The Dowling Shield (U16s) campaign ended yesterday with a strong win over Northcote CC. The win signaled the end to what has been a very promising season for the young squad, one in which a host of young talent was uncovered and the future shone bright for the Bombers.

Round 1 - ECC V KHCC - WASH OUT
ROUND 2
ECC8-228 DEF DANDENONG 154
Sent in to bat first on a tricky wicket, Essendon had their backs to the wall at 5-72. However,
a 123-run stand from opener Henry Newing (88 off 150) and Samin Shafquat (67 off 61) got
the home team to 8-228. Looking solid at 1-93, it was Captain Jackson Martin who ripped
through the panthers claiming 5-30 to bowl the away side all out for 154.

ROUND 3 T20
ECC 3-108 DEF FOOTSCRAY 7-106
Winning the toss and batting first at Princes Park 3, Footscray were restricted to 7-106 after
their 20 overs. With strong bowling performances from co-captains Jackson Martin (2/16 off
4) and Simrth Gill (1/6 off 3). Despite Footscray claiming two early wickets, solid innings
from Bombers Shafquat (34* off 31), Martin (33* off 31), and Aarav Laxman (31 off 37)
helped to secure the win only three down.
ROUND 4 T20
ECC 110 DEF BY CARLTON 4-111
Coming off a win earlier in the day, Essendon won the toss and elected to bat first at Princes
Park. A hot start from the blues had the Bombers on the ropes at 6-24, however another
gutsy knock from Captain Martin (63 off 43) assisted by Luay Miraz (22 off 30) dragged the
away side to 110. Despite a solid bowling innings from the boys, Carlton proved too good
winning the match with four balls remaining. Miraz was the pick of the bowlers, claiming
2/21 off his four.

ROUND 5
ECC 8-160 DEF PRAHRAN 159
Looking to get back on the winners list in a do or die clash, the Dowling boys headed to
Righetti Oval to take on Prahran. With the home side winning the toss and opting to bat
first, the Bombers looked to make early inroads. George Martindale (1/13 off 5) was the first
to strike, picking up a wicket in his first over. With a solid partnership through the middle
overs, Essendon needed a spark. Sandula Edirisinghe was the man, claiming 3/24 off 8 to
help restrict Prahran to 159 after 42 overs. At 4-103 the Bombers looked in full control,
however a late fight back swung the momentum back the home sides way. Proving to be a
tricky run chase, solid knocks from Luay Miraz (32 off 32) and an unbeaten 26* from Vansh
Sandhu saw Essendon get over the line with six overs to spare.

ROUND 6
ECC 9-191 DEF BY GEELONG 6-195
With an exciting win the day prior, the Bombers were back at Windy Hill to take on an
undefeated Geelong. Sent in to bat first at home, Essendon were looking to post a big total
with finals in their sights. An impressive start with the ball once again saw the home side
under the pump at 6-79. 14-year-old Edirisinghe impressed, leading the fightback with a
resilient unbeaten 62* off 96. Assisted by George Martindale (29 off 59) the pair were able
to put up a competitive total of 191. Needing to be near perfect with the ball, Martindale
claimed another early wicket to provide the start they needed. Despite a late flurry of
wickets falling, impressive knocks coming from Geelong’s middle order was enough to get
them over the line. A tough loss for Essendon.
ROUND 7
ECC 50-248 DEF NORTHCOTE 8-246
Coming into the final round sitting 6th on the ladder, the Bombers not only needed to win
but to win big for a chance to sneak into the top four. With Northcote opting to bat first on
a good Windy Hill wicket, the dragons put up a strong first innings total of 246. Martin was
once again crucial with ball in hand, taking an outstanding 6/35 off 10 to pin the away side
back. Needing to boost their net run rate, opener Vansh Sandhu provided a solid start
blasting 55 off 53. Assisted by Martin who completed his day out with an unbeaten 87* 82,
the home side completed an incredible chase five down with four overs to spare.
Despite finishing the tournament with a solid record of four wins and two losses, the Bombers were left stranded just outside the top four finishing in 7th position. Just missing the finals should not take away any shine from what was a great campaign.
Whilst the entire squad should be pleased with their efforts, all of whom made contributions during the campaign special mention should be made of all rounder Jackson Martin who topped both the batting and bowling averages with a staggering 16 wickets at 9.38 and 236 runs at 59. Martin has been super impressive in his first year in Bomber's colours also impressing week in and week out in the 2nd XI.

A special mention and thanks must also be made of the fantastic efforts of both coaches Archit Bhatia and Jaspar Wilson-Keir for their tireless work with the squad. With young men of the calibre and talent of everyone involved with the Dowling Shield Squad this year it is safe to say the future is in safe hands.

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