 Reds Win Last Ball T20 Thriller
  Cool as ice Ned Vandermark turned last ball hero smacking the winning runs for a thrilling T20 victory for the Gordon Reds on Saturday.
The unflappable Vandermark - needing one from the final delivery – held his nerve and smashed a pull shot for four to seal a great victory.
Last ball hero Ned Vandermark receives the personal best reward from coach Andrew Chitty
There were hugs and high fives from all players as the ball screamed over the boundary. Vandermark stood in his crease with his bat raised in triumph. Parents applauded. Management smiled and coach Andrew Chitty was rewarded for all his outstanding work with the team in 2011.
Earlier, the Reds held the Lane Cove team to 86 runs from their 20 overs. It was a very good effort as the damp outfield turned the ball into a red piece of slippery soap. The Gordon bowlers did well just to grip the ball and to hit the deck with such efficiency.
Good sportsmanship is the hallmark of the U12 Reds and Lachlan Irving was this week's winner
Chasing 87 to win from their 20 overs, the early Red batsmen fell cheaply. Too many went chasing the big hit when a more measured shot was required. It might be a Twenty20 game boys but you still have to play cricket shots!
The innings picked up with Tom Brown continuing his good form with the bat as he clipped numerous shots off his pads to the boundary. Brown retired 20 not out.
A couple more wickets fell cheaply until Tim Perry sent a few loose deliveries to the boundary.
The Reds celebrate after winning their T20 game on the last ball of the game
When Perry was forced to retire it was up to Vandermark and Finn Mclay to get the Reds home in the dying overs.
The pair got the team to within six runs of victory when Mclay was run out bringing Brae Mason back into bat to join Vandermark.
Mason missed a couple of wide balls then picked up a single. Vandermark was now on strike. With two balls to go, Vandermark and Mason turned one run into two and the scores were now tied. The equation was simple – one ball, one run to win.
As the bowler came in, everyone on the boundary held their breath and watched. Vandermark didn’t flinch. He stepped inside the line and cracked the ball to the boundary for four and a memorable victory. Insert pandemonium!
Not surprisingly, Vandermark picked up the Personal Best award for his heroics with the bat and the field where he has developed into an expert long stop and a fine bowler.
The Good Sportsmanship trophy went to the enthusiastic Lachlan Irving.
The U12 Reds should be very proud of the way they’ve played so far this season. They set the example when it comes to walking in with the bowler and for good sportsmanship. It’s hard to imagine any team in the U12 competition matching the Reds in these departments.
The Reds go into the Christmas break fourth in the table.
Keep practicing during the holidays and see you late January for the second half of the season.
Congratulations boys on a good year!
Go the mighty Gordon Reds.
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