U19 National Champs, Adelaide: Undefeated NSW Metro dominate Australian squad for England series
After NSW Metro won the U19 nationals in Adelaide, Joel Davies and five teammates were named in the Aussie squad to face England. SEE THE SQUAD and view our GRAND FINAL PHOTO GALLERY.
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They dominated in Adelaide and now six of the best u19 cricketers in the state have been rewarded with selection in the U19 Australian squad to face England next February.
See who made the squad and view our comprehensive grand final day PHOTO GALLERY.
AUSTRALIAN SQUAD FOR U19 SERIES AGAINST ENGLAND (NSW reps)
Charlie Anderson (Northern District Cricket Club)
Joel Davies (Manly Warringah Cricket Club)
Ethan Jamieson (University of NSW Cricket Club)
William Salzmann (Campbelltown Camden District Cricket Club)
Harjas Singh (Western Suburbs Cricket Club)
Tom Straker (Sutherland District Cricket Club)
GRAND FINAL SUMMARY
In the end, NSW Metro won the title in a canter. The scorecard shows a resounding five-wicket victory with more than 20 overs to spare, but it wasn’t without hiccup.
After restricting last year’s champions to 9/159, NSW were on easy street until the tournament’s batting bruise brothers of Harjas Singh and Joel Davies fell in consecutive deliveries. Coming off back-to-back tons, at 3/45 and with both back in the pavilion, the Queenslanders were back in the match.
It was left to Sutherland’s Sam Konstas and Mosman gloveman Ryan Hicks to steady the ship.
They did it and more, Konstas (45) brushed aside a lean week with the bat and alongside Hicks (47) they put on a valuable 85 runs. Campbelltown’s Will Salzmann then finished the chase in style, blasting 32 from 19 balls.
Earlier in the day, Queensland Metro won the toss and took to Karen Rolton Oval with the bat.
With 20 runs on the board, Sutherland quick Tom Straker broke through picking up the big wicket of Lachy Aitken - Queensland’s leading run scorer. From there, wicket’s continued to tumble at regular intervals.
Raf MacMillan delivered his right-arm off spin taking 3/25 to strangle the batting with 10 tight overs. Straker returned late in the innings, and with the dismissal of Reuben Burger for 50 finished as the Blues’ only other multiple wicket-taker.
In stunning performance behind the stumps, Hicks made it a day to remember pouching a record eight of the nine wickets to fall. The previous record for a keeper was seven dismissals.
It was another compete all-round performance by the NSW Metro boys. In six matches over eight days, they dominated each opponent to be crowned worthy national champions.
AWARDS - UNDER 19 MALE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022-23
Champions: NSW Metropolitan
Player of the Final: Ryan Hicks (NSW Metro - Mosman, 8 catches, 47 runs)
Player of the Tournament: Joel Davies (NSW Metro - Manly, 458 runs, 8 wickets)
Highest Run Scorer: Joel Davies (NSW Metro - Manly), 458 runs at 114.5 (S/R 151.2)
CRICKET AUSTRALIA TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT (NSW reps)
Ethan Jamieson (UNSW)
Harjas Singh (Wests)
Joel Davies (Manly)
Ryan Hicks (Mosman)
Raf MacMillan (St George)
GRAND FINAL SCORES
Queensland Metro 9/159, 50 overs (Burger 50, Balkin 42, MacMillan 3/25, Straker 2/36, Jamieson 1/19, Anderson 1/30, Callanan 1/30) lost to NSW Metro 5/165, 27.3 overs (Hicks 47, Konstas 45, Salzmann 32, Jamieson 20, Vidler 2/31) at the Karen Rolton Oval
GRAND FINAL PHOTO GALLERY
DAY 6 PRELIMINARY FINALS
As sure as the sun rises in Adelaide, Metro captain Joel Davies and Harjas Singh shine with the blade. Set a target of 234 by Vic Metro to make Thursday’s final, the pair joined forces, and for the second consecutive day, both smashed centuries as Metro charged to victory with 17 overs to spare.
Following their 255-run stand in the qualifying final, the duo backed it up with a partnership of 198. For Davies, it was the continuation of an extraordinary tournament where he has passed fifty in all five knocks and scored two tons. Heading into the final, the Manly left-hander tops the scorers list with 458 at an average of 152, and with 22 sixes is striking at a mind blowing 151-run per 100 balls.
