Great Southern U-14 team breaks junior country week drought

A squad of 11 players from Katanning and Broomehill who took the field on Monday against Wheatbelt Warriors is believed to be the first junior team from the Great Southern Cricket Association in several years to compete at the annual junior country week tournament in Perth.

Under the GSCA banner the young cricketers are competing in the under-14 D-section division.

In their round-one clash the GSCA batted first against the Warriors but couldn’t get sufficient partnerships flowing as they managed 104.

The Great Southern got off to a reasonable start thanks to opener Jed Kowald who retired on 23.

Toby Quartermaine came to the crease whacking 23 including four boundaries before he was removed to leave his side at 2-69.

They lost their final five wickets for just 12 runs as opener Hugh Beaton was not out on 7 off 26 balls.

Great Southern had a challenge in front of them to defend their small total and they got off to a good start as they removed both Warriors openers early to leave them 2-24.

Jed Kowald bowled Toby Fuchsbichler to give their side some hope with a third wicket for Great Southern but Hunter Even and Nathan Cameron put on 48 runs to help guide the Warriors across the line.

Lachlan Kerin bowled Jay Mutter as the Great Southern put up a great fight, taking 5-15 but it was too late as Warriors registered 8-118 off 25.3 overs.

Alby Kowald and Lachlan Kerin both claimed two scalps.

The GSCA team was playing Geraldton in their second game on Tuesday.

Geraldton made 8-156 and with GSCA putting up a great fight but falling short posting 6-121 in reply.

GSCA provided a great spell of bowling on Wednesday bowling Bunbury and Districts out for 92 but only managing 8-58 in their innings.