Champions! WA claim U19 National Championships

WA claimed the title with a thrilling 20-run victory over Victoria Metro in the Final, despite only making 148 with the bat after winning the toss on a tricky wicket at Karen Rolton Oval. 

Batter Ethan Benson (Scarborough) finished as the side’s top-scorer with 34, while Wicketkeeper batter and skipper Simon Budge (Melville) chipped in with 30 at the top of the order. 

The match seemed to be going Metro’s way early in the chase with the Victorians sitting at 1-48, before WA sparked a collapse of 4-8 thanks to some brilliant pace bowling. 

Wickets kept tumbling at a consistent rate throughout the innings, before Victoria got themselves in a position to win at 7-121. 

The match turned on it’s head when WA quick Albert Esterhuysen stood up, taking two crucial wickets in his ninth over to give WA the momentum. 

Gosnells quick Connor Southam then delivered the knockout blow, taking the last wicket as WA sealed victory. 

The four-pronged pace attack of Esterhuysen (3-21), Connor Southam (3-33), Jake Pattison (2-22) and Jordan Quiggin (2-32) did the damage, taking all ten wickets to fall during the innings. 

Esterhuysen’s performance was rewarded with Player of the Match honours, with his steepling pace and bounce proving the difference in the match. 

The win over Victoria ensured WA’s first title in the tournament since 2016-17, a team which consisted of Aaron Hardie and Cameron Green, who have both been regular fixtures in Australia’s International teams since.   

Budge and Quiggin were both recognised for their outstanding individual performances during the tournament, with selection in the Team of the Tournament. 

Budge was the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 346 at 57.7, while Quiggin claimed 18 wickets at 8.17 to top the wicket-takers tally. 

17-year-old Budge’s contributions at the top of the order were vital for his side, with his back-to-back centuries against Tasmania (153) and South Australia (111) in the semi-final showing his composure and maturity at the crease. 

Quiggin had an exceptional tournament with the ball, consistently delivering wickets when his side needed it the most. The tall left-armer showed he was capable of swinging the ball both ways, and bowling at all stages of the innings. 

He claimed a tournament-best 6-39 in a match-winning effort against South Australia in the semi-final, while also claiming multiple wickets against Queensland (3-38), Australian Capital Territory (3-16) and Victoria Country (3-10).  
 
Cricket Australia U19s Team of the Tournament 
Simon Budge (WA) 
Riley Kingsell (NSW Metro) 
Jayden Draper (QLD) 
Oliver Peake (VIC Country) 
Bailey Abela (NSW Country) 
Aidan O’Connor (TAS) 
Thomas Brown (SA) 
Jordan Quiggin (WA) 
Josh Malone (NT) 
Kyle Parrot (VIC Country) 
Vishwa Ramkumar (VIC Metro) 
Ryan Cattle (NSW Country) (12th man)