Both sides managed to finally hit the park in round two of Country Week, which began on Wednesday after heavy rainfall resulted in both sides being washed out just before Christmas. 

The under-15s could potentially feel hard done by in their second game after they put up a competitive total of 6-116 off 45 overs, with the in-form Bailey Hosemans top scored with 31. 

However, Castlemaine provided heartbreak for the Grampians Cricket Association as they managed to reach the target in 41 overs, with Nash Robinson making an unbeaten 65. 

Grampians Cricket Association coach Geoff Phillips said that it was a close game from the under-15s. 

“We started the second day on Wednesday with a loss,” he said. 

“We lost with one or two overs to go but it was a good game of cricket and Castlemaine did a good job of chasing down the total that Grampians had set.” 

Phillips said that it was hard to pick out one player despite Hosemans being in form with the bat. 

“Bailey Hosemans has probably been the top scorer in both the games in the under-15s and has batted very well,” he said.

“Different boys have contributed down the line and in both games, we have managed to get competitive totals.

“Even on Wednesday we all bowled quite well, but Castlemaine just did a good job in hanging in and couldn’t quite get that last wicket to force a win.” 

The under-13s had a much brighter start to day two when they got a win over Castlemaine. 

The Grampians Cricket Association won the toss and sent Castlemaine in first and it provided dividends as they bowled quite well, restricting them to make 8-136 off 40 overs. 

 Jim Jennings was the standout bowler for the Grampians as he bowled six overs and claimed three wickets for eight runs, with one maiden. 

Grampains then replied by making 7-147 off 40 overs, with Sonny Kettle top scoring with an unbeaten 43. 

With the interrupted start to country week through the wild weather, it meant that both the under-13s and under-15s had limited time together, but Phillips said that had not stopped them from enjoying the week. 

“They are handling themselves well they way they are playing and I think they are doing a good job.” 

With temperatures expected to reach between 41 and 43 degrees, it means that the Central Highlands heat policy will be in place and Phillips said that it will be interesting to see what the Central Highlands will do in regards to the expected forecast. 

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