Cricket Illawarra Juniors shine in strong weekend of representative performances

It was another big weekend for Cricket Illawarra’s junior representative sides, with matches played across Sydney and the Illawarra showcasing the region’s exciting young talent. From strong partnerships and gritty recoveries to standout individual performances, the weekend delivered plenty of highlights across all age groups.

Under 12s – Foster Shield Round 3 vs Bankstown

The Under 12s travelled to Panania to take on Bankstown in Round 3 of the Foster Shield. After losing the toss, Illawarra were sent in to bat and found themselves in early trouble at 3/9, before a brilliant 112-run partnership between Archie Hamill (60 off 110) and Austin Merola (40 off 96) steadied the innings. A late cameo from David Micallef (19 off 14)* lifted the total to a defendable 6/148 after 50 overs.

Despite a strong fight, Bankstown chased down the target, finishing 6/149 in the 37th over to claim the win. The best of the Illawarra bowlers were Charlie Mowatt (2/30 off 7), David Micallef (1/15 off 7) and Matthew Placek (1/24 off 5).

Round 4 sees the Under 12s return home to face Inner West Harbour in what promises to be another competitive clash.

Under 14s – Inter-Association: Illawarra Red vs Illawarra Blue

It was Illawarra versus Illawarra in the Under 14s Inter-Association match, with the Blue team taking bragging rights after a well-rounded performance.

Illawarra Blue won the toss and elected to bowl first, sending Red in to bat. The Red side built a solid innings to post 7/191 (50 overs), led by Oliver Lach-Newinsky (36), Kynan Merola (25), and a composed 48 not out from Ciaron Geddes.

For the Blue bowlers, Blake Knight (2/21 off 10) and Charlie Macauley (2/17 off 6) led the charge with disciplined spells.

In response, Illawarra Blue showed patience and class in the chase. Skipper Lachlan Tate (60) and Arlie Martin (37) guided their team home, reaching 6/192 in 42.2 overs to secure victory. For Illawarra Red, Jesse Hamill (2/16 off 5) and Oliver Flanders (2/16 off 4) bowled superbly.

It was a great contest played in the right spirit, highlighting the depth of Illawarra’s emerging cricket talent.

Under 17s – Watson Shield vs St George

At North Dalton Park, the Under 17 Watson Shield side continued their unbeaten run, making it three wins from three starts with a commanding five-wicket victory over St George.

St George batted first and posted 9/207 from 49 overs after a rain delay. Off-spinner Ben Maloney impressed on debut, taking 4/29 from 8 overs, while consistent seamer Tom McKinley picked up 3/50 from 10 overs.

With the rain shortening Illawarra’s target to 165 off 39 overs, openers Beau Sergeant (59 off 79) and captain Blake Cattle (23) set the tone with a 52-run opening stand. Liam Gammone (33) and Oliver Wright (23 not out) saw Illawarra home with more than five overs to spare.

Coach Mark Johnston praised his players’ efforts:

“Maloney’s control with a wet ball late in the innings was very impressive, and Sergeant showed a great range of shots against both medium pace and spin.”

The Under 17s now turn their attention to a blockbuster rematch with arch-rivals Sutherland in Round 4 — the team they’ve met in the last two finals — with the game set for Sunday at Hollymount Oval, Woonona from 10am.

It was another strong showing from Cricket Illawarra’s next generation, with several standout performances and plenty of positives as the representative season continues to build momentum.