Under-19 Male National Cricket Championships: All the action from every day here

New South Wales Metro have been crowned the Under-19 Male National Cricket Championship champions. See who the top performers were across the week’s action in Albury here.

NSW rising star Sam Konstas. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

New South Wales Metro have been crowned the Under-19 Male National Cricket Championship champions following their convincing Duckworth-Lewis-Stern victory over Queensland in Thursday’s grand final.

Queensland won the toss and batted first however the fast bowling prowess of Charlie Anderson had Queensland quickly wishing they hadn’t.

Anderson struck immediately, and before Queensland could blink they were 2-14.

Soon enough the Queenslanders were 4-40 and 5-55 after New South Wales quicks Tom Straker and Addison Sherriff took wickets.

Queensland were in all sorts, however Brisbane Grammar product Angus Tolhurst showed nerves of steel to build an innings under such pressure.

Tolhurst scored quickly and accumulated 43 much-needed runs with partner in crime Alexander Procopis (42) also showing grit and determination to deny the New South Wales bowlers another wicket.

The pair put on 61 together and after a cameo from James Pullar (18*), Queensland were able to finish all 50 overs, which at the start of the innings, looked nearly impossible.

The momentum of the match was halted after rain delayed play for at least an hour. But then New South Wales openers Riley Kingsell and Sam Konstas took to the batting crease.

Although Queensland would have been happy they managed to post 173 after the start they had, Konstas and Kingsell ensured it was in vein.

Konstas (63*, 69 balls) and Kingsell (31, 41 balls) enjoyed a 67-run opening stand, which laid an early deposit on victory for the New South Welshmen.

Not even Callum Vidler could find a way through.

James Pullar (two wickets) and Cody Reynolds (one wicket) fought hard at the bowling crease but in the end the boys in blue had no trouble chasing down a smaller total of 138 under the DLS method.

They had the match won (NSW 3-138 def Qld 9-173) in 27 overs following a superb bowling effort and a brave batting effort by their openers.

DAY 5 WRAP

The final day of the Under 19 Male National Championships is here, with the best young cricketers in Australia battling it out for bragging rights.

On Wednesday we witnessed more masterful performances from our next gen Australian cricketers, namely Corey Wasley (Western Australia), Riley Kingsell (New South Wales Metro), Alexander Procopis (Queensland), Bailey Abela (New South Wales Country), Angus Campbell (New South Wales Country), Alexander Buxton (Victoria Country), Nicholas Allen (Australian Capital Territory) and Charlie Bignell (Northern Territory).

The very best of them are featured below, in our day five Team of the Tournament

DAY 5 TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT

Riley Kingsell (New South Wales Metro)

Kingsell opened the batting and scored 54, joining in a partnership with both Sam Kontas and Harjas Singh to get his side off to a flyer.

Singh (42), Cameron Tunks (40) and Hicks (35) were all excellent as well for Metro.

Corey Wasley (Western Australia)

The determined Wasley arrived at the crease with his side 2-45 and a mountain of runs needed – and he delivered.

Although it wasn’t enough in the end, Wasley’s 67 from 63 balls gave Western Australia a fighting chance and it was a superb knock.

Alexander Buxton (Victoria Country)

Buxton was brilliant as first drop batter.

After great starts by Oliver Peake (59) and Henry Melville (40), Buxton was able to play his game freely and boy did he impress.

He scored 73 from 71 and put pressure on the New South Wales country bowlers in match-defining-knock.

Bailey Abela (New South Wales Country)

Chasing 247 for victory, Abela had his work cut out for him.

And on the biggest stage of his young career, he displayed plenty of grit to produce 84 (95 balls) against the new ball.

He was the reason New South Wales Country came within nine runs of Victoria’s total.

Nicholas Allen (Australian Capital Territory)

Allen opened the batting and scored 62 from 44 in an aggressive display.

He hit eight fours and a six and knew one mode – attack mode.

Alexander Procopis (Queensland)

Procopis came in at No. 7 for Queensland and had a magnificent knock of 46 from 39.

He hit two fours and three sixes during his time at the crease and his batting efforts ensured Queensland’s bowlers had a healthy total to defend.

