Blues edge out Redbacks in thrilling final triumph

Blues claimed a tense victory in the Albany Junior Cricket Association under-14 grand final on Saturday, chasing down Redbacks’ total with three overs to spare.

Redbacks batted first in the decider at Turf South and were bowled out for 80 in the 27th over after some terrific bowling from the Blues’ attack.

Henry Goldsmith top-scored with 15 not out for Redbacks and he received support from Riley Wood (11), Leif Wright (8) and Jaydan Kowalski (6).

Blues bowled 27 extras, which boosted their opponents’ total past 50 after they slumped to 7-19 at one stage.

Ryley Valli was outstanding in the field, taking 3-3 off his three overs, and he also had a hand in three separate run-outs in the innings.

Valli and Tom Geddes combined to run out Mohit Jaggi for a diamond duck and Dylan Trigwell (2-3) removed Milan Jaggi as the Redbacks’ middle order crumbled.

After the early loss of Jakob Douglas (3) and Ryley Valli (6), the Blues’ middle order stayed resilient as a number of batsmen retired after facing their allocated amount of time.

Contributions from Teague Valli (14no), Billy O’Meara (11no), Caleb Haua (8no) and Lachlan Tindale (6no) proved the difference.

The Blues reached 3-83 after 27 overs, with the Redbacks giving up 28 extras in the defeat.

Milan Jaggi (1-6) and Goldsmith (1-6) were the pick of the Redbacks’ bowlers.

Ryley Valli was named man of the match for his efforts on the winning side.

On Sunday at Turf North, Warriors clinched the under-16s premiership after successfully defending 117 against Scorchers.

Warriors made 6-117 from their 45 overs after winning the toss and batting first.

O’Meara made 34 runs from 110 balls and Ryley Valli was also a big part of Warriors passing 100 after his unbeaten 33 from 49 balls.

Kurt Morcom (2-9) and Mohit Jaggi were the pick of the Scorchers’ bowlers.

A gallant knock of 40 from opener Seb Stanton got Scorchers close to their victory target of 118 but they ultimately fell short, bowled out for 112 in 42 overs.

Stanton fell to Jonte Eastough, leaving his side 6-93, but they collapsed to lose 4-19 at the end.

To cap a remarkable weekend, Ryley Valli was named player of the grand final in the under-16s as well.

He snared 2-17 off seven overs to help Warriors clinch victory, the only multiple wicket-taker for his team.