https://www.xxzza1.com
20.5 C
Newcastle

ACT proves too good for Newcastle in Bradman Cup

SHARE

A gallant Newcastle was no match for the highly-fancied ACT Southern Districts in the opening round of the Country Cricket NSW Under-16 Bradman Cup.

The two combatants met in the prestigious tournament at Feighan Oval on Tuesday 4 January with the visitors securing a 65-run victory.

After winning the toss, and opting to bat first, ACT appeared in trouble at 2-20.

But, Akshay Joseph had other ideas.

The talented youngster smashed an unbeaten 120, plundering half a dozen boundaries and a couple of sixes.

With assistance from Rankin Rahman (32), Jake Smith (18) and Kai Brunker (18), he helped ACT compile an impressive 7-262.

Alex Frith was Newcastle’s best with the ball, snaring 2-54.

Jack Hogan, Harrison Sharples, Jack Curry and Harry Campbell each picked up a wicket.

In reply, the hosts started shakily, due to nerves on the big stage.

However, a half century to Thomas Karnaghan (56) and a pair of 21s to Austen Hiskens and Thor Carradine allowed Newcastle to post 197.

Nicholas Kent (2-17), Brunker (2-23) and James Haley (2-36) shared the scalps.

Coach Luke Harradine is confident the Hunter outfit will bounce back in its remaining matches.

“I thought we began well, grabbing two early wickets,” he said.

“But, ACT showed its class – and you can see why they’re one of the leading sides.

“We’ll learn from that loss.”

Newcastle next meets Greater Illawarra at Cahill Oval on Wednesday (5 January) before showdowns with Western at Pasterfield Sports Complex on Thursday (6 January) and Riverina at Cardiff No 1 on Friday (7 January).

Country Cricket NSW chair Paul Marjoribanks was pleased to welcome all eight teams to Lake Macquarie.

“The Bradman Cup is widely-regarded as the most esteemed junior competition in regional NSW,” he said.

“It provides an opportunity for the next generation to test their skill against the best of the best in their respective age brackets and push for higher honours.”

In other Bradman Cup fixtures on day one, a Liam Roche ton (113 not out) guided Central Coast (4-225) to a 106-run victory over Western (149) at Cahill Oval.

Central Western (4-75) knocked over Riverina (71) by six wickets at Pasterfield Sports Complex and current titleholders North Coastal (9-226) upstaged Greater Illawarra (161) by 65 runs at Feighan Oval.

  • Newcastle Under-16 Bradman Cup (squad): Thomas Karnaghan, Alexander Gallagher, Kel Wilson, Lachlan Williams, Alex Frith, Austen Hiskens, Thor Harradine, Lachlan Rail, Jack Hogan, Jacob Curry, Hunter Jensen, Harrison Sharples, Harry Campbell

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

More Stories

Newcastle Weekly

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe to Newcastle Weekly. News, Community, Lifestyle, Property delivered direct to your inbox! 100% Local, 100% Free.

You have Successfully Subscribed!