When he departed for an even one-hundred off 75 balls, Mosman keeper Ryan Hicks then came to the wicket and hit the winning runs off the next ball.
Singh finished unbeaten on 102 from 83 deliveries, and now has 331 for the week at an average of 82.
Earlier, off spinner Raf MacMillan took 2/51 from 10 overs before Ethan Jamieson swooped late with an over of leg spin that returned a stunning 3/3.
The grand final sees the only two undefeated sides come together in what is a replay of last season's final where Queensland Metro won by 27 runs.
NSW Country finished within 12-runs of Queensland Metro in the qualifying finals, and like NSW Metro, the Queenslanders pack some punch with the bat. Lachy Aitken with 342 runs at 85.5 is one the Blues will be keen to see the back of.
GRAND FINAL: Thursday 22 December, Karen Rolton Oval, 11am AEDST
NSW Metro v QLD Metro LIVE SCORES
DAY 6 SCORES
Preliminary Finals
Vic Metro 10/233, 47.3 overs (M Jamieson 53, Dixon 48, E Jamieson 3/3, Straker 2/30) lost to NSW Metro 3/235, 32.2 overs (Singh 102*, Davies 100) at Karen Rolton Oval
Qld Metro 8/240, 50 overs (Weibgen 56, Pearson 41*, Bajwa 2/45, Neale 2/48) defeated Vic Country 10/170, 42.5 overs (Peake 59, Huf 31, Reynolds 3/33, Weibgen 2/21) at Park 25 (Oval 1)
Other Day 6 results:
ACT 10/150 lost to Qld Country
Western Australia 9/207 lost to Northern Territory
NSW Country 10/187, 48 overs (Brien 40, Farmer 26, Keogh 20) lost to South Australia 9/140, 4? overs () at Park 25 (Oval 3)
DAY 5 QUALIFYING FINALS
In an innings that had been brewing all week, Joel Davies exploded with a prolonged storm of boundaries to finish unbeaten on 185 as NSW Metro surged into the semi finals.
Having already blasted three consecutive fifties in the lead-up, the Northern Territory bowlers would’ve sensed what was coming. Yet their penalty for the early dismissals of Ethan Jamieson (0) and Sam Konstas (18) was a left-hand masterclass.
In a mammoth total of 4 for 365, the Metro captain displayed the full suite of strokes that earned older brother Ollie a Thunder BBL contract. Hitting 114 runs in boundaries (12 fours, 11 sixes), the Manly thrashing machine extended his championship tally to 358 runs, averaging 179 at a blistering strike rate of 158 per 100 balls.
Harjas Singh’s century (113 runs off 114 balls) was overshadowed in the onslaught as the pair put on 255 for the third wicket.
Northern Territory reached 9 for 224 in reply and were well served by Sydney youngsters Cameron Frendo (38 runs, Fairfield Liverpool) and Cameron Tunks (34 runs, Northern District).
Gordon speedster Luke Callanan (3/32) was the pick of the Metro bowlers, while spin pair Jamieson and Davies combined to take five wickets.
On the adjoining field, despite going down by 12 runs to Queensland Metro, NSW Country delivered their best performance of the tournament.
Joseph Gillard’s good form continued, the captain leading the way with a composed 107 from 139 balls as the Country boys neared Metro’s 263 in what would have been a major upset.
Central Coast’s Karan Katli was outstanding with the ball. From 10 economical overs the off spinner returned 3/31, while Sawtell paceman Charlie Howard took 2/29.
In tomorrow’s only game, Tasmania face Queensland Country before NSW Metro continue their charge towards the title in Wednesday’s semi finals.
