Under 16 co-coach Paul Baker provides instruction at the Victorian Bushrangers' U16 Male Dowling Shield, which Ararat's Matt North participated in.
ARARAT - Matt North was the sole Grampians Cricket Association under-16 representative that competed with Central Highlands in the Victorian Bushrangers U16 Male Dowling Shield.
North's Central Highlands failed to get off on a winning note, going down to Inner East Emus by 23 runs in the opening Twenty/20 match.
North bowled three overs for the match to finish with 0/24, but was not required to bat.
In the next round the team took on Northern Falcons and were all out for a lowly total of 72.
North, batting at ninth drop, was trapped leg before wicket for five runs.
Despite the best efforts of Central Highlands' bowlers, including North who finished with 2/24, Northern Falcons easily passed its opposition's total to reach 7/233 by the end of the maximum 50 overs.
Momentum swung back in Central Highlands favour with victory in the qualifying final five against the Western Waves.
North was not required to bat or bowl in the seven wicket win.
In the semi final Central Highlands was defeated by South East Sharks.
Batting first Central Highlands made a healthy total of 167 runs from 44 overs.
North was caught after making one run, taking to the field he bowled two overs.
The South East Sharks finished with a total of 204 runs.
Co- coach Paul Baker said the team fell short during their semi final clash.
"It had been a long week, with some pretty hot weather, so we fell a bit short with the bat," he said.
"He (North) bowled well throughout the week and overall performed well."
