VCCL U18 and U21: All the leading performers

A host of the most promising local cricketers from regional Victoria have made their presence felt in the opening round of the VCCL representative tournament. Who stood out.

Lara's Kaden Marum. Picture: Wes Cusworth.

The Victoria Country Cricket League’s representative under-18 and 21 competitions got underway on Sunday.

See all the top performers from the games played.

UNDER-21

A blazing century from Jesse Thornton has helped the Barwon Rockets start their Victorian Country Cricket League under-21 competition in devastating fashion.

The Alexander Thomson batter hit 100 not out from 131 deliveries, including 10 boundaries, as his side went onto secure a 42-run win against the South East Sharks at Burdoo Recreation Reserve.

The opener overcame early trouble, which saw his side fall to 2-23, to guide his side to 7-255 from 46 overs.

The Rockets managed to keep their bowling tight as the Sharks were restricted to 7-213 from their 46 overs as Eildon Park’s Lachlan Baltruschaitis hit a half-century before being run-out.

Kaden Marum, from Lara, was the leading bowler with two wickets.

Northern Rivers secured a big nine-wicket win over the Western Waves with four players in particular standing out in the win.

Karramomus’ Declan Newbound and Bendigo’s Jett Grundy claimed three wickets apiece as the Waves were bowled out for 153 as Hamish Kearney top scored with 39.

Tristan Watson also had an impact with the ball, finishing with two wickets.

Huntly North’s Judd Gilchrist (62 not out off 83) and Pine Lodge’s Dylan Hardy (53 off 79) led the run chase to give Northern Rivers a first up win.

UNDER-18

A century from captain Colby Marr has laid the foundation for the Mallee Murray Suns to record a 118-run win over the Northern Rivers.

Marr finished with an impressive 106 off 128 including six boundaries and a six as his side posted 7-276 from its 50 overs on Sunday.

Marr was well supported by Max Morgan (52 off 54) as the pair gave their side a strong platform to defend. Alexander Robertson, from Central Park-St Brendan’s, led the way with the ball taking three wickets.

Rivers were bowled out for 158 as tailender Thomas Seipolt top scored with 36 not out. Samuel Hollingworth, from Wandella, was brilliant for the Suns after taking a game high 4-33 off 10 overs.

North East Knights were able to hold on for a thrilling two-run win over the Central Highlands in the standout game of the opening round.

The Knights were all out for 158 as Jonty Priest top scored with 24 while Zac Bell took 4-15.

A 34-run 10th wicket partnership between Zac Hinck (20 not out off 29) and Samraat Sharma (12 off 40) almost guided Central Highlands across the line but they ultimately fell short. Max Arendarcikas led the way with 3-34 as Priest took three catches.

Originally published as VCCL U18 and U21: All the leading performers