Bairnsdale Cricket Association finished fifth in the Gippsland Cricket League under 15 junior country week competition.
The highlight of the week was Wy Yung’s Harrison Forbes selection in the all Gippsland side at the conclusion of the carnival.
The Warragul and District Cricket Association hosted the tournament, which began with a Sunday’s play in mid December and culminated with five days of action last week.
Bairnsdale lost to old foe Sale Maffra in round one, the Sharks chasing down Bairnsdale’s 9/173 with four overs remaining and for the loss of just four wickets.
Among the runs were Forbes (60), skipper Mitch Johnson (43) and Albie Clarke (21).
After a bye on New Year’s Day, Latrobe Valley defeated Bairnsdale by 29 runs in round three.
Noah Mathers topped score with 16 with the leading wicket takers being Clarke (2/15) and Harper Clack (2/6).
Round four was abandoned after just 16 overs due to rain with Warragul 2/33.
A disappointing performance in round five saw Bairnsdale rolled for just 69, no match for Leongatha who amassed 165.
GRAND FINAL
Leongatha and Sale played off in the grand final, Leongatha winning the toss and batting first, bowled out in the final over for 121.
Louis Read top scored with 27 not out, with Eamon Berryman contributing 20.
Spinners Blake Rowley (3/13) and Mitchell Robinson (2/22) were effective for the Sharks, while fieldsmen Patrick Horan clutched a remarkable five catches in the Leongatha innings.
Sale Maffra got home with five overs to spare for the loss of just four wickets, man of the match, Robinson, outstanding with a classy 50.
ALL GIPPSLAND
During the official presentations the All Gippsland under 15 side was announced. Players selected were Horan (Sale Maffra), Ashton Ceeney (Latrobe Valley), Artie Davidson (Warragul), Ty Debono (Leongatha), Jobe Williams (Leongatha), Forbes (Bairnsdale), Dylan Van Der Stoep (Latrobe Valley), Macauley Pendergast (Sale Maffra), Jacob Dunn (Latrobe Valley), Ed Dieu (Warragul), Cooper Newman (Leongatha) and Beau Cottrell (Sale Maffra).
Players were presented with their certificates by long-time Warragul stalwart and seven-time All Gippsland representative, Fraser Duncan, who highlighted the need to aim high and continually practice their chosen craft.
In announcing the team, Brendan O’Loughlin, chairperson of the Gippsland Cricket junior development committee, noted the evenness of this year’s competition, which reflected in the selection of players from all associations.
O’Loughlin revealed the side will play an invitation match against a representative team from the premier club – Dandenong – in mid to late February.
