Strong performances across junior representative cricket

It was a mixed but promising weekend for Illawarra’s junior representative cricket sides, with the Under 11s claiming a strong win over Northern Districts, while the Under 17s Watson Shield team secured a semi-final berth despite a tough qualifying final loss.

Under 11s continue strong start with confident victory

Illawarra’s Under 11s kicked off their representative season in impressive fashion, recording a comfortable victory over Northern Districts in the Metro Youth Championships. After winning the toss and electing to bat, the side made a solid start before a pair of run outs saw them slip to 3/34.

However, a composed middle-order rebuild—supported by valuable lower-order contributions—guided the team to a competitive total of 202.

Standout performances included:

• Jackson Smith – 34
• Sam Henson – 36 not out
• Important supporting roles from Archie McGarn, Joshua Micallef, and Asher Abraham

Northern Districts began confidently in reply, reaching 1/74, but Illawarra’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding soon shifted momentum. Tight spells from the middle overs put Illawarra firmly in control as the attack restricted ND’s progress.

Key bowling figures included:

• Nate Drinkwater – 2/11 (7 overs)
• Isaac Rowland – 1/4 (4 overs)
• Ashby Swinnerton – 1/16 (6 overs)

Northern Districts finished at 6/163, giving Illawarra a well-earned win and strong early-season confidence ahead of their next clash against Hornsby Ku-ring-gai & Hills.

Under 17s fall in qualifying final but advance to semi-final

Illawarra’s Under 17 Watson Shield side endured a tough outing in their Qualifying Final at North Dalton Park, going down heavily to a dominant St George outfit. After being sent in, Illawarra was bowled out for 96 in 36 overs, with Liam Gammone (29) the only batter to pass 20.

St George chased the total with ease, losing just one wicket and securing victory in the 29th over.

Despite the setback — one that ended a remarkable 15-match winning streak stretching back to last season’s final — the team remains alive in the competition. Under the top-six finals format, the highest-placed losing qualifier receives a second chance, meaning Illawarra now advances to a semi-final against Manly Warringah.

A major boost comes with the return of regular captain Blake Cattle, who missed the match while representing Greater Illawarra in the NSW Senior Country Championships. Cattle continued his outstanding season with a blistering 112 off 61 balls in a T20 victory over Central Coast. His Watson Shield form has been exceptional — 440 runs at an average of 146.67 — making him a key figure in Illawarra’s semi-final hopes.

The winner of Illawarra vs Manly Warringah will meet either St George or Fairfield in the final.

With strong performances, standout individual contributions, and plenty of momentum, Illawarra’s junior representative teams are shaping up for an exciting run into the heart of the season.