Sport
10 January, 2022
Rovers take out annual shield
ATHERTON travelled to Griffiths Park for a Cricket Far North day-night match against Rovers on Saturday without many of their regular players.
Sitting three and four on the ladder, both teams were vying for third spot and had an added incentive to win as they contested the annual Muoio-Ferguson Shield.
The shield celebrates the friendship and camaraderie between Atherton Life Member and honorary 12th man Anthony Muoio and Rovers Life Member and club stalwart Greg Ferguson.
Paul Nasser won the toss, and his team's applause, when he elected to bat first, sending Rovers out to field in stifling hot conditions.
Atherton’s batsmen got off to a shaky start losing early wickets before Nasser took control putting together an 85 run partnership with Fred Pittorino (30) on his way to a match top score of 70. Depleted to 9 men after a late player withdrawal and an injury forcing Lachy Hollitt to retire hurt, the team fought bravely to post 172 runs.
Defending 172, Jason Salvetti struck early with the ball to have Rovers 2-15. Tait Coghlan struck next claiming the big wicket of the Rovers Captain (3-63).
Paul Nasser returned to the attack with a scintillating 3 wicket maiden to put Atherton right in the game (6-100).
Alex Nasser claimed the next wicket to break a 49 run partnership, but unfortunately Rovers wicket-keeper/batsman Ryan Terry was set at the crease and stuck it out batting the innings and denying any further celebrations.
Paul Nasser said he was proud of the gutsy effort of his team who performed well in the field and gave themselves the best possible chance of victory.
Atherton's next match is scheduled for this Saturday 15 January v Cassowary Coast at Loder Park, Atherton.
RESULT: Atherton 172 (P Nasser 70, F Pittorino 30) Def. by Rovers7-173 (P Nasser 3-28, J Salvetti 2-49, A Nasser 1-5, T Coghlan 1-37)
