Emma Pritchard

The Grafton Public School cricket team is celebrating after finishing second in the 2024 NSW PSSA State Knockout Competition in Bathurst on November 19.

After progressing to the final off the back of a strong performance against Timbumburi Public School in a closely contested qualifying match with a winning score of eight runs, the boys from Years 4, 5, and 6, quickly established a dominant presence at the crease and completed their innings with a score of 9/98 inside 25 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat.

But with less than three overs remaining, their opponents from Riverbank School in Sydney closed in on their total after sustaining the required run rate throughout the match to secure the title.

Open to all public schools, the 2024 NSW PSSA State Knockout Competition once again attracted a high number of talented teams, with several students continually demonstrating their brilliance with the bat and finesse on the field throughout the year.

Coach of the Grafton Public School cricket team Natasha Geary said she was incredibly proud of the boys and complimented them on their phenomenal accolade.

“To finish second in the state against such a high number of competitive teams is a fantastic achievement,” she said.

“They are an absolutely amazing team.

“They’re really good all-rounders, but we do have some amazing batsmen and fielders who are so strong and focused under pressure, and our bowlers have kept improving all year.

“I am so proud of them and the way they conducted themselves and represented our school and the Clarence Valley community, and I’m especially proud that they got to experience being part of the competition because they all work and train so hard.

“The boys were just excited to spend time together and they all live and breathe cricket.

“They are all so dedicated and committed to the sport, and to watch them embrace every opportunity which is presented to them to learn more and further their skills, it’s a great sight to behold.”

Mrs Geary said the boys love referring to themselves as the second-best team in NSW and describes their bond on and off the field as amazing and inspirational.

“They always listen to what you have to say to them, and they constantly work hard to improve their skills,” she said.

“It’s so pleasing to watch them achieve so much, and to hear them talk about wanting to be part of the competition again next year.

“That is really exciting, and it is definitely a goal we’ll be working towards.”

While congratulating the team on their superb performance, Mrs Geary also wished to acknowledge Assistant Coach Dayne McPhillips who has been working with the boys during the past two years.

Principal of Grafton Public School Nick Campbell also extended his congratulations to the team and coaching staff and told the Clarence Valley Independent he was exceptionally proud of their achievements.