Sport
13 March, 2026
Cyclone’s gutsy play falls short
THE Cassowary Coast Cyclones tier two cricket team produced a gutsy performance at Cazalys stadium in round 14 of the James Hopes Cup under 13s one-day competition in Cairns on 1 March, but a brilliant all round display from Rovers young star Neil Vineeth proved the difference in an entertaining contest.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, openers William Robertson and Lincoln Hayward laid a steady foundation, negotiating the new ball to move the score to 19.
Just as they looked settled, Vineeth struck and trapped Hayward LBW with the second last ball of his opening spell. He then removed Sebastian Di Mauro with his next delivery to take two wickets in as many balls, which swung the momentum sharply in Rovers’ favour.
Robertson remained composed on a low bouncing wicket, running well between wickets, before retiring and later returning to finish unbeaten on 19.
Wickets fell regularly, but the Cyclones built handy partnerships along the way. Jaxon Lizzio (7) and Arvin Gill (7*) combined for a valuable 27-run stand, while Brady Devaney (4), Darcy Aspinall (6), Lucas Blair (8) and Declan Lizzio (9) all chipped in. The innings closed with the Cyclones dismissed for 97 with two balls remaining.
Rovers began their chase briskly, racing to 25, before Darcy Aspinall pulled off a spectacular diving catch at mid-wicket to give Zach Boon-Hollows (2/15) the breakthrough.
Declan Lizzio (1/13) trapped the Rovers captain LBW, and Boon-Hollows struck again to leave the match delicately poised at 3/32.
Vineeth shifted the game when he entered at a crucial moment and blasted an unbeaten 22 from just 15 balls, swinging momentum back to Rovers. The Cyclones’ decision to attack him with spin almost paid off, but a missed stumping chance proved costly.
In the field, the Cyclones showed consistent energy and discipline, especially Devaney who cut off countless singles, building pressure.
Late wickets to Gill (1/20), Di Mauro (1/6) and Robertson (2/1) kept the team’s hopes alive, but Rovers passed the target and were dismissed for 118 runs, securing the win.
Despite the result, cricket fans at Cazalys witnessed a match with terrific spirit, as well as a display of impressive skills and determination from both teams.
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