Vic Country loses semi-final at U19 Champs

Vic Metro lost the toss against Western Australia and bowled first, with the Warriors amassing an imposing score of 5-286 from their 50 overs.

Sam Grimwade, Jonah Koch and Nick Fletcher took a wicket each to accompany two run outs in the field.

Vic Metro appeared to be in a good position at 2-127, but lost 8-52 to be bowled out for 179 in the 42^nd over, going down by 107 runs.

Damon Egan (63) continued to impress at the top of the order, while Liam Banthorpe (39) and Mitch Barnewall (24) also played well for their runs.

Vic Country won the toss in their match against ACT/NSW Country, electing to bat first.

The Victorian batsman couldn’t replicate some of the impressive batting performances that they have produced throughout the tournament, and were in deep trouble at 6-66.

A 66-run partnership between Blake Thomson (70) and Adam McMaster (20) helped push the total along, but it didn’t stop Vic Country being bowled out for 161 in the 48^th over of their innings.

A tight contest appeared to be on the cards when McMaster took two quick wickets to have ACT/NSW Country 2-24, but the middle order rallied, chasing the total down with five wickets and 14 overs in hand.

McMaster finished with 3-43 while Liam Bowe picked up the other two, taking 2-66.

There were also some other good performances from Victorians in other sides.

Sam Elliott took 4-42 from ten overs for the Northern Territory to help bowl Queensland out for 196.

NT couldn’t get over the line, falling 14 runs short as they were bowled out for 182 in reply, with Victorian Ryan Quirk scoring 26.

The CA XI also had a win over Tasmania with more good performances from the Victorian squad members.

Jonathan Merlo hit 29* from 23 balls with the bat to help the CA XI to 6-258 from their 50 overs, and then took 1-40.

Blake Parsons also took 2-36 from ten overs in a 31-run victory.

Today is the final day of the tournament, with Vic Country playing South Australia, and Vic Metro playing the Northern Territory to finish their respective campaigns.