CRACKING SHOT: Western Zone bat Charlie Litchfield retired on 35 not out against University of NSW yesterday at Riawena Oval. The boys again play today, this time against St George. Photo: LUKE SCHUYLER
WESTERN Zone under 17s kicked off its two-day selection trial with a comprehensive showing against last season’s Green Shield runners up University of NSW.
Western opened the day with the bat and both Orange’s Charlie Litchfield and Bathurst’s Michael Waldren shone.
Litchfield retired on 35 while Waldren made 33 before Mudgee’s young bat Stuart Fredericks hit an unbeaten 46 to help guide Western Zone to a total of 5-214 from 50 overs.
The side’s work with the ball was just as impressive.
The wickets were shared as Western Zone’s attack went about dismantling its metropolitan opponents with Corey Suckling (2-18), Ben Patterson (2-13), Ben Page (2-6), Alex Crowther (2-23) and Nick Corbet (1-23) all taking wickets.
They were dismissed for 96, however, with the game being played as a trial Western Zone bowled out its 50 overs allowing UNSW to make it to a score of 120, with the loss of 13 wickets.
Thomas Jagot was the pick of the UNSW batsmen hitting 46.
It was the first hit-out of the season for the UNSW under 17s, but for Western Zone’s generation next it was their chance to press their claims before selectors finalise a 13-man squad for the Rod Hartus trophy in October.
“From our perspective I’m really rapt about today,” coach Trent Colley said.
“We got off to a good start with our openers but it was the intent, so I’m really happy with the way these kids are progressing.”
He added another good showing against St George at Riawena Oval from 10am today will make picking a final 13-man squad a challenge.
“We’re playing for the Brian Booth trophy so there’s 17 years of history in that for us,” he said.
“[Yesterday] means a lot moving forward, [today] we’re playing for a little bit of silverware.
“I’m really proud the fact we’ve gone three months’ work with camps and weekend sessions to see the boys perform really well against Uni of NSW, who were Green Shield runners up last year.
“We’ve taken 13 wickets for 120, scored 214 and retired a few blokes doing well so hopefully we can get another result.”