THE hard work is only just beginning for Camden Haven High School after last Friday’s win over Lismore High School.
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The 34-run win at Coffs Harbour handed the Hastings school the CHS Alan Davidson Shield and the title of North Coast champions.
Previously, the best they had progressed in the tournament had been the third round
Should they keep winning in the knockout format, a match-up with well-known sports high schools such as Westfield or Hunter awaits.
Coach Shane Williams was impressed with how his year 11/12 boys team went about their win last week.
“Not only did we win the game by 30 runs, but we won it with a player short,” he said.
“One of our guys couldn’t make it on the day and we didn’t know that until the morning of the game.
“Being up at Coffs Harbour we couldn’t get a player up there so we defended our total one player down.”
After captain Kade Beauchamp lost the toss, Camden Haven High were sent in and compiled 9-142 with Connor Cook and Dan Adelt (both 38) leading the way.
Beauchamp (18), Bryce Cook (17 not out) and Rhyan Hudson (12) all chipped in.
Camden Haven then dismissed Lismore for 98 in reply with all the bowlers taking vital wickets, including Liam Adelt (3-20 off seven overs) and Zac Alchin (3-15 off eight).
Williams said his side had continued to improve throughout the tournament with some impressive wins.
“Unfortunately a couple of local schools couldn’t get teams together so they forfeited, but our third round was against Kempsey which we won convincingly,” he said.
“Then we played against Woolgoolga who had some very talented players on their home ground and we won that convincingly too.”
A consistent effort with both bat and ball has been the key to Camden Haven High’s success.
“We know we don’t have strike fast bowlers and we don’t have super classy batsmen; we’re just a great team,” Williams said.
We know we don’t have strike fast bowlers, we don’t have super classy batsmen; we’re just a great team.
- Camden Haven High School year 11/12 boys cricket coach Shane Williams
“The guys worked together with great fielding and bowling in partnerships.
“We wanted to make sure that our fifth and sixth balls were dot balls and the guys worked really hard on that.”
With the majority of the team in year 11, Williams was quietly confident their golden run could continue.
“We’re a young team, so the really great thing about it is we’ll only lose two players next year when we start again,” he said.
“The majority will have the experience hopefully to get to this level again.”
Williams acknowledged the hard work had only just begun.
“There’s still a long way to go now,” he said.
“With knockout cricket you don’t know what you’re going to get especially if you’re playing against teams you don’t see regularly.
“We’re the North Coast champions at this stage and we will play against another region and once we win that game we could go to state championships.
“That’s the top six regions in the state so the next game is another level altogether.”
Camden Haven High School’s next match is expected to be played in late February at a venue to be determined.