Cody Reynolds (6-2-15-3), James Pullar (8.1-0-22-3) and Tom Campbell (8-1-22-2) were damaging at the bowling crease.

Charlie Bignell (Northern Territory)

Bignell’s team was chasing 197 for victory and he arrived at the crease with the Northern Territory 2-23.

At that moment, his opposition held the upper hand.

That was the last time they had the advantage,

Bignell exploded for 78, and he remained at the crease for the entire innings, seeing the Northern Territory to safety with a cracking knock which won the game.

Jesse Willmott (Tasmania)

Willmott showed nerves of steel to stay in, and keep the scoreboard ticking over at No. 8 for Tasmania.

He arrived at the middle with his team 6-54 and saw the innings out.

He scored an unbeaten 49 from 74 and helped his team post a defendable 127.

Cameron Frendo (New South Wales Metro)

Frendo snared a five wicket haul on Wednesday, sweeping through the Western Australian lower order to ensure victory.

His figures were 9.4-1-35-5.

Charlie Howard (New South Wales Country)

Howard (9-0-47-6) had his way against Victoria Country, picking up six wickets in a one-man-show.

The only downside was that he leaked five runs an over but he picked up the wickets of Melville and Buxton which were crucial.

Harry Hoekstra (Victoria Country)

Hoekstra produced a mighty fine effort where he picked up both New South Wales openers.

He made the early breakthrough, then returned to dismiss the danger man Abela in what was the turning point.

He was economical also, leaking 3.5 runs an over in a high scoring affair.

DAY 4 RECAP

New South Wales’ future hope Sam Konstas proved why state selectors gave him a shot at Sheffield Shield level last week with a blitzing century on Day 4 of the national championships.

Representing NSW Metro, Konstas carved the Northern Territory bowlers to all parts on his way to a 138-ball 150.

The right-hander plundered 11 fours and three sixes as his side set NT 4-331.

NT batted out its overs in reply by fell 106 runs short.

South Australia’s Brandon Bray took another four scalps to see his state over the line, this time over Victoria Country.

Bray’s 4-41 ripped the heart out of Vic Country’s middle order.

Top-order batters Kane Halfpenny (60) and Tejas Gill (68) made sure the South Australians chase of Vic Country’s 10-204 was a successful one.

SA won by five wickets with Eight balls to spare.

NSW rising star Sam Konstas. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Max Parker did all he could for Victoria Metro. Picture: GRAEME DIGGLE

Australian Capital Territory opening bowler Nicholas Kent has steered his state to a stunning victory over Victoria Metro.

Kent returned for a second spell when Victoria Metro – led by Max Parker (79) – was needing 35 runs to win.

After being hit for six just balls before, Kent claimed 4-1 to bowl Victoria Metro out for 199.

His dazzling performance followed a perfect all-round display from teammate Jack Monie, who claimed 4-35 to go with his 57 from the first innings.

Parker was the only Victorian Metro batter to score more than 22.

Queensland timed its run to perfection to continue its unblemished campaign.

Half centuries from Aidan O’Connor (71) and Zac Curtain (55) gave the Tasmanians a fighting chance with 10-252 on the board at the innings break.

But the Maroons showed collective composure in reply, passing the Tasmanians in the final over six wickets down.

Lachy Aitken (66) and Tom Campbell (64) got the Queenslanders off to a quick start before Alex Procopis (27 not out from 30 balls) saw the win was completed.

Western Australia, meanwhile, bounced back from Sunday’s disappointing defeat to hold its nerve against New South Wales Country.

114 from opener Jake Gerrans took the Western Aussies to 9-262 from its allotted overs.

Angus Parsons was the pick of the NSW Country bowlers with 4-42.

Despite half centuries from three of NSW Country’s top four – Joseph Gillard (51), Bailey Abela (57) and Sam Weir (53) – WA managed to take steady wickets to eventually win by 18 runs.

Mahil Beardman’s set in the 46th over was crucial, as he bowled both set batters Weir and Harry Scowen (17) in the same over.

Beardman finished with 3-35 off 10.

