Gritty Blues defend 104 to deny Warriors in the wet

A terrific performance in the field led to Blues clinching their second Albany Junior Cricket Association under-14 title with a tight 23-run win over Warriors on Saturday morning at Turf East.

The low-scoring final was completed despite being played in persistent drizzle, making conditions challenging for both sides.

After winning the toss and deciding to bat first, Blues scrambled to 8-104 from their 30 overs, with Lorcan McNamara top scoring with 18, Bayley Drew adding 14 in the middle order and Dylan Trigwell chipping in with a vital 12 not out batting at No. 11.

In reply, Warriors also lost consistent wickets, with their hopes of winning becoming harder with five run outs.

Liam Butler (2-6) was the Blues’ only multiple wicket taker as they sealed the win with a run-out, despite the best efforts of Jared Fuller (12) and Rhori Williams-Jolley, who ran out of partners and was left on 16 not out.

Warriors were bowled out in the 29th over for 81, falling 24 short of victory and succumbing to only their third loss of the season.