Weather proved to be the spoiler for Central Highlands’ under-18 cricketers at the Victorian Bushrangers under-18 state championships.
The Highlanders finished second in group D with a win, loss and weather-affected draw in the round robin stage of the competition.
They were due to face Gippsland Pride in the quarter-finals last Wednesday, but the match was called off because of rain-saturated grounds, leaving Pride to progress to the semi-finals because it was higher on the ladder in the group stage.
“It’s very disappointing that we are out to another team because of ladder position,” Highlanders coach Paul Jeffrey said. “It’s a very hollow feeling … you can’t control the weather.”
Jeffrey said the Highlanders had set out to make the finals.
“We wanted to make the finals and see how far we could go,” he said. “The weather meant that didn’t happen.”
Captain Blake Thomson was the standout for the Highlanders, with 167 in two hits.
“He performed really well and was disappointed that he didn’t get on the field,” Jeffrey said.
“Nick Strangio [from Bacchus Marsh Cricket Club], our sp
in bowler, got wickets in both games and the seam bowlers did their bit, too.
“Jakob Tidyman, our opener, made 77 in the second game.”
Despite the disappointing end, Jeffrey said the players had learnt a lot.
“They gelled together well and had a lot of fun, on and off the field.
“They learnt a lot … even though a couple of games were washed out.
“Five or six of the boys are bottom-age players and can play next year.”
In the VicSpirit under-16 state championships, the Highlander girls finished eighth after losing their semi- final to South East Bayside Breakers.
Sent in, the Highlanders struggled to make just 66, Tayla Harris top scoring with 20.
In reply, the Breakers made 7-110. Natalie Svanosio took two wickets.
The under-14 girls finished off the championships in style with a win over the Barwon Rockettes. The Highlanders bowled the Rockettes out for 54, with Imogen Barlow (Gisborne Cricket Club), Rebecca Sinclair and Sophie Dyer taking two wickets each.
In reply, the Highlanders made 88 for their first win in the competition.
