The Western Spirit under-18s had a thrilling win against South East Bayside Breakers in Sunday’s Victorian Bushrangers 50-overs state cricket championship.
The match went down to the final over, with the Spirit needing one wicket and the Breakers just seven runs for the win.
A runout on the first ball of the over clinched it for the Spirit, who had got off to a bad start with the bat, stumbling to 4-27.
Opener Jarryd Clements anchored the innings, making 50 as the team struggled to post a score.
Effective lower-order batting from No. 9 Jack Mattsson took the Spirit to 9-166, Mattsson making 39 before being run out.
In reply, the Breakers lost an early wicket before seemingly taking control at 2-76.
Tight bowling by the Spirit attack reaped 4-12 to give the team a chance.
Within sight of victory, the Breakers started to lose wickets and at the end fell just short, all out for 160.
The Central Highlanders under-18 boys state team lost its opening match by 18 runs.
Originally the group D match between the Northern Falcons and Highlanders was scheduled to be played at Princes Park, Carlton, but the game was moved to Donvale after rain in the lead-up.
The Falcons won the toss and decided to bowl.
Two early wickets, including state player Matthew Underwood, seemed to have justified the call.
But the Highlanders’ other state representative, Blake Thomson, set about righting the ship, setting some sort of total, and his 87 helped push the score to 8-166.
With 23, Romsey’s Rowan Scott was the only other batsman to get going.
Leg-Spinner Nick Strangio, who plays for Bacchus Marsh, struck early to have the Falcons 2-36, but the Highlanders struggled to keep the pressure on, let alone take wickets.
The Falcons finished on 5-181.
The Highlanders’ second-round match was due to be played on Monday against Outer East Eagles, while the Spirit was due to play the Northern Rivers.
Round three today pits the Spirit against Mallee Murray Bulls, while the Highlanders take on South East Sharks.
