THE future of Swan Hill cricket is looking bright after both the Under 17 and Under 15 Swan Hill and District Cricket Association sides finished second at the Murray Mallee Region Regional Championships in Mildura last week.
The under 17 side had a good week, only losing one match.
They went down to eventual champions Sunraysia Green on the second day of the tournament, their total of 104 runs chased down in 18.2 overs.
The close contest proved the SHDCA could compete with the best talent in the region.
In the under 15 division, the SHDCA side again finished in second spot.
They came close to finishing third after dropping two matches during their week but they were able to hold on for the percentage win.
Sunraysia Green was again the champions but it was Northern Districts who nearly pipped Swan Hill at the post.
The match against Northern Districts was also close; Swan Hill’s score of 72 runs was chased down in 30 runs.
The SHDCA side managed to find eight wickets but couldn’t put the final nail in the coffin.
SHDCA committee member Kent Wooding, who attended the week, said he was proud of the squads who represented the region with pride.
“We took 26 boys to Mildura and they finished up the top of the ladders,” he said.
“They had a really good week. They all played so well as a team but the main thing to highlight is the fact they are all great kids.
“They represented us to the best of their ability and I am extremely proud of all the boys who represented the association.
“It shows strength in our junior competition. One thing that stood out was their ability to step up to the next level.”
While they may not have won the tournaments, Wooding said the development alone would greatly benefit the region.
“I think we are going into a good period for our cricket,” he told The Guardian.
“We haven’t been able to field a senior team in the Bendigo Country Week tournament so we are hoping the Under 17s side can go one day but there are great signs for our future.”
