CENTRAL Highlands coach Paull Jeffrey says his team has a tough challenge in Sunday’s under-18 boys state cricket final against the South East Bayside Breakers at the MCG.
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But he believes the Highlanders have the potential to bring home the title.
Central Highlands is gearing up for its third decider since 2011, when it was beaten by Gippsland Pride.
The region then claimed the state championship with victory over the Breakers in 2013.
Jeffrey, now in his 10th season as coach of the under-18 side, said the Highlanders possessed a strong batting line-up, which showed its class during the early rounds of the tournament en route to a place in the final.
Central Highlands lost its opening match of the carnival against Metropolitan West, but secured four more wins to clinch a spot in the playoff match.
“If our top order fire like they did on a number of occasions during the week, we’ve got a very good chance,” Jeffrey said.
If our top order fire like they did on a number of occasions during the week, we’ve got a very good chance.
- Central Highlands coach Paull Jeffrey
Tom Rogers, from Gisborne, has led the charge with the bat. He has made a total of 277 runs from four innings at an average of 69.25.
North Ballarat’s Jakob Tidyman has hit up 208 runs at 52 and skipper Blake Thomson has also been in good touch with 162 runs at 40.50.
East Ballarat’s Harli Givvens has been the best of the bowlers, with his 11 wickets during the championships coming at an average of 11.09.
Romsey player Matthew Milne has claimed eight wickets at 23.
Jeffrey said the South East Bayside Breakers were a quality side, featuring a strong state representation.
“They are certainly the team to beat... they’re well drilled and well coached. They are all from strong district clubs,” Jeffrey, who has Peter Le Lievre as his assistant, said.
Sunday’s final begins at 12noon, with the under-18 girls decider between Mallee Murray Heat and East Metro being played prior from 8.30am.
Entry to the MCG is free, with spectators to access seats via gate two (member entrance).