Under-19s: Harper, Short fifties keep title hopes alive

Sam Harper (60) and Matt Short (53) put together an important 108-run partnership for the third wicket after the Victorians again lost batsmen early.

The team played a mature innings, with batsmen often taking time at the crease to settle in and let the runs come naturally.

Harper joined Short with the side in trouble at 2-13.

The pair batted brilliantly before a sudden change in fortune saw both half-century makers depart with the score on 126.

Another partnership was needed and that is exactly what Liam Banthorpe and Ejaaz Alavi provided.

It was slow going, but the patience and resilience shown by the pair was outstanding.

Banthorpe survived for 93 deliveries for his 31 runs, while skipper Alavi (37) stuck it out for 143 balls.

Banthorpe’s dismissal paved the way for the big-hitting Jonty Rushton (19) to come in and lift the run rate.

With the score on 5-205 and a huge total on the cards, Rushton’s departure suddenly sparked another collapse.

Victoria lost 4-1, which included a remarkable three wickets in four balls by NSW’s Liam Hatcher as he knocked over the dangerous Guy Walker (0), Jake Wood (0) and Shea Gribben (0).

Meanwhile, Alavi was stranded at the other end watching his side fall to 9-206.

He was joined by number 11 Gehan Seneviratne (7* off 41), who stuck around and allowed Victoria to boost its score to 227 (all out, 79.4 overs).
With a reasonable total on the board for the Vics, NSW was given 14 overs to bat out the day.

Shea Gribben took advantage of the opportunity to open the bowling by rewarding his side with two early wickets – both with the score on 16.
Led by Matt Rodgers (30*), NSW recovered, finishing the day 2-50 and trailing Victoria by 177.

Rodgers’ wicket will be the key early on day two as Victoria looks go on the attack on the final day of the tournament.

Victoria requires a win and some other results to go its way to pull off an unlikely championship triumph.