SUNRAYSIA’S under-13 boys cricket side are champions of the Country Northern Rivers Junior Country Week.
Despite yesterday’s grand final against Shepparton in Rochester being washed out, Sunraysia were crowned champions after finishing undefeated on top of the ladder.
The Sunraysia boys had been in prime position after getting Shepparton all out for 77, but did not get the chance to bat. Mildura West’s Josh Driscoll (2/6), Nichols Point’s Colby Marr (2/6) and Irymple’s Oliver Cooper (2/17) led a solid all-round attack.
Their Wednesday game was forfeited by opposition Goulburn Murray, allowing immediate passage to the grand final.
The under-17 and under-15 teams campaigns finished on Wednesday, with respective losses to Bendigo and Shepparton.
In the older age group, Sunraysia finished at 9/133 after their 45 overs.
After finding themselves at 3/32, Merbein South duo Dillon Furze (45) and Kurtis Fitzpatrick (21) managed a 40-run partnership to steady the ship, before Furze and Irymple’s Kade Bayes (15) added another 42 together.
A strong Bendigo side how-ever were able to reach the total for the loss of just one wicket, led by Xavier Austin (50 retired not out).
The under-15 side gallantly fell five runs short after holding Shepparton to 5/149 from their 45 overs, with opening bowler, Setts’ Mitchell Lindsey, taking 2/27.
Following the loss of two early wickets, skipper Monty Maloney (15) and Beau Kiel (10), both of Setts, put together a 37-run stand, before Lindsey went on to top score with 40.
The final three wickets fell for 11 in the final overs.
Meanwhile, also on Wednes-day, the Mallee Murray Suns under-15 Girls Youth Premier League side were unable to secure victory in their opening contest of the campaign.
Up against Western Waves, the Suns side finished on at 8/163 after their 40 overs. Mildura West’s Demi Zanoni starred with 38, as did Mildura Settlers Abby Collihole with 32 at the top of the order.
Unfortunately they could not stop opening batter Lila Wilkinson, whose unbeaten 103 led Waves to a four-wicket victory. Zanoni and Setts’ Abbey Aldridge each took two wickets.
Their next games take place on Monday and are set to run during next week.
