Ganley, a skilful batsman and medium-pace bowler for Buangor Cricket Club, lined up in the under 16 boy's Central Highlands side while Bates, a keen wicket keeper and batsman for St Andrews, was a member of the under 14 boy's Central Highlands team.

While both Central Highlands' sides missed out on their quest to make the under 16 Dowling Shield and under 14 Commonwealth Bank State championship grand finals, they did enjoy success throughout the competition.

After matches were abandoned on day one due wet weather, the under 16 Central Highlanders were raring to go against Western Spirit at Footscray on Tuesday.

Missing out on maximum points due to the wash out, round two was do-or-die for the Highlanders as they faced a run chase of 161.

The boys had little trouble posting 4/162 in response thanks to impressive batting from Gisborne's James Lidgett (48) and back up from team mates Jackson Knight (36, Gisborne) and Matt Crouch (36, Ballarat).

Opener Ganley contributed ten runs against the Spirit and 14 against the Western Waves on Wednesday, as the Highlanders notched up a score of 9/198 off 50 overs.

Ganley ended the Waves' top contributor, Michael Threlfal's spree on 61 and the Waves fell short as the Highlanders claimed a 35-run victory and a quarter-final berth.

Despite a brave effort, the Highlanders lost their agonising quarter-final match against the South East Seagulls.

After struggling with the bat on the outstanding outfield and wicket at the Junction Oval, the Highlanders bounced back with fighting spirit, almost managing to pull off a victory.

With eight wickets down, the Seagulls gained the runs with one over remaining.

Left arm orthodox spinner Josh Tong (Muckleford) kept the Highlanders in the game bowling ten overs, five maidens and finishing with figures of 2/10, while Brad Crouch bowled his heart out, finishing with 4/43.