DAY 4 TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT

1. Sam Konstas, NSW Metro – 150 runs

2. Jake Gerrans, Western Australia – 114 runs

3. Tejas Gill, South Australia – 68 runs

4. Aidan O’Connor, Tasmania – 71 runs

5. Jack Monie, ACT – 57 runs and 4-35

6. Max Parker, Vic Metro – 79 runs

7. Jack Lynden, Vic Metro – 4-55 off 10 and 21 runs

8. Nicholas Kent, ACT – 4-31 off 7.5

9. Mahil Beardman, Western Australia – 3-35 off 10

10. Brandon Bray, South Australia – 4-41 off 10

11. Angus Parsons, NSW Country – 4-42 off 8

Day 3: Spin to win

The Under-19 Men’s National Championships entered the third day and there was no shortage of entertainment and quality performers.

There was a comeback for the ages and more unbelievable spells with the ball.

Here’s how the day played out and who put their names up for Aussie selection.

Queensland are the only undefeated side after coasting to a 149-run victory over Western Australian with gun No. 3 Tom Campbell setting up the win with a knock of 111 from just 110 balls.

Ashton Gum and Matthew Wilkins also notched half-centuries in Queensland’s 9-289. In their first defeat, WA could only manage 140 in reply after being bowled out in 41 overs.

NSW Country made it back-to-back victories after keeper Harry Scowen returned to the crease after initially ending his innings retired hurt. Chasing ACT’s 219, Country looked cooked when Scowen left the ground with a leg injury, but he returned, scrambling his way to the winning run off the final ball of the day with one wicket in hand.

Charlie Howard took 5-38 for Country, while with the bat Scowen and Bailey Abela both hit 38.

Victoria Metro accounted for NSW Metro by 70 runs. The Big V posted 7-229 with Harry Dixon leading the charge with a match defining 86 from 97 balls.

Fresh from his Sheffield Shield debut at the SCG earlier in the week, Sam Konstas headed the Blues’ chase with 46 and alongside Harjas Singh (43) NSW cruised to 1-81.

From there the wheels fell off. Bailey Toseland struck gold with his right-arm leggies finishing with an astonishing 6-8 to roll NSW for 159.

South Australia recorded its first win with a comfortable 47-run defeat of the winless Northern Territory. Batting first, opener Kane Halfpenny rattled off a sublime 92 as the Redbacks posted 6-216.

Northern Territory were bowled out for 169. Aiman Nadeem and Arjun Sehrawat both passed fifty and were the only batters to pass 16 in an innings where South Australia’s Brandon Bray took 4-27.

After knocking over Vic Metro on Friday, Vic Country slumped to an upset loss to Tasmania.

Tassie batted first and where in trouble early before late order hitting by Thomas Murrell (63 off 68) guided them to a competitive 185.

Country bowler Harkirat Bajwa took 4-25 from 10 economical overs.

In reply, Victoria were knocked over inside 30 over for a disappointing 112 as Tasmania capped off a memorable first victory.

DAY 3 TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT

1. Harry Dixon, Vic Metro — 86 runs

2. Kane Halfpenny, South Australia — 92 runs

3. Tom Campbell, Queensland — 111 runs

4. Blake Faunce, ACT — 67 runs

5. Arjun Sehrawat, Northern Territory — 61 runs

6. Ashton Gumm, Queensland — 61 runs

7. Thomas Murrell, Tasmania — 63* runs

8. Brandon Bray, South Australia — 4-27

9. Bailey Toseland, Vic Metro — 6-8

10. Harkirat Bajwa, Vic Country — 4-25

11. Charlie Howard, NSW Country — 5-38

Day 2 superstars

The Under-19 Men’s National Championships continued for the second day with an absolute classic that went right down to the wire.

The second day of the four day tournament had some explosive batting, quality bowling and nail biting finishes as the games next big stars push for national selection.

Western Australia made it two from two after defeating Tasmania by 162 runs thanks to number three batter Corey Wasley who scored a massive 164 runs off 116 balls.

WA’s opener Jake Gerrans (85 runs from 96 balls) combined with Wasley for a 245 second wicket partnership to lead their side to 7-323 after their 45 overs.

