Last week was a successful one for Gisborne District Cricket Association Under 17s players, as they combined well to win their way into the final of the Kirton Shield in Central Highlands Region.
The GDCA representative lineup won all three matches, and played at three different venues.
After defeating Maryborough easily in the opening match, the Gisborne side won a close contest with a strong Ballarat combination, then accounted for Castlemaine in their third outing on Friday.
On Friday at Seymour, the GDCA had to defeat an unbeaten Castlemaine to make the final.
The region final is expected to be played this Sunday, February 1.
The Kirton Shield is an annual fixture, and is normally strongly contested.
In the first match against Maryborough, the GDCA side compiled 206 (Zac Bell 44, captain Josh Mullavey-Clark 42, Ian Joyce 30, Ethan Raynor 27, Finlay Watt 207).
A strong bowling performance skittled Maryborough for 106 (Bell 4-18).
Castlemaine opened the week by scoring 143, then dismissing Grampians for 75.
In the second round, Castlemaine rattled up a formidable 5/346 c.c. at Newstead.
Jack Smith dominated with 121, Declan Brasher contributed 78, and Arther Kneebone 72.
Grenville was bundled out for a meagre 87 in reply.
In a crucial second round contest, Gisborne dismissed Ballarat for 136 (Felix Cameron 3-15, Mullavey-Clark 3-18) and finished up winning with 7/137 (Chase Fowler 28 not out, Mullavey-Clark 27).
Gisborne scored 161 at Kings Park, Seymour, on Friday, with Mullavey-Clark, Bell and Raynor the top scorers.
In reply, Castlemaine could only manage 115 (Cameron 4-28), as the GDCA secured top spot with three wins, and Ballarat edged out Castlemaine on percentage for second place.
