Victoria crowned national champions

Having last lifted the silverware with a team that included Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers run-machine Aaron Finch, as well as AFL superstars Brett Deledio and Marc Murphy, Victoria returned to the winners’ circle for the first time since 2003-04 after dismissing Western Australia for 180 during an action packed final day.

Taylor Tatterson took the final two wickets to seal the title after Jack Baker saved his best performance for last by taking 4-22 earlier in the day.

While Baker played down his own influence on the performance, the Gisborne quick was excited to be part of Victoria’s first win at the Championships since 2003-04.

“Yeah it’s awesome to be part of this group,” Baker said.

“The team’s performance was really good today through some tough times.

“I guess they got away from us there a little bit, but we were confident all day that we would get those last couple of wickets.”

After having Western Australia on the ropes at 7-39, courtesy of Baker and Ejaz Alavi, Victoria had to break two late order partnerships that threatened its undefeated tag.

Off-Spinner Alavi, who finished with 3-36 having taken 2-0 last night, said it was hard work taking those final three wickets after getting off to such a positive start this morning.

“We really had to toil hard for those last couple of wickets on a pretty flat track,” Alavi said.

“It was nice to chip in with a few, but the main thing was that we committed to getting ten, which we were able to do.

“It’s great to leave Hobart with five out of five. It has been the best thing possible for the boys.”

Having set Western Australia 236 for victory yesterday, Victoria set out to take early wickets on day two.

The bowlers obliged with Kieron Elliot striking in the first over of play to leave Western Australia reeling at 3-1.

Baker’s first three wickets, along with Alavi’s third, saw Western Australia in a seemingly unwinnable position of 7-39.

However, a strong partnership between Jake Lewis (30) and Rhys Hampson (69) kept the fight alive, before some lusty hitting from Jarryd McPhee (36) got WA to within 60.

Tatterson delivered when it mattered most to ensure victory for Victoria.

Coach Graeme Rummans was ecstatic with the win, and commended his charges on their ability to gel as a group and perform under pressure.

“It was another fantastic win today,” Rummans said.

“We got off to a terrific start yesterday and this morning, and that really set up the win.

“As far as the entire championship goes, the boys always stood up when we needed them to.

“Whether it was a fantastic catch or a key run out, the guys had a knack of making the big plays under pressure.”

Rummans was particularly complimentary of his bowling group, who defended runs in each of the five games.

“I think our bowlers were the strongest of all the teams,” the former Bushranger said.

“Their ability to build pressure and take wickets really gave us a head start.”

Captain Pat McKenna was grateful to the side’s coaching and management team, who he said were invaluable in helping prepare and execute at the carnival.

“Rummo obviously has been a great coach and mentor for us as a team as well as for me personally,” McKenna said.

“He has a lot of experience in coaching, as does the team management, and I think this helped us gel together as a side.”

The Victorians will attend the presentation dinner this evening, with many of its players in line for awards.

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