In response, Tasmania started well but the massive total seemed too much for them, being bowled out for 161.

NSW Country claimed their first win of the tournament, making light work in their run chase against Northern Territory.

NT were sent into bat and finished on 8-175 from their 50 overs, with Dhanvi Vemulapalli (57* runs from 104 balls) showing the only real resistance from the NSW bowlers.

In response, NSW Country never looked troubled by the NT bowlers, passing the score in the 38th over, three down. Angus Campbell (47 not out from 48 balls) top scored for NSW.

Vic Country claimed bragging rights when they defeated Vic Metro by 48 runs.

Henry Melville (64 runs off 94 balls) and Oliver Peake (67 runs from 84 balls) pushed Vic Country to a defendable total of 233.

Vic Metro openers responded getting their side off the a flyer but it wasn’t enough, finishing on 7-175 at the close of innings.

In the game of the day, Queensland narrowly defeated ACT by six runs thanks to strike bowler Zac McDermott’s 4-17 from 7.1 overs.

ACT’s Akshay Joseph (88 runs from 130 balls) was almost the match winner, being the final wicket of the match.

NSW Metro were too strong for South Australia, thanks to the bowling of Ryan Gupta.

Gupta claimed 6-21 from his 6.3 overs to help NSW win by 44 runs.

DAY 2 TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT

1. Harry Dixon, Vic Metro — 73 runs

2. Jake Gerrans, Western Australia — 85 runs

3. Corey Wasley, Western Australia — 164 runs

4. Akshay Joseph, Australian Capital Territory — 88 runs

5. Oliver Peake, Vic Country — 67 runs

6. Harjas Singh, NSW Metro — 64 runs

7. Henry Melville, Vic Country — 64 runs

8. Deakin Murphy, South Australia — 4-37

9. Ryan Gupta, NSW Metro — 6-21

10. Zac McDermott, Queensland — 4-17

11. Tyler Pearson, Vic Metro — 4-34

The guns who lit up day 1

The future stars of Australian cricket are putting their names up in lights at the Under-19 Men’s National Championships.

The tournament got underway on Thursday with a series of impressive performances from future household names.

Tasmania has started its campaign with a thumping win over the ACT in what was arguably the best team performance of the day.

After being sent in to bat by the men from the capital, Zac Curtain (117 runs off 139 balls) and Aidan O’Connor (114 not out off 70) powered the Tigers to 6-310 from their 50 overs.

In response, the ACT could only must 157 as James Scott took 4-19 and Lachlan Clark 3-21.

Vic Metro claimed a 94-run win over the Northern Territory after posting 8-257 from their 50 overs, led by Atharv Deshpande’s 56 runs, after being sent into bat.

NT only reached 9-163 as Vishwa Ramkumar led the way with 3-29.

Christian Howe was impressive as an all-rounder with 55 off 56 and 2-24.

Western Australia claimed a comfortable five-wicket win against South Australia after winning the toss and electing to bowl.

They rolled SA for 126 led by Declan Power’s 4-21 as Jordan Roads hit a brilliant 74 not out in the run chase.

Queensland prevailed by seven wickets against NSW Country as Tom Campbell produced an impressive 62 not out to guide his side to victory.

NSW Metro wicketkeeper Ryan Hicks led his side to a thrilling victory over Vic Country with an unbeaten 89 runs from 125 deliveries.

Despite his side losing early wickets, Hicks showed great poise to bat through to the end after coming in at four.

DAY 1 TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT

1. Atharv Deshpande, Vic Metro — 56 runs

2. Tom Campbell, Queensland — 62 not out and 3-30

3. Zac Curtain, Tasmania — 117 runs

4. Jordan Roads, Western Australia — 74 not out

5. Christian Howe, Vic Metro — 55 runs and 2-24

6. Aidan O’Connor, Tasmania — 114 not out and 1-13

7. Ryan Hicks, NSW Metro (WK) — 89 not out

8. Addison Sherriff, NSW Metro — 4-22

9. James Pullar, Queensland — 3-19

10. James Scott, Tasmania — 4-19

11. Declan Power, Western Australia — 4-21