Cricket is a team game played by individuals. In a match dominated statistically by one player, Singleton skipper Abe Gibson, ultimately it was several cameo performances that also contributed to a great team effort which saw the Integra Coal Singleton Under 16’s take the spoils against Upper Hunter.

In the team’s first home game of the season, Singleton was once again successful at the toss and elected to have first use of the Cook Park 3 pitch.

Jake Daniels joined Jackson Cox at the top of the order and the new pairing put on 28 for the first wicket when Jackson went for 11. Jake contributed 19 in his new role and with the score 2 for 47 at the first drinks break Singleton was in a sound position.

However Singleton lost wickets regularly in the middle session and were teetering at 8 for 111 when drinks were taken for the final time. When the ninth wicket fell at 115 Abe Gibson was rejoined by Evan Moss who had been injured earlier following a collision with the Upper Hunter wicketkeeper.

Abe was in fine touch and received great support from a very determined Evan. Evan was run out in the 48th over for a valuable 26 with Abe standing tall, undefeated on 70. The pair had put on 48 for the last wicket which gave Singleton a score of 163 and something for the bowlers to defend.

The message was clear for the need to bowl stump to stump on the wearing wicket. The bowlers followed the plan extremely well with five of the Upper Hunter batsmen bowled and another out LBW. The bowlers received great support in the field with Robbie Lopes and Jake Daniels each snaring two catches, with Jake’s second an outstanding one hand grab of a ball that looked to be flying well over his head.

The ground fielding efforts were also pleasing with Karlee Nowland and Evan Moss leading the way.

Abe Gibson capped a memorable day with figures of 4/27 with his left arm orthodox spinners as well as pulling all the right reigns with clever bowling changes and field placements and was a well deserved winner of the “Match Ball”.