By Justin Flynn
Barwon Heads defeated North Geelong in the Under 17 Just cricket grand final thanks to some superb individual performances that complimented a genuine team effort all season.
After winning the toss and batting first on Saturday March 9, the Seagulls were in early trouble, losing two wickets with just two runs on the board.
A 132-run partnership between promising wicket-keeper Matteo Surace (67 from 94 deliveries) and star all-rounder Taj Don (58 from 113) resurrected the innings and an unbeaten 23 from 30 balls from Daniel Shaw pushed the final total up to 6/196 from 50 overs.
Fred Lucas picked up two wickets for the Magpies while Liam Biddiscombe was tidy with 0/19 from 12 overs.
Don struck early for Barwon Heads on the following morning, but ultra promising all-rounder Biddiscombe and a patient 18 from 81 balls from Harvey Marles yielded a 95-run stand.
Biddiscombe played beautifully and was probably the only player standing in the way of a Heads victory, but when he departed for 69 from 77 deliveries, the Heads were able to wrap the innings up quickly.
Don (4/31) and Angus Ford (4/10) were the pick of the bowlers with North Geelong all out for 121.
Queenscliff won the Under 17 Everett competition with Jordan Monahan (4/36 and 55 from 51 balls) the star of the show.
Lethbridge defeated Corio in Under 17 Dempsey with Harry Bugeja (3/22) and Rory Harding (37 not out from 25 deliveries) the architects.
Grovedale and Geelong City played out a thrilling tie in the Under 15 Edmond final with both teams being crowned premiers. Both sides were all out for 175 from 49.5 overs with Grovedale’s Heath Langley (3/29), Luke Harper (3/25) and Ryder Scott (48) and City’s Noah Brooks (55 not out) and Riley McLure (4/26) having great games.
Bell Post Hill are the Under 15 Elliot premiers defeating St Joseph’s with Giorgio Grivas making 50.
Modewarre defeated Geelong City in Under 15 Douglas with Spencer Rashleigh taking 4/11.
Highton took out the Under 15 D’Arcy title despite a fine 5/24 from Jan Juc’s Taj Haidlinger. Harry Emerson (4/12 ans 64 retired) had a massive game for Highton and Riley Trickett (44) batted well.
Chelsea Reid starred for North Geelong in its Under 18 Girls final against St Joseph’s. Reid took three wickets and made 29 retired as the Magpies won by four wickets.
Emerson Hovey (31 not out), Molly Schroeter (30 not out) and Ella McDonald (29 retired) made runs in Grovedale’s Under 15 Girls A premiership while Isabella Dunne (29 not out) was good for East Belmont.
Piper Benson made 23 retired from 25 deliveries and took a wicket in South Barwon’s Under 15 Girls B Central West premiership win against Barrabool.
Collendina defeated cross-river rivals Barwon Heads in the Under 15 Girls B South East grand final with Holly Britt (26) and Ruby Armstrong (20 retired) getting runs while Holly Don (37 not out) and Matilda Cole (22 not out) did the same for the Seagulls.