DAY 5 SCORES
(1) NSW Metro 4/365, 50 overs (Davies 185*, Singh 113) defeated (8) Northern Territory 9/224, 50 overs (Callanan 3/32, Jamieson 3/48, Davies 2/42, Straker 1/16) at Park 25 (Oval 1)
(2) Queensland Metro 10/263, 49.5 overs (Katli 3/31, Howard 2/29, Cook 2/49, Parson 2/51, Webster 1/32) defeated (7) NSW Country 10/251, 49.5 overs (Gillard 107, Webster 42, Scott 27) at Park 25 (Oval 2)
Other Day 5 results:
(3) Western Australia 7/260 lost to (6) Vic Country 9/265
(5) South Australia 8/139 lost to (4) Vic Metro 9/140
(11) ACT 10/211 defeated (9) Tasmania 10/148
DAY 4 HIGHLIGHTS
Captain Joel Davies lost the toss for the third straight game, but it mattered little, as once again Metro’s star studded outfit batted first. And once again they cut loose, setting Tasmania a formidable 50-over total of 8 for 319.
Even with Day 2 century-maker Ethan Jamieson carrying the drinks, wicketkeeper Ryan Hicks took up the slack, posting a patient 104 runs from 126 balls.
With openers Sam Konstas and Fairfield Liverpool’s Brock Fitton back in the pavilion with score on 12, the Mosman right-hander set about laying the platform for the side’s familiar late innings fireworks.
At 4 for 68, Will Salzmann joined Hicks, and by the time the gloveman departed with the total on 245 the tide had changed.
Salzmann followed 12-runs later, his 80-ball 96 the entree to another Davies tidal wave.
A swashbuckling 55 from only 27 balls was the skipper's third fifty in as many knocks – taking his tournament aggregate to 173 runs off a remarkable 103 deliveries.
Once again, with runs on the board Metro were untouchable. Fired up after his first ball duck, opening bowler Yuva Nishchay (5/33) then ripped the heart out of Tassie’s reply with the first five wickets. Davies’ left-arm offies sent another three packing as Metro rounded out a comfortable third straight win.
Led by Zak Keogh’s (86) second half century in three digs and a brisk 63 from Belmont’s Joseph Gillard, NSW Country set Vic Metro a competitive 7 for 275.
With the bat, Vic Metro had all the answers and in cruising past the target for the loss of only one wicket exposed a struggling Country attack, who in three outings has only managed to capture six wickets.
And special mention goes to Cameron Frendo.
With no room in the NSW Metro squad, the underage left-arm orthodox from Fairfield Liverpool joined the Northern Territory for added experience.
Up against Queensland Metro, his all-round qualities were there for all to see. After grabbing a bag of four wickets from 10 overs, he then returned with the willow at the fall of NT’s sixth wicket and cracked a run-a-ball 86.
QUALIFYING FINALS, MONDAY 19 DECEMBER
(1) NSW Metro v (8) Northern Territory
(2) Qld Metro v (7) NSW Country
DAY 4 SCORES
NSW Metro 8/319, 50 overs (Hicks 104, Salzmann 96, Davies 55*) defeated Tasmania 10/141, 26.5 overs (Nishchay 5/33, Davies 3/27, Cole 1/14, Callanan 1/36) at Park 25 (Oval 3)
NSW Country 7/275, 50 overs (Keogh 86, Gillard 63, Webster 30*, Scott 29) lost to Vic Metro 1/276, 48 overs (Demattia 127, Watling 1/19) at Karen Rolton Oval
Other Day 4 results:
Qld Metro 10/315 (Aitken 157, Frendo 4/55) defeated Northern Territory 9/263 (Frendo 86)
ACT 10/100 lost to Western Australia 2/102
South Australia 8/307 defeated Qld Country 10/238
DAY 3 SCORES
NSW Country 10/214, 49.4 overs (Ross 78, Scott 61) lost to Vic Country 2/216, 37 overs (Buxton 122, Watling 1/24, Katli 1/48) at Prince Alfred College
DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS
For the second day running NSW Metro have towelled the opposition after being sent in to bat, racking up a formidable 6 for 378 from 50 overs.
Ethan Jamieson wiped away the heartache of yesterday’s 88, returning on Day 2 and pounding the ACT attack on route to a memorable 152 runs.
Following a century opening stand with Sam Konstas (37), Jamieson was then joined by Wests’ Harjas Singh (63), and the pair replicated yesterday’s triple-figure partnership before Singh departed for a near run-a-ball 63 with the score at 216.
Skipper Joel Davies then went bang, bang. Teeing off with five sixes and as many fours in a blistering 68 off only 31 deliveries. An inspired Jamieson joined the party before his astonishing 135-ball knock ended with the score on 354.
