IT’S been slim pickings for Upwey-Tecoma’s under-17 XI this campaign but captain and opening batsman, Mitch Hewitt, provided the season’s highlight with his maiden century against Monbulk on Saturday.
In an outstanding performance, Hewitt (100 not out) batted through the innings and remained unbeaten in a total of 158.
Last man in, Jake Lynch, gave his captain great support to ensure he reached the magical three figures.
In a preview of a likely finals match-up, the under-15/1 XI travelled to Eildon Park and posted a highly competitive 9/243.
Sam Raru (61) and Jordan Whiteman (60no) took full advantage of the conditions and have given their bowlers plenty to play with this weekend.
Daniel Watson (29) and Mitch Fraser (23) got the under-15/2A XI off to a flying start with a 62 opening partnership against The Basin.
However, the hosts fought back well to restrict the Tigers to 9/133 with Taylor Jones (20) also finding form with the bat.
Jarrod Whiteman (23no) and Ryan Lester avoided a rout at Ferntree Gully after the under-15/2B XI had crashed to 8/29 early on day one. Whiteman and Lester dug deep to push the score to 9/72 at the close.
The under-13/XI have a healthy chase on their hands after UFTG posted 9/260 on the small primary school oval. Jackson Barnard (2/54) and Aaron Cross (1/14) returned the best figures.
In their last official match of the season, the under-11s travelled to Mulgrave and showed why they are widely regarded as stars of the future.
The boys batted and bowled with great skill with Dylan Rickard (15), Shannon Vorherr (15 and 2/2), Hayden Stanley (13), Ben Raru (12), Kade Perry (11), David Moad (11) and Ben Tohill (2/16) leading the way.