Tamworth's under-11s and under-13s fell just short in their silverware pursuits as the Northern Inland and Central North junior competitions wrapped up on Sunday.
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The 13s (Tamworth Blue) were beaten by Maitland Maroon in the Central North under-13s grand final in Tamworth while the 11s were defeated by Moree in their Northern Inland under-11s decider in Moree.
In what Tamworth coach Hugh Gentle said was "a fabulous game of cricket", George Diprose scored a swashbuckling unbeaten half-century (51no from just 23 balls) and Jock Kirkby a valuable 30 (ret) down the order as Moree set Tamworth an imposing target of 195 from their 30 overs for victory.
Tamworth were in reply able to preserve their wickets in their first dig (the 30 overs are split across two 15 over innings) but just left themselves a bit too much to do with the bat in the last 15 overs and finished 5-175.
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Gentle said it was a great team effort but did highlight Daniel Williams, Jay Single, Angus Spry and Jimmy Cannon efforts' with the bat. Opening the innings Williams and Single both made 30 (ret) while Spry hit 31 (ret) and Cannon 27 (ret).
Williams also nabbed 2-2. Cooper Jones (2-25) was the other multiple wicket-taker for Tamworth.
The first foray for the majority of the side into rep cricket, Gentle said they have progressed each week.
"It's been an excellent season of growth and development for these kids," he said.
"And they've been a pleasure to coach".
The season isn't over yet. In early January they will play in the Newcastle carnival.
"Everyone's looking forward to that," Gentle said.
The 13s will meanwhile turn their attention towards the annual Ballina carnival, and will take plenty of learnings from Sunday into that.
After rolling Maitland for 88 they were in a strong position but were bowled out in 15.3 overs for just 54 with Harrison Hamilton (16) and Archie Taylor (11) the only batsmen to make double figures.
"We bowled well, bowled them out for 88 which is a great result, but then they did the same to us," coach Peter Holmes reflected.
"Both teams were probably equal bowling but we just needed that one partnership to probably get us there."
Their only loss for the competition, Holmes said they will take some valuable lessons away about managing small chases and learning how to chase under pressure.
"It's just understanding that when you're only chasing a small total the other team is going to be up," he said.
"You've got plenty of overs, that if you're not scoring that's fine, wait for the loose one.
"And it's about trying to take the momentum away from the other team."
"So when their energy's up it's about trying to be there long enough to score a few runs and just let that adrenalin that the other teams got just settle and just go with it, and not let your own emotions take control of your cricket skills."
Georgia Davidson led the charge with the ball with 4-19 while opening partner Thomas Holmes chimed in with 2-10.
It was a successful campaign for Maitland also winning the under-17s (George Denton Shield) and under-15s (John Kilborn Shield) silverware.
The latter was also played in Tamworth and saw the Hunter Valley side too good for Narrabri. After making 5-304 they dismissed Narrabri for 81.
