CA XI fall at final U17 hurdle

The Cricket Australia XI have fallen just short of a remarkable grand final appearance in the Under-17 National Championships, calling to Queensland by eight wickets in today's semi-final.

Before the start of the tournament, many had tipped the team - made up of 15-year-olds - to be competitive but go winless, with coach Stuart Law focusing on development rather than the win-loss ration early.

“I think we have to be a little realistic, they only have a few days together before the start of the championships, if they are competitive until the end then that is a pass, it’s not necessarily about winning,” Law said ahead of the tournament.

But the former Queensland Bulls coach's tune changed once his side began winning and winning convincingly, claiming three victories from five matches and scoring the third-highest number of runs for the tournament.

The juggernaut looked likely to roll on when the composite side put on 7-271 batting first against Queensland in today’s semi-final, with captain Bailey Dicksinson plundering 148 off just 141 balls, aptly supported by Austin Waugh, son of former Test captain Steve, at the other end with a timely 36 off 47.

New South Wales’ top-order-batsman Jason Sangha, who has all but guaranteed himself a spot in the Under-19 Cricket Australia XI, also continued his red-hot form with 55, his fourth half century in the tournament.

Unfortunately for the CA XI, Queensland batsman Max Bryant had other ideas, hitting 141 runs from just 91 balls, a knock that included eight sixes and 14 boundaries, to guide his team to victory. 

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Gold Coast's Max Bryant hit 114 of his 141 in boundaries against the CA XI // Brody Grogan

The home side reached the required total for the loss of only two wickets in the tournament’s best chase to date.

Law said it would be a “steep learning curve” for the players after the loss, but added he was proud of the team’s ability to come together in a short period and perform admirably. 

In the other semi-final, reigning champions NSW Metropolitan, coached by former Test player Beau Casson, strolled past Victoria and into their second-consecutive decider.

Electing to bat, tournament leading run-scorer Ryan Hackney was removed for 32, with Baxter Holt brandishing the willow late for a well-made 43 to see NSW Metropolitan to 204 after 49.1 overs.

In reply, Victoria Metropolitan never really looked like threatening the 2014-15 winners, losing 7-38 in quick succession to be bowled out for 63 in the 22nd over, 145 runs shy of their target.

NSW Metropolitan will take on Queensland in the final at Allan Border Field on Thursday.

The match will be live scored through MyCricket and www.nationalchamps.com.au and on Twitter @CAPathway.