A victory to savour

Having taken a back seat during day one’s final session that yielded 5-58, fast bowler Matt Bullen wiped out the NSW tail to provide Victoria with a memorable win.

It was a tense day for Victoria, which after bowling out NSW for 123, had to face 58 uncomfortable overs to bat their arch enemy out of the game.

Victoria’s second innings started off in a flurry, with openers Matt Short (31) and Liam Banthorpe (41) batting at over four an over to increase the lead to more than 100.

However, 4-6 from the NSW attack ensured a nervous finish to the day’s play, with Victoria ultimately finishing at 8-162.

The 196-run lead was set up by Jack Blain, who finished unbeaten on 45 when the umpires pulled up stumps.

Earlier, Victoria warded off strong resistance from NSW, to bowl their way to the top of the table.

Starting the day at 5-58, the NSW batsmen added 19 to their overnight score before wickets to Bullen and Guy Walker put victory within striking distance.

But a 30-run partnership flipped the tables yet again, with skipper Pat McKenna turning to spinner Ejaz Alavi to produce a wicket.

Alavi obliged, removing Ben Chapman for a hard fought 14 from 45 balls, to yet again put Victoria in the box seat.

Bullen (3-32) didn’t allow the momentum to swing again, taking the final two wickets in two balls to dismiss NSW 36 short of the target.

Victoria faces Queensland, which chased down Western Australia’s 287 to remain unbeaten, in a top of the table clash.

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To see full results from Under-17 National Championships, click here.

Image courtesy of Sue Baker.