Vics lauded at Under-15 National Championships

Despite mirroring its runner-up finish from last year by failing to overcome New South Wales during yesterday’s Final, Victoria boasted four players in the team of the tournament including Martin.

Georgia Wareham, Hayleigh Brennan and Martin were all honored for a successive year, while Melina Ayres also earned selection.

Eager to take out the Christina Matthews Shield, Victoria hoped to replicate its earlier encounter against NSW when it overhauled the defending champions with six wickets in hand in the opening round.

After NSW won the toss and elected to bat, the hosts made a positive start as they raced to 1-39 after seven overs before off-spinner Madeleine Wright (1-24) made the initial breakthrough.

Brennan (2-23) struck moments later to ensure there were two fresh players at the crease and the wickets continued to tumble as Wareham (3-31), Holly Whitford (1-27), Sophie Van De Heuvel (1-16) and Jess Karamoshou (1-23) all made invaluable contributions as they restricted NSW to 9-153 from their 40 overs.

Chasing 154 to claim the crown, Victoria suffered the early loss of Martin, the tournament’s leading run scorer with 214 at 53.50, without scoring, as opener Zoe Griffiths (27) held the innings together.

NSW continued to run through the Victorian middle order as they slumped to 6-59 before Amy Yates provided a glimmer of hope with a brisk 23 from 36 balls including two boundaries.

There would be no fairy tale ending, however, as NSW dismissed Victoria for 83 to claim a 70-run victory.

“We lost our way in various stages during the game and we probably panicked a little and forgot to stick to our processes,” Victorian coach John Hayes conceded.

“We didn’t do much wrong and I still believe we had the best team.”

Victoria cleaned up the tournament awards as Martin was crowned the leading run-scorer, Brennan the equal leading wicket-taker with 10 at 7.90 and Ayres the leading fielder with nine catches.

“We have found some players for the future, absolutely,” Hayes said.

To see a full scorecard, click here.