Bushrangers Championships off and away

In a new initiative, the eight country regions played their first fixtures before Christmas, with Metro regions to commence their campaigns on January 20.

In what was a generally low scoring day, Barwon Rockets emerged as the big winner from the opening round, with its under-14 and under-16 sides defeating Central Highlands at Kardinia Park.

In the under-16s, the Rockets prevailed by 30 runs after posting 202 from their 50 overs, with Nick Dickson top-scoring with 52.

A half-century from Jacob Tidyman (54) gave the Highlands a glimmer, but he became the first of three victims for Jack Driver, who finished with 3-22.

The under-14 fixture was a lower scoring affair, with Barwon successfully defending 105.

For the Rockets, Jordan Rossi managed 40, while Mathew Milne took 4-10 in a fantastic performance by the promising left-arm chinaman bowler.

In reply, the Highlanders were never in the hunt as they were dismissed for 71, with three wickets apiece to George Vincent (3-10) and Jack Hodgson (3-8).

In the battle of the north, Northern Rivers’ under-16 side got its campaign off to a flying start with a comprehensive victory over North East Knights.

Chasing 82, the Rivers never looked in trouble, passing the total with six wickets in hand.

Rhiley Lau top-scored with 43, but the second innings belonged to Knights bowler William Reilly, who boasted figures of 5-20 to finish the day.

The result in the under-14 fixture was reversed, with the Knights holding on against a determined Northern Rivers outfit.

Set 148 to win, the hosts looked comfortable at 1-37 before the Knights wrestled their way back into the match, taking 4-10.

Solid partnerships throughout the middle saw the momentum swing again, before two run outs late in the day extinguished any hopes of a Rivers win, bowled out for 140 with two overs to go.

Mallee Murray Bulls and Western Waves split their encounters, with the Waves’ under-16 batsmen flexing their muscle during an impressive performance.

Posting 3-267, the Waves never looked in trouble, dismissing the Bulls for 139 in reply.

Joe Medew-Ewen (4-32) and Jake Reid (3-31) were outstanding with the ball, while earlier Nick King stood out with the bat, amassing 86 against the Bulls attack.

Mallee-Murray were victorious in the under-14 fixture, however, with 83 from Kayden Cullinan setting up a 75-run victory for the Bulls.

In the final fixtures, South East Sharks and Gippsland Pride finished with a win and a loss apiece.

The under-16 match saw a fantastic bowling display from both sides, with Gippsland successfully defending 119 to dismiss South East for just 102.

Nick Woodland was the hero for the Pride with 4-9 from his eight overs.

In a higher scoring under-14 match, South East successfully chased Gippsland’s total of 160, with Atley Williams (56) top-scoring for the Pride with an unbeaten half-century.

James La Brooy (56) and Thomas Ewing (62) guided their side to a seven-wicket victory as they combined for a 65-run second wicket stand.

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To view full scorecards from the Victorian Bushrangers Pathway Championships, click here.