It has been a tough week for the two Grampians Cricket Association teams competing in the Central Highlands country week, with both sides yet to record a win.
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Both teams will look to claim their first win when they come up against Maryborough at Ballarat on Friday in a playoff for seventh spot.
Here is how the sides fared this week.
UNDER 13s
The young Grampians side kicked off its week against Ballarat Blue in a home game at North Park on Tuesday.
The visitors set a tough total of 153 with just five wickets lost.
The home side started well, with Max McMahon and Jack Cann combining for a valuable partnership.
Cann eventually fell for 12, with McMahon going on to score 34, just six shy of retirement. Ballarat went on to win by 38 runs, with Grampians losing eight wickets in their 40 overs. The under-13 team travelled to Gisborne for their second game.
The Grampians side bowled first once again, putting in its best performance so far, picking up nine wickets with Gisborne Green scoring 156 runs.
The score was once again too large for Grampians to chase, finishing 8-97 at the end of 40 overs.
Cann found form again with the bat, scoring 34, while Sonny Kettle chipped in with 20. Jayde McMurtrie scored 11 not out to go with his two wickets in the loss.
Under-13 Grampians coach Geoff Phillips said despite losing both games he was “very proud” of his team.
“The boys played quite well even though we lost,” he said.
“They bowled and fielded very well and I thought their batting improved a lot.
“We batted our full allotment of overs which showed they put value on their wickets which is great to see.
“It has been enjoyable so far..”
UNDER 15s
The under-15 side struggled in its first match against Ballarat Blue.
After being sent in to bat at Alexandra Oval, the Grampians side was knocked over for just 39 from 27 overs.
Bailey Hosemans top scored with 11 but had little support from his teammates. Things became interesting when Ballarat lost its first two wickets for just one run.
Its middle order was able to steady the innings and claim a massive win.
It was a much improved performance in the Grampians’ second game against Gisborne Green.
Despite conceding 182 runs in 45 overs, Grampians took five wickets with Dillon Micallef claiming two.
The visitors were able to bat through their allocated overs in their next innings, losing just seven wickets on their way to 83. Hosemans was once again the standout with the bat, scoring 31.
Grampians under-15 coach Sam Spark said it is a good experience for his players to take on quality opposition.
“Our opponents are just one step above,” he said.
“It is good for our boys to play at that better level of cricket and you can see them improving.
“Everyone is still having fun and trying their best.”