Apart from opener John Allen (58), the ACT offered little resistance in falling for 158.
Once again, Charlie Anderson proved a handful taking 3/21, and he was well supported by new ball partner Yuva Nishchay, who in his first outing, removed ACT’s dangerous captain Blake Faunce.
Spinners Raf MacMillan and Penrith’s Owen Cole both bagged doubles as ACT folded inside 42 overs.
After two days of competition, Metro’s perfect record will remain intact with tomorrow’s day off. In Saturday’s only match, NSW Country will look to open their account against Vic Country.
DAY 2 SCORES
NSW Metro 6/378, 50 overs (Jamieson 152, Davies 68, Singh 63, Konstas 37) defeated ACT 10/158, 41.5 overs (Anderson 3/21, MacMillan 2/36, Cole 2/38, Nishchay 1/13, Straker 1/22, Davies 1/24) at Kensington Oval
Other Day 2 results:
Vic Metro 1/331 (Dixon 197*, Chowna 111*) defeated Queensland Country 10/152
Tasmania 7/232 lost to Queensland Metro 2/235
Vic Country 10/205 lost to Western Australia 9/206
Northern Territory 10/181 lost to South Australia 4/187
DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS
After making the first mistake of the day, Vic Country suffered after sending NSW Metro’s star studded line-up to the wicket.
Sutherland whiz Sam Konstas made an unusual early departure, before Harjas Singh and elegant leftie Ethan Jamieson stamped their authority.
Together the pair added 101 runs before Singh fell for 43. Jamieson eventually fell 12 shy of the carnival’s first ton, but having faced just 101 balls, the UNSW young gun looks poised for a big week.
Once again, skipper Joel Davies hoisted his rising status another notch, along with the Victorian attack, twice clearing the ropes in blazing 50 of 45 balls. Not be out done, U19s World Cup gun Will Salzmann continued the fireworks, smashing 36 from 15 deliveries as Metro charged to 7 for 298 from 50 overs.
In reply, Vic Country had no answers to the new ball combination of Tom Straker and Northern District spearhead, Charlie Anderson. Across 12 overs the duo conceded a miserly 28 runs.
With the pressure rising, the Vics crumbled. Davies snared two victims, before fellow spinner Raf MacMillan cleaned up the final five wickets to finish with 5 for 18 as Metro rounded out a perfect start with a 160-run victory.
It was a different story next door at Park 25 where NSW Country were outclassed by Western Australia, going down by seven wickets.
Pambula’s Zak Keogh led the charge with the bat, his 64 a continuation of the form he showed at last season’s tournament. Joseph Gillard (36) and Wagga’s Jake Scott (31) provided valuable assistance but Country failed to get out of second gear in posting 9 for 199.
Western Australia were never headed in reply, losing only three wickets in reaching the target in the 42nd over.
DAY 1 SCORES
NSW Metro 7/298, 50 overs (Jamieson 88, Davies 50, Singh 43, Salzmann 36) defeated Vic Country 138/10, 41.4 overs (MacMillan 5/18, Davies 2/24, Straker 1/12, Callanan 1/19, Cole 1/43) at Park 25 (Oval 1)
NSW Country 9/199, 50 overs (Keogh 64, Gillard 36, Scott 31*) lost to Western Australia 3/200, 41.4 overs (Cattle 1/34, Cook 1/41, Katli 1/52) at Park 25 (Oval 2)
Other Day 1 results:
Northern Territory 6/269 lost to Vic Metro 6/270
ACT 10/162 lost to QLD Metro 1/165
Tasmania 10/223 lost to South Australia 8/226
MEET THE NSW METRO AND COUNTRY STARS
THE state’s best underage country and metropolitan talent are about to gather in Adelaide where NSW will field two teams in the Cricket Australia Under-19 National Male Championships between 15-22 December.
Still stinging after Metro lost to Queensland in last season’s grand final in Mackay, the NSW sides will be desperate to turn the tables in what is the final chance to impress the national selectors before next February’s U19s series against England.
Country coach Dean Burke says both squads are ready for the trip south.
“It is difficult to get the regional boys together on a regular basis,” said Burke.
