Illawarra Juniors Shine as Under 12s and Under 17s Record Strong Representative Wins

It was a standout weekend for Illawarra’s junior representative program, with both the Under 12s Foster Shield side and the Under 17s CNSW Watson Shield team delivering dominant performances to strengthen their positions heading into the final stages of their competitions.

Under 12s Foster Shield: Lach-Newinsky Leads Illawarra to Huge Win Over Sutherland

Illawarra’s Under 12's produced a commanding all-round display in Round 6, overpowering Sutherland by 224 runs at Dalton Park South.

With clear skies — and the roar of the i98FM Illawarra Convoy nearby — captain Archer Lach-Newinsky elected to bat, and the decision paid off immediately. Openers Samuel Cooper and Lach-Newinsky combined for a rapid 113-run stand, before Cooper departed for a steady 29.

Fletcher Bell (35)* joined Lach-Newinsky to add another 114 runs, but the innings belonged to the captain, whose extraordinary form continued with his fourth consecutive century of the tournament — a blistering 167 off 99 balls. David Micallef (45) added further momentum as Illawarra posted a massive 3/306 from 40 overs.

Sutherland crumbled early in their chase, reduced to 5/14 thanks to superb new-ball spells from Brock Smith (3/7 off 4) and Charles Mowatt (3/14 off 5). The remaining wickets were shared between Bede Ryan, Bradley Cohen, Lach-Newinsky and Micallef, with Sutherland eventually all out for 82 in the 28th over.

The victory catapulted Illawarra to first place in their pool, setting up a crucial final-round clash against Highlands in Bowral.

Under 17s Watson Shield: Illawarra Secures Top Spot With Gritty Win Over South Eastern

Illawarra’s Under 17's also locked in top spot in their pool, defeating South Eastern in a hard-fought contest at David Phillips Oval.

Batting first, Illawarra built a strong platform through captain Tom McKinley (37) and Beau Sergeant (74), who put on a 76-run opening stand. Heath Barkley (33) continued his good form following last week’s century, helping Illawarra reach 3/176 after 37 overs. However, a late collapse saw the side bowled out for 204 in the 47th over.

South Eastern began confidently and looked well positioned at 2/98, but the match turned when spinner Oliver Smith claimed two wickets in consecutive deliveries. Even so, South Eastern wrestled back control at 4/146, before medium pacer Chris Wojewodka produced a match-winning spell.

Wojewodka dismissed top scorer Gus Cassim (62) and removed another batter three balls later, before striking twice more in his next spell to finish with 4/40 off 8 overs. Smith (2/33 off 9) and Hudson Shaw (1/24 off 7) claimed the final wickets to seal the victory.

“Wojewodka’s second spell was very impressive. In hot conditions he bowled full and straight and took the game away from South Eastern, who were looking comfortable in their run chase,” coach Mark Johnston said.

Defending premiers Illawarra now receive a bye before hosting a home quarter final on Sunday, 30 November.