Sam Griffin stood vigilant at the crease, not-out for 48 runs as he put the Bega-Angledale Bulls over the line against Tuross Head.
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The Blues are the Far South Coast Cricket Association 2016-17 Under 12s premiers after overcoming atrocious conditions and a strong Tuross outfit by one wicket in a nail biting decider at Dickinson Oval on Saturday.
After entering the final on the back of 12 straight wins, all looked lost for Bega-Angledale as they slumped to 5 for 23 in pursuit of 97 in the eight-a-side 20 over format.
However a brilliant unbeaten innings of 48 from Sam Griffin dragged his team across the line with eight balls to spare.
Griffin showed great composure as he first combined with Yasmin Welsford in a 32-run stand, before being joined by Alisi Arbon in the match-deciding partnership.
Mixing strong driving with an array of damaging back foot shots on both sides of the wicket, Griffin picked the Tuross attack apart in the late overs before bringing up the winning runs with a lofted straight drive much to the delight of his team mates and the large contingent of supporters on hand.
Earlier Tuross had won the toss and elected to bat in wet and slippery conditions and looked on track for a huge total when they raced to 0 for 64 at the halfway point, but an outstanding four-over spell of off spin from captain Jasper Kelly that produced three maidens and the figures of 1 for 2 turned the tide.
Some good late innings bowling from Sam Lever and a determined effort in the field from Bega-Angledale in the persistent rain ensured the target remained below three figures.
A proud Bega-Angledale coach, Justin Welsford, said the final was a great lesson for his group in the importance of never giving up.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to spend the season with this group of kids,” Mr Welsford said.
“They are just such good mates and so supportive of one another.
“My job was made really easy by how willing the entire team has been to take on advice and the effort they have collectively put in.
“In all the time I spent around sport I have never come across a group more deserving of success,” he said.
Juniors also took part in an inter-district contest against Monaro on Sunday morning at Cooma.
. On Sunday, the inter- district contest between the Monaro and Far South Coast District Cricket Associations for the Griffin- Treloar Trophy was played at Cooma.
Unfortunately Monaro forfeited the U/16's but the U/12's and U/14's played.
The U/12's were soundly beaten by 9 wickets despite great batting from Pambula's young rising star, Bobby McAlpin and good bowling by their captain, Eden's Xaviour Bowes.
The U/14's win was an all round team effort.
Team captain, Merimbula's Jem Ryan won the toss and elected to bat.
Jem then opened with Bega's Liam Kelly, providing a good start before a 22 over, 89 run partnership from Bega's Nick Fanthom (86) and Eden's Noah Martin (27) set the team up.
Bermagui's Jade Allen (29) led the tail to post a total of 7/237 off 45 overs.
In reply Monaro had trouble from the start with the opening bowlers Bega's Amy Wells (6 overs 3/23) and Pambula's Zak Keogh (6 overs 2 maidens 3/5) keeping the runs scarce.
Monaro were bowled out for 121, so the Griffin-Treloar Cup stays with the FSCCA for another year.