Sport
14 February, 2026
Unbeaten Magpies flying towards favouritism
UNBEATEN Boort Yando juniors go into the finals on a high after defeating Wedderburn Band by 144 runs – and facing the same opponent in the semi-final beginning on Saturday.
Despite finishing on top, the Magpies will play the Band at Wedderburn, with the Upper Loddon Cricket Association deciding to use the turf wicket while it can, as it is due to be replaced at the end of the season.
Wedderburn will also host the grand final unless the fourth-placed Band does the near impossible and knocks over Boort Yando.
In that event, Arnold will host the grand final.
Bort Yando is chasing a third successive junior premiership in the club’s 40th season
Having hit 4-218 on the first day of their match, the Magpies restricted the Band to 6-74 off 37 overs, with only two Wedderburn players reaching double figures.
Archer Lee bowled three maidens in his seven-over spell to take 2-6.
Owen Byrne claimed 2-14 from his seven overs, with Brodie McPherson (1-3) and Sidney Caine (1-10) the other wicket takers.
BRIDGEWATER Bulls defended their first-day total of 6-128 against Kingower, which battled to 6-107 off 43 overs.
The Bulls’ attack was uniformly accurate, with no bowler going for more than three runs an over.
Kingower got to 1-50 before Ryder Smith was dismissed for 28 off 55 balls, but only three others could reach double figures.
Jenson Birthisel led the bowlers with 3-12 from seven overs, dismissing the three top scorers.
Isaac Ferguson took 1-11, Xavier Power claimed 1-16 and Connor Alexander took 1-19.
The evenly matched teams, which finished second and third on the ladder, will meet again in a semi-final to be played at Kingower beginning on Saturday.
- GARY WALSH