VMCU grand finals: Jethro Cox scores unbeaten 100 in SECA’s Beitzel Shield triumph

The youngster who played the innings of his life to steer the SECA to victory in the Beitzel Shield grand final talks about his boundary-laden knock.

Jethro Cox after scoring his century in the VMCU U16 Jim Beitzel Shield final. Picture: Facebook

With a clear mind and team-first attitude, 15-year-old Jethro Cox peeled off a defiant maiden century in the grand final of the VMCU U16 Beitzel Shield on Sunday.

His unbeaten 100 engineered a rousing run-chase victory for the South East Cricket Association over Ringwood District at Jubilee Park, Ringwood.

Set 183 for victory, the SECA was on the ropes at 2-25 when Mordialloc product Cox arrived at the crease.

The SECA was soon 3-30 and victory seemed a long way off.

But Cox, showing maturity beyond his years, conjured a plan.

“The ball was still moving so I thought I’d see that off for the next few overs,’’ he said.

“Afterwards I just thought I’d start playing my shots and see where that would get me.

“I certainly didn’t think I’d make a ton, but I thought if I could dig the team out of a hole for the next 15 overs or so then hopefully my teammates at the back end of the innings could get us over the line.”

Jethro Cox raises his bat after scoring his century. Picture: Facebook

Through the next 25 overs, Cox — who’s previous best score was 77 in Mordialloc’s U16s — played a commanding innings, controlling the run chance with his fourth-wicket partner Campbell Gatt (38), who also displayed grit and class.

Cox raised the bat and retired on 100 (carnival rules) in the 39th over with the score at 4-174.

Soon after, the SECA achieved victory, reaching 4-184 with five overs to spare, Luke Foley (7no) and Harry Crosby (7no) seeing the side home.

Cox’s century was made from 93 balls, with 13 fours — most of them coming from sweetly-timed cover drives with his Kookaburra Beast bat.

“They were bowling to my strength so I just executed it really,” he said.

As for making his first century in the heat of a rep cricket grand final, Cox said: “I know, yeah, great feeling,” he said.

“It still feels pretty surreal. I’m still shocked by it all, it happened so fast.’’

Afterwards, Cox’s phone ran hot with a flood of congratulatory messages.

“There has been quite a few, I’m a bit overwhelmed by it all, it’s been great, the support I’ve been shown has been great, I’m so grateful for it,” he said.

The SECA side celebrates its Beitzel Shield triumph. Picture: Facebook

Now Cox wants to test himself at a higher level.

“Absolutely…I play seniors at Mordi and I hope to push up the grades and contribute the best I can and really try and prove myself to other people,” he said.

Cox said the SECA’s side, coached by young Englishmen Will Booth and Charlie Rumistrzewicz, was full of spirit and mateship.

“The banter was great throughout the whole series, it was so much fun,’’ he said.

Premiership team

SECA, U16 J Beitzel Shield

Nicolas Ziersch, Harry Crosby, Dan Chamberlain, Jethro Cox, Luke Foley, Campbell Gatt, Sebastian Grinberg, Luca Kamberis, Jude Kenny, Owen Kovacs, Darcy Montanaro, Alexander Rowe Hansen, Finn Sharp