Final-wicket win for Redbacks as they down Blues in thrilling ADCA under-14 grand final

Redbacks won a thrilling Albany and Districts Cricket Association under-14s grand final that came down to the final wicket against Blues on Saturday. Set only 88 to win, Redbacks were on target to secure grand final glory before a late collapse got Blues right back into the contest. Oliver Douglas retired not out for Redbacks but his side’s lower order folded as Hayden Leo snared four wickets to give Blues hope of a big upset. Leo produced a remarkable spell of bowling as he took 4-6 from three overs as Redbacks slumped to 7-66 with the overs running out. Philip Moody and Reiley Allison had a 10-run stand that edged Redbacks closer to victory but Moody was trapped lbw by Charlie Sprigg for nine to leave his side 8-76. Redbacks only added one more run before Fergus Wright (1) was bowled by Fraser Syme and the Blues had the momentum needing only one wicket to win. Allison was joined at the crease by Douglas and the pair held their nerve to get across the line. Douglas crunched a ball towards the boundary and they ran two, which sealed the premiership triumph for Redbacks. Redbacks finished one-wicket winners, reaching 9-89 in the 30th over despite the best efforts of Blues to restrict them. Douglas was named player of the final for his superb 30no from 39 balls, which included three fours. He also took two wickets. Jayden Wood made nine, as did Moody, while Brock Wilkinson added seven to help Redbacks to victory. Leo’s heroics with the ball almost gave the Blues an unlikely win and he was well supported by Ryan Hams (2-5), who dismissed both openers. Earlier in the day, Blues reached 7-87 from their 34 overs as tail-enders Syme and Eugene Bird both made 13. Blues slipped to 5-31 at one stage despite a strong start from Leo who made 11 from 35 balls. However, they closed in on 90 after contributions from Adam Hetherington (8 retired), Bird (13 retired) and Syme. Douglas took 2-7 from four overs for the winners, while Jesse Owens snared 2-8 from his four and Allison bowled well up front with 1-9 from three.