THE championship dreams of Matthew Gilkes and Tom Engelbrecht’s ACT/NSW Country side, at this year’s under 19 national championships in Tasmania, are over.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After an undefeated start of four wins and a draw to open the tournament, the two Ulladulla United juniors’ team lost by five wickets to Western Australia in Tuesday’s qualifying final at Lindisfarne Oval.
After winning the toss, ACT/NSW Country chose to bat first – with Gilkes opening the batting again, while Engelbrecht did not play in the match.
Gilkes couldn’t continue his strong form with the willow though, being dismissed for just nine from 39 deliveries.
The team would eventually post 8/208, thanks to a gritty 76 from Blake Nikitaras.
In reply, a hard-fought 75 from Western Australian opener Matthew Spoors guided the hosts past the total (5/210), with five overs to spare.
The team will now take on Queensland at Queensborough Oval on Wednesday, in a battle for the lower placings.
Semi-final fixtures - Wednesday, December 13
Cricket Australia XI vs South Australia at Kingston Twin Ovals
Western Australia vs NSW Metro at New Town Oval