“That said, we have had a couple of camps throughout the course of the season and also some pretty good trial matches where we’ve given everyone an opportunity to show what they can do.
“The country boys have been playing cricket in their local towns, and also there are quite a few playing in the Sydney competition.”
All matches are 50-over contests, with each side playing three matches before the finals. By the end of the carnival, regardless of rank, each side will have completed six matches
NSW Metro coach Anthony Clark will also coach the U19 Australian team for the series against England to be hosted in Australia next February.
“NSW has great depth and have organised for bottom age players Cameron Frendo (Fairfield-Liverpool, leg spinner) and Cameron Tunks (Northern District, batter) to play for the Northern Territory to gain experience,” Clark said.
“The Australian squad will be named at the completion of the tournament during the days leading up to Christmas.”
Meet the metro and country stars who will represent NSW in Adelaide.
NSW U19 METRO, coach Anthony Clark
Joel Davies, Manly Warringah
The younger brother of Blues star Ollie, Joel Davies is fast making his own name. Named as Metro skipper in his final nationals tournament, the left-hander’s mix of power with the blade and consistent off spin is perfectly suited to the white ball format.
William Salzmann, Campbelltown
Now in his second season of first grade and having represented Australia at this year’s U19s World Cup, the right-hander is expected to be a regular contributor at the top of the order. Recent injuries have restricted his time with the ball, but according to Clark, the paceman can be expected to share in the workload.
Ethan Jamieson, UNSW
One of 16 promising stars across NSW who recently received a prestigious Basil Sellers Scholarship, Jamieson heads to Adelaide in good form. Earlier this month the stylish lefty scored 78 against Fairfield-Liverpool in first grade, while with the white ball, his right-arm leg spin has proved difficult to score off.
Sam Konstas, Sutherland
In a breakout season, the 17-year-old opener has delivered on the junior form that saw him score the most runs in the history of the Green Shield competition. Back in November, the right-hander blasted his maiden top grade ton at better than a run-a-ball.
Brock Fitton, Fairfield-Liverpool
After spending the winter honing his craft in England, Fitton has returned to Sydney and bedded down an opening position in first grade at Fairfield-Liverpool. Capable of sustained periods of concentration, last November, the right-hander reached three figures for the first time scoring a patient 129 runs from 258 balls against Northern District.
Patrick Xie, Parramatta
A gifted and aggressive strokemaker, Xie is known for his power off the back foot. The right-hander is a fast learner and this season has been a regular in Parramatta’s top grade at No.5. Earlier this season, a 61 off 33 balls in the U21 Poidevin Gray Shield competition showcased his ability in the shorter formats.
Harjas Singh, Western Suburbs
Singh was just 16 when he scored his first century in the top grade for Blacktown Mounties at the start of the year. Since then, the left-hander has jumped ship to Western Suburbs where his highlights to date are a succession of strong performances in the Poidevin Gray Shield, including a blazing 121 from just 86 deliveries at Pratten Park.
Ryan Hicks, Mosman
Another bottom age player, Hicks is a 17-year-old wicketkeeper and confident right-hand batter. Showed his class in a recent intrasquad game, scoring an impressive 68 runs.
Rafael MacMillan, St George
A St George junior, MacMillan’s off spin comes highly regarded. Those in the know say his stock ball does what others don’t. Having already played against the touring West Indies this season, the tall right-armer can expect to bowl plenty of overs when he arrives in Adelaide.
Owen Cole, Penrith
No stranger to the U19 nationals, last season in Mackay, Cole took five wickets in an innings with his crafty leg spin. Since moving to Penrith in the off-season, the right-armer has been developing his skills in the club’s second and first grade sides.
Charlie Anderson, Northern District
Anderson is definitely one to keep an eye on. The right-arm new ball bowler has certainly impressed in first grade at Northern District. Tall and with a repeatable action, Anderson recently showed his all-round potential. After scoring 63 runs at No.10 in mid-November, the quick then ripped through the Blacktown Mounties batting line-up to finish with 5 for 32.
Yuva Nishchay, Fairfield-Liverpool
After a series of injuries prevented the quick from bowling last season, the Fairfield-Liverpool junior has rebounded to lead the first grade side’s new ball attack. Capable of brisk outswing, earlier this season the tall right-hander showed his skill with the bat when he scored a match saving 91 from No.9 in the order.
