Rising star Sam Rahaley helped Rostrevor beat St Peter’s in the Messenger Bowl Twenty20 final

JUNIOR Australian cricketer Sam Rahaley and state underage footballer Cameron Taheny starred in Rostrevor’s Messenger Bowl Twenty20 final victory over St Peter’s on Friday.

Rostrevor College First XI and coach Bill Trewartha after winning the 2018 Messenger Bowl Twenty20 school cricket final against St Peter’s. Picture: Supplied

A junior Australian cricketer and a state underage footballer were the stars in Rostrevor’s Messenger Bowl Twenty20 final victory over St Peter’s on Friday.

Sam Rahaley, who was selected in this year’s Cricket Australia under-19 team, topscored for Rostrevor in the school cricket clash with 32 off 26 balls to help his make 9/130 at St Peter’s.

Cameron Taheny, a member of SA’s under-18 football squad and a 2019 AFL draft prospect, then claimed 2/25 off four overs to restrict St Peter’s to 7/119.

Rostrevor coach Bill Trewartha said the win meant a lot following last year’s three-wicket loss to Adelaide High.

Cameron Taheny, also a promising footballer, starred in Rostrevor’s Messenger Bowl school cricket final victory over St Peter’s on Friday. Picture: AAP/Keryn Stevens

“We probably didn’t bat as well as we could’ve, but we bowled really well and backed it up in the field,” Trewartha said.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the lads.

“The time and the effort they put in is huge, so to finally get some reward for that is fantastic.”

The visitors got off to a shaky start as opener Kyle Brazell, Rahaley’s Cricket Australia teammate, was dismissed for two.

Rahaley and Christian Leddicoat (28) then compiled a 42-run third-wicket partnership to keep the score ticking along.

Jake Slivak (14) and Matthew Dnistriansky (12 not out) were next best with the bat for Rostrevor.

Cricket Australia under-19 teammates Sam Rahaley and Kyle Brazell both played in Rostrevor’s First XI against St Peter’s on Friday. Picture: AAP/Mike Burton

“Sam hit the ball really well. He plays shots that a lot of boys can’t,” Trewartha said.

“That partnership sort of through the middle with him (Rahaley) and Christian Leddicoat was the matchwinner in the end.”

Saints’ reply began steadily with opener Alex Roe making 18.

Skipper Will Montgomery (42) almost single-handedly won the game for the hosts, but when he was caught by Adi Dave, the host’s innings started to unravel quickly.

Taheny felled Henry Nelligan (9) and Sam Warrick (2), and Saints never recovered.

St Peter’s Head of Cricket for Stewart Smith was disappointed but said his team battled hard.

“Overall it was a really good game of cricket,” Smith said.

“Will led by example with the bat and he did a fantastic job for us.”