Royals claim thrilling last-over under-17s grand final victory, Warriors prevail in under-14s decider

Royals claimed a thrilling last-over grand final victory to secure the Albany and Districts Cricket Association under-17s premiership last Sunday afternoon. The Lions successfully chased down Manypeaks’ total in the final over of the decider at Turf North, finishing five-wicket victors in a big weekend for their club after they won an A-grade flag the previous day. The two sides were the top two in the standings last season but did not play off in a grand final because of COVID-19. However, the Lions were the stand-out team this season, losing just three games. An unbeaten 38 from man of the match Caleb Haua guided his side home and Clay Michael struck a boundary down the ground to secure title glory for the Lions. Set a 167 for victory, the Lions were cruising at 1-84 before they lost 3-17 as Ryley Valli was run out for 32, Teague Valli was caught for 17 and then the dangerous Lorcan McNamara was dismissed for a hard-fought 44. However, a 51-run partnership from Haua and Jack Robertson (17) got their side in a commanding position and despite it taking until the last over, they got home with four balls to spare. Earlier, Peaks posted 9-166 on the back of strong contributions from Jonte Eastough (37), Jack Stephens (29) and Riley Sutherland (23). Eastough and Stephens set up the innings with a 66-run stand after Charlie Walters edged a ball from Haua (1-22) to first slip with the first ball of the game. Teague Valli finished with 3-14 off his five overs while James Penson (2-21) and McNamara (2-23) also snared multiple wickets. Meanwhile, Warriors capped a superb season in the under-14s competition, comprehensively defeating Redbacks by six wickets on Turf South on Saturday. Redbacks were restricted to 9-99 from their 36 overs batting first as Seth Tysoe (2-7) and Caelen Lambe (2-11) did the damage for Warriors. Regan Christensen top scored with 14. In reply, Warriors chased down the total with ease as Buddy Robinson finished unbeaten on 27 while Devon Jefferis retired on 20 and Merlin Bew chipped in with 25 as their side won in 20.1 overs.