Luke Callanan, Gordon
A student at Newington College, Luke is an understated and strong athlete who possesses raw pace. Last season the right-arm quick nudged 130 km/h for NSW U17s, and this year has been developing his game at the Gordon Cricket Club.
Tom Straker, Sutherland
Another right-arm paceman, Tom has returned with the ball after missing the two previous years with stress fractures. Known for his hard work, his recent reward was four first grade scalps in a game against Western Suburbs.
NSW U19 COUNTRY, coach Dean Burke
Cooper Brien, Western
An elegant right-hand batter from Bathurst, Cooper represented the Country Colts last season and heads to Adelaide with confidence after an innings of 80 in the recent U19 State Challenge series.
Rhys Cattle, Greater Illawarra
Definitely a rare breed, Cattle is predominantly a left-arm orthodox spinner who is just as capable with his right. Originating from West Wollongong, the ambidextrous bowler is also handy in the middle order. Earlier this month for St George in the Poidevin Gray Shield competition, Rhys cleared the fence on three occasions in a whirlwind 11-ball knock.
Bryce Cook, North Coastal
Bryce represented Australia in the U15 national squad, and the right-arm fast bowler will still be young enough for next year’s U19 nationals. From Kew on the north coast and currently playing in Port Macquarie, Cook is scheduled to make the move south and join the Waratah Club in the Newcastle competition.
Max Farmer, Central Northern
A reliable gloveman, Farmer makes the trip from Raymond Terrace to Sydney three or four times a week to satisfy his first grade commitments with Fairfield-Liverpool. Patient with the bat, Farmer is a regular contributor from No.7.
Joseph Gillard, Newcastle
Another eligible for next year’s series, the mature right-hander has been named captain. Knows what to expect after featuring in last season’s tournament and heads south in good form following a ton for Belmont and an 85 in the recent NSW Country Championships.
Charlie Howard, North Coastal
Originating from Sawtell, Howard is a right-arm paceman and handy lower order batter who has been advancing his skills in second and third grade with Sydney in the NSW Premier Cricket competitions.
Karan Katli, Central Coast
A right-arm offie, Karan has flown under the radar earning his spot from outside the main development squads. A Central Coast resident, he earned his place with strong performances in the trials and State Challenge series.
Zak Keogh, Southern
Zak is a promising top order specialist who will be keen to add to the pair of fifties he scored during last season’s U19s carnival in Mackay. The right-hander’s class was recognised earlier this year with a place in Australia’s U19s training squad. A Pambula junior, Keogh has been playing for Randwick Petersham in the Sydney competition.
Angus Parsons, Western
From the northern Bathurst suburb of Eglinton, Parsons is a rising right-arm speedster who recently took a wicket on first grade debut for Mosman. Can swing the ball away in appropriate conditions, and is known for his accurate line and length.
Kobe Ross, Greater Illawarra
A left-hand opener from Albion Park, Ross has been in peak form for Sutherland second grade this season. Consecutive scores of 93, 74 and 142 culminated with selection in first grade. With an even temperament and desire for big runs, he’s one to keep an eye on.
Jake Scott, Riverina
Jake is an elegant left-hander with a wide range of strokes who also bowls right-arm leggies. From Bourkelands, a southern suburb of Wagga Wagga, he has been playing for Penrith this season, and earlier this month smashed an unbeaten 148 against Sydney University in the Poidevin Gray Shield.
Riley Urquhart, Newcastle
Tall and athletic, Riley delivers brisk out swing for Belmont’s first grade side in the Newcastle competition. Hailing from Lake Macquarie, the right-armer gets his first chance in this environment after strong performances in the trials.
Hayden Watling, Riverina
From Tumut, Watling recently transferred to Sydney where he has opened the bowling in first grade for Fairfield-Liverpool. One of the strongest athletes in the Country squad, the right-arm quick heads to Adelaide as the side’s attacking weapon.
Mac Webster, Western
Webster lives and plays his cricket in Orange. An all-rounder, he just finished the HSC at Kinross Wolaroi where he was also school captain. At last month’s State Challenge, the left hander scored runs and offered a point of difference with his right-arm mediums in the middle overs.