Northern Rivers began its Victorian Country Cricket League under-21 and under-18 male campaigns in Stawell and Kerang respectively, with contrasting results stemming from the two 50-over affairs.
Rivers’ under-21 outfit overpowered Western Waves with ease, sailing to a nine wicket victory with plenty of Cricket Shepparton stars shining on the rep stage.
Karramomus speedster Declan Newbound snared impressive figures of 3-48 as the Waves crashed out for 153, putting Rivers in the hot seat for victory.
And boy did they oblige.
Pine Lodge import Dylan Hardy faced the new ball and went on to make a handsome 53 before being dismissed, while former Lodger Emile Haratbar (five not out) hit the winning runs with Bendigo’s Judd Gilchrist (62 not out) at the crease with him.
Rivers’ under-21s - which also features Mooroopna’s Ben Woods, Karramomus’ Bailey Simpson and ex-Central Park-St Brendan’s all-rounder Keiran Hogeboom - take on Barwon Rockets in Bendigo this Sunday.
Meanwhile, the under-18 side took on a formidable Mallee Murray unit near the NSW border.
Mallee Murray batted first, making 7-276 with CPStB’s Alex Robertson (3-32) the pick of the bowlers, before Northern Rivers limped to 158 all out without any GV talents making any notable scoring inroads.
The side has its chance to bounce back this Sunday, taking on Central Highlands in Castlemaine.
In other representative cricket news, Waaia was unable to blot out Strathdale-Maristians Suns in the Northern Rivers Kookaburra Cup.
Comprised of the reigning premiers from last season’s T20 competitions under the Northern Rivers banner, Waaia trekked to Bendigo to take the Suns on their back deck - and one man made best use of the home ground advantage.
James Barri caned a grandiose 102 off 49 as the hosts made 4-179, reversing an early deficit after Jesse Trower nabbed Cameron Taylor’s wicket with the first ball of the afternoon.
On the chase, the Bombers chugged along steadily with Brayden Carey (47 runs) and Jaime Riley (38 runs) making inroads, and 13 overs down, the game hung in the balance with Waaia sitting at 5-117.
But as time ran out, the Bombers flew too close to the Suns.
In a spell that had to be seen to be believed, Waaia lost four wickets in four balls to end the match in the 18th over, 38 runs shy of victory.
Strathdale-Maristians’ pacer Sam Johnston was the lodestar behind the destruction, claiming a rare double hat-trick and finishing with a salivating stat line of 5-7.
