you consider that reliable all-rounder Mark Wright was not in the team.


The victory over the top team was a tonic for Mount Burr but Rendelsham also had some morale-boosting moments of their own in the past week.


Sam Bell achieved a hattrick while Jake Wight has been selected in the South East team for the annual Country Carnival in Adelaide.


The home side should win.


Naracoorte Warriors versus Kingston


The fifth-placed Naracoorte Warriors are still a chance of major round action whereas Kingston is set to stay at the foot of the ladder.


It has been a disappointing return to the competition for the seasiders after a season in recess.


The 2024/25 season has produced many upsets and no one would begrudge Lady Luck smiling on Kingston as the minor round draws to a close.


Second-placed Lucindale has the bye.

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