TWO Leeton shire cricketers have helped their Riverina side to an historic victory.
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Angus Boulton, 16, and Hugh Collins, 17, were selected in the Riverina under 18s side to travel to play at Tamworth as part of the Country Colts state tournament in December.
The four-day event included the best young talent from across NSW, with Riverina up against quality competition from Illawarra, Central Coast, Newcastle and more in their “pool of death”.
However, they managed to start on the winning foot straight away, which carried them through the series and into the final against Central Coast.
Hugh said it was touch and go in the final.
“They got us all out for 140 and they came in were 0/60 … so we didn’t think we were going to win it,” he said.
“We ended up getting the wickets and winning, so that was pretty good.
“As a team we performed really well I thought.”
Both Angus and Hugh play for the Yanco Cricket Club at a local level, but are used to playing in representative teams.
However, they said the Country Colts tournament was a level up and the amount of experienced players they were up against was second-to-none.
“There were some really good players there,” Angus said.
“It’s just a different game altogether.
“The experience you get playing in these competitions is really good.
“You get to see where you are at compared to others.”
Both would like to see more Leeton shire youngsters taking up the sport to ensure cricket stays alive in the shire for many years to come.
“It’s a sport that’s not really like anything else,” Hugh said.
Angus agreed and said there was a lot that went into playing a game of cricket.
“There’s a lot you have to think about … it’s definitely good when you’re winning,” he said.
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While the pair would love to play cricket professionally, they were unsure if that would happen, but said they would take any opportunity granted to them.
Now back home and playing for the Stags, the pair were ready to shake off Yanco Cricket Club’s one-day final loss last weekend.
“The focus is on two-day now,” Angus said. “Hopefully we can make the grand final in that one and get one back.”