A NYAH District Junior cricketer was named player of the series at the Cricket Victoria Country Cup, smashing the most runs as his side fell just short of victory.
At just 14 years old, Max Thompson was named captain of the Murray Mallee Suns Under 16s and led the side against cricketers from across the state in Hamilton at the tournament in December.
Thompson piled on the runs in both 50-over and 20-over matches at an average of 60 across his five innings. His total of 300 runs was the highest across the competition.
The No.3 batsman’s top score was against the Central Highlanders, hitting eight fours on his way to 84.
The young star told The Guardian it was “a great experience to captain a representative team” at such a level.
“For the coaches to have belief in my ability to captain as a ‘bottom ager’ was pretty special,” he said.
“I enjoyed going away to Hamilton as a team, (we) gelled really quickly, which showed throughout the week.
“There were so many great players in the Country Cup, so to get player of the series was nice recognition.”
Coach Shane Garraway said Max played above the maturity expected from a young teenager.
“To be the captain and the No.3 batsman is a lot of pressure, especially at that age,” he said.
“The way he handles it, and the way he goes about it, is second to none.
“Max puts in a lot of work on his technique and absolutely loves his cricket.
“He’s really shown that when you put in the hard work, you get the rewards.”
Garraway said that Max’s maturity showed his strong character on and off the cricket field.
“He’s one of the most humble and honest kids you could ever meet,” he said.
“He’s great at taking advice, and he just goes out and plies his trade.
“Hats off to Nyah District Cricket Club and Max’s mum and dad, without them you’re unlikely to get that sort of kid.
“The coaching that Max has received has really helped him get where he is, and you really can’t underestimate the effort his parents put in.”
Three other Swan Hill District cricketers were selected to represent the region, Wandella’s Flynn McKnight, Murrabit’s Kynan Laursen and Ultima TUF’s Charlie Kingwill.
The Suns were the only side to go undefeated through their pool matches, leading them to a match-up against Northern Rivers in the final.
After falling to 2/25 after eight overs, the Suns were able to claw their way back to the largest score of the tournament up to that point.
Thompson and Nicholls Point Cricket Club batsman Colby Marr put on a giant partnership of 159 runs, Thompson contributing 80 runs while Marr finished his innings on an unbeaten 111.
Flynn McKnight put on a show as he came in at three wickets down, scoring a quickfire 47 as he kept the scoreboard ticking with Marr.
“Flynn came in towards the end of the innings,” Garraway said.
“(He) batted really well to set us up with a competitive total.
“270 was around the par mark, and we just really had to bowl and field well to win.”
A total of 273 may have filled the young Suns with confidence, but the opposition had other plans.
Northern Rivers opened their innings on the front foot, their openers accumulating 133 runs before the first wicket fell.
That start was enough for the Northern Rivers side to complete the run-chase on the final ball of the 49th over, with four wickets in hand.
