Sport
13 November, 2023
Atherton wins first local derby
FOR the first time in over 20 years, Mareeba and Atherton’s A Grade cricket teams went head-to-head for a local derby, with Atherton coming out on top.
Two shields were up for grabs on Saturday – the Optimus 1 Insurance Broker Challenge shield and the Ken Tait Memorial – with Atherton securing both of them.
The Ken Tait Memorial Shield was recently established following the passing of Atherton life member and sporting enthusiast Ken Tait.
Because the memorial shield will go to the winner of three games between the rivals, there is still a way to go before the eventual winner will be decided.
After winning the toss, Mareeba elected to bowl, starting out the game strong and having Atherton on the ropes for 20 overs.
Mareeba’s bowling had Atherton struggling until Atherton’s Dan Parnell “did a Glenn Maxwell”, saving the day for the visiting side.
“The experience of Parnell came in, and he made 83 and put a great partnership on with young Charlie Lawerance, who is only 15 and played really well,” Atherton Captain Tom Boorman said.
“With his experience, he basically dug Atherton out of a hole, and we struggled to contain him,” Mareeba manager Clint Cifuentes said.
When it was Mareeba’s turn to bat, Mareeba’s captain Brendan Falvo was the top scorer with 30 runs, as Parnell shone in the bowling side, taking three wickets and three catches.
Boorman said Parnell had given the team a huge boost in confidence after their recent losing streak.
Despite the loss for Mareeba, the team is still feeling positive heading into the rest of the season.
“You win some, you lose some, and everyone hates losing, you know, but the positives we got out of the game shadowed the negatives,” Cifuentes said.
“It’s all about banking experience.”
Next week, Atherton will be defending the Optimus 1 shield in their home game against Barron River, whilst Mareeba will have a bye.
