Resting on a knife鈥檚 edge

A spectacular Liam Banthorpe catch from the final ball before stumps on day one sees Victoria needing five wickets to snatch victory from New South Wales.

Finishing the day at 5-58, NSW requires 102 runs for victory having earlier restricted Victoria to just 159 on day one of the two-day match.

Quicks Guy Walker (2-17) and Jack Baker (2-6) bowled with pace and venom in the final session to remove the NSW top order and to provide Victoria with the upper hand at stumps.

Captain Patrick McKenna commended his fast bowlers for the manner in which they approached the NSW innings.

“They (Walker and Baker) stood up in a tough time when we as a team needed them,” McKenna said.

“They bowled quick and took wickets that changed the game.”

Earlier, leggie Daniel Fallins took control of the game for NSW, taking 5-69 during an impressive performance that obliterated Victoria’s middle order.

Walker continued his good form with the bat, scoring 48 from 66, before becoming the second of Fallins’s victims.

Sitting relatively comfortable at 3-90, Victoria lost 7-69 during a forgettable middle session.

In what could prove an invaluable contribution, Jake Wood (16) and Kieron Elliot (five) put on 20 for the final wicket to push Victoria’s score to 159.

With two hours remaining in the day’s play, the run out of day two centurion Daniel Arahu started what would be a terrific session for Victoria.

Walker proceeded to remove Zach Churchill and Jake Doran with genuine pace and bounce, while Baker was just as impressive in dismissing Thomas Jagot and Nicky Craze.

Despite the great finish to day one, McKenna was wary that NSW were within reach of their total.

“We need to stay on the attack this morning,” McKenna said.

“However we only have 100 to play with so definitely their will be elements defense in the field to make it as hard as possible for them to score.

“The goal is pretty simple, we want to take these five (wickets) as soon as possible, then play smart cricket to ensure we get the six points at the end of the day.”

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

Image courtesy of Sue Baker.