Victorian under-19s emerge victorious in thriller

The see-sawing encounter served as the perfect warm-up for the under-19 squad, who now head off to Hobart for the National Championships, which start next Monday.

Setting the Premier Invitational squad 212 in 46 overs after showers delayed play, the under-19s were able to bowl them out for 202 – despite the best efforts of Northcote’s Justin Powick – who starred with 84.

The under-19s endured a tough first hour after Invitational quick bowlers Nathan Lambden (2-40) and Hamish Winter-Irving (2-28) ripped through the top order leaving them at 4-37.

Prahran paceman Adam Hutton also posed problems, snaring 3-31 for the U20s.

A counter-attacking partnership of 106 between Jack Rudd (77) and Rob Salerni (57), however, saw the under-19s out of trouble and helped them compile a very respectable score.

Under 19s coach Jarrad Loughman commended the efforts of the two for rescuing the innings.

“Kev (Rudd) and Robbie batted extremely well given the situation the team was in, they played positive and intelligent cricket which produced easily the highest partnership of the game,” Loughman said.

“I think their respective natural styles complimented each other well and their running between the wickets was excellent.”

After a solid start, the Invitational squad had their own struggles, as Victoria’s seam attack led by Ben Ashkenazi (2-30), Jake Wood (2-27) and Matt Fotia (2-36) kept the run rate under control through wickets at regular intervals.

A 43-run stand between the impressive Powick and Pat Ashton gave renewed hope as the Invitational squad closed in on the target before paceman Sean Griffin (4-35) picked up three quick wickets to close out an impressive victory.

Loughman was generally pleased with the performance of his side, but stated improvements needed to be made across the board.

“We certainly got the competitive hit-out we wanted from this game,” Loughman said.

“It was also pleasing for the boys to get over the line against a good team, in a tight match that ebbed and flowed a bit.

“Obviously losing multiple wickets in the critical first 15 overs is something we’ll need to address pretty quickly, but I’m confident our top-order batters are capable of performing well come next week.

“We also spoke after the game about the need to lift our fielding effort, with a number of chances going begging that could have proved costly.

“But we’ve prepared really well and following our squad camp this week, I know the guys will be itching to get to Hobart and represent Victoria well”.

The National Championships will be played in Hobart from December 2 to 12.