Sport
21 February, 2026
Pies and the Bulls: junior cricket grand final this weekend
UNBEATEN Boort Yando have stormed into this weekend's Upper Loddon Cricket Association junior grand final with a massive win over Wedderburn Band.
UNBEATEN Boort Yando have stormed into this weekend's Upper Loddon Cricket Association junior grand final with a massive win over Wedderburn Band.
The Magpies, seeking a third premiership on the trot, this weekend meet Bridgewater, who beat Kingower following a dramatic batting collapse by the hosts.
After making 8-167 on day one of the clash with the Band, Boort Yando skittled Wedderburn for just 30 on Sunday.
The Magpies’ vaunted batting line up reached 167 off 41 overs on Saturday, with only Jacob Malone, who made 50 off 107 balls with three fours, making the Wedderburn bowlers pay.
Jake O’Flaherty made a brisk 15 off 11 deliveries on the Wedderburn turf wicket, with Owen Byrne (12) and Cooper Gooding (11) out cheaply.
Finley Arnold’s 13 not out from 30 balls batting at number seven propped up the lower order, aided by Archer Lee, who hit 12 off just eight balls.
Nate Turnbull was the Band’s best bowler, taking 2-12 from three overs.
When Wedderburn took to the crease, it was all over in less than 20 overs.
BRIDGEWATER’S opening day total of 7-133 proved too tough for Kingower to overcome, with the home side sliding from 3-96 to 118 all out on the second day of play.
The collapse came as the Gower looked to be cruising against the Bulls attack.
The top order of Morgan Lonza (17), Ryder Smith (15), Riley Leach (24) and Xander Wilson (29) took their side almost to the 100-run mark, but once Wilson was dismissed the wickets tumbled with a rush.
Jenson Birthisel began the carnage when he claimed Wilson LBW, and he picked up two late wickets as well, already having dismissed opening bat Lonza, to finish with a fine 4-28 from eight overs.
Connor Alexander picked up three wickets for 19 from 10 tight overs, and the diminutive Xavier Power took 2-25 from 8.2 overs.
Abby Wilson’s four not out was the best score among the last seven batters.
On Saturday, a consistent batting effort took Bridgewater to a competitive total.
Xavier Power and Harry Kilby top scored with 18 apiece, with only one of the Bulls’ first seven batters not reaching double figures.
Ryder Smith’s bowling was outstanding, taking 3-16 from 10 overs.
Heath Leach’s 2-8 from four overs was next best for the Gower.