While they might not have secured the result they sought, the recent Country Cricket NSW Under-16 Bradman Cup was a terrific learning experience for the boys from Newcastle.
And, with the prestigious tournament hosted in Lake Macquarie from 4 to 7 January, the local outfit put in a gallant showing over the four days.
The 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 and Harry Campbell – suffered losses to eventual champions ACT Southern Districts, Western and Riverina but enjoyed success, via a stunning 29-run victory over Greater Illawarra.
There were some standout individual performances along the way, too.
In Newcastle’s final outing, at Cardiff No 1, opener Wilson smashed a well-deserved half century, Karnaghan contributed 43, Hiskens managed 33 and Rail chipped in with 28 against Riverina.
Kernaghan also posted 56 in the showdown with ACT.
Wilson finished the Bradman Cup campaign with a total of 168 runs at an average of 24 from seven matches.
Not too far behind was Karnaghan, with 154 at 22 apiece, and all-rounder Hiskens (106, 21.2).
Newcastle’s bowlers produced a few shining moments as well, particularly in the clash with Greater Illawarra.
Campbell snared 3-28, Gallagher took 2-6, Hiskens collected 2-9 and Sharples claimed 2-15 in that fixture alone.
Overall, Frith looked the most dangerous with ball, bagging nine wickets for 171 at an average of 19 for the series.
Next best was Curry, who secured 6-107 (17.8), followed by Gallagher (5-59, 11.8) and Sharples (5-107, 21.4).
So, the future looks bright for Newcastle cricket.
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