Regional experience for young talent

The Great Southern sent a talented young team away to the WACA under-13 and 14 regional development carnival in Northam on the Labour Day long weekend, returning pleasing results. Players from Albany, Katanning, Denmark, Mt Barker, Gairdner and Broomehill were selected to take part in the three-day carnival, which was an opportunity for identified players from across regional WA to showcase their skills, attitude and character over three days of T20 cricket. WACA Great Southern cricket manager Tim Edmunds said it was an encouraging tournament. “The carnival is a great opportunity for the best underage players across the Great Southern to play against other like-minded players across the State,” he said. Great Southern had a strong carnival, coming home from four wins from six games. In the first game on Saturday, Wheatbelt were able to chase down Great Southern’s total. Great Southern posted 8-134 on the back of a brilliant 78 from opener Jed Schwarzbach but in reply Wheatbelt reached 5-158 with Teague Valli claiming 2-20. Great Southern made light work of North West’s small total as they shared the bowling load around to have eight separate wicket takers as North West managed 9-51. Led by Toby Quartermaine (23no) and Cameron Walsh (20) Great Southern cruised to victory, making 3-72 in reply. An impressive half-century from Bailey Peacock guided Great Southern to back-to-back wins, chasing down 95 to win against Mid West. Peacock claimed three wickets before smacking 54 as his side finished on 7-117 in their second win. In game four, Great Southern recorded a thrilling win over Goldfields, who made 5-111 batting first. Valli snared three wickets and then with the bat, Jed Kowald made 37 as Great Southern finished on 8-112. Great Southern made it four straight wins, downing South West Black after bowling them out for 85 as Harvey Taylor claimed 4-12. Valli helped Great Southern chase down victory with ease, ending up on 37 in his teams total of 8-114. Great Southern lost their final game to South West Gold by 48 runs. South West made 8-119 batting first with Rory Sutherland taking 4-17 and Peacock returned 3-9. In reply Great Southern were skittled for 71 despite a fighting 24 Valli who retired not out. The carnival is the first step in the WACA regional development pathway with players invited to a development carnival in Bunbury from September 29 and October 2.