Sangha, Waugh among U17 star performers

New South Wales Metro and ACT/New South Wales Country have both scored big wins in the opening round of the 2016-17 Under 17 National Championships on the Sunshine Coast.

A dominant bowling performance from NSW Metro restricted the Cricket Australia XI to just 67 at Maroochydore, before an unbeaten 38 from Austin Waugh, the son of former national captain Steve, guided the side to victory for the loss of just three wickets.

At Landsborough, Sydney Thunder and NSW Blues rookie Jason Sangha led from the front, scoring 58no as ACT/NSW Country chased down Northern Territory’s total of 105.

Sangha was one of four team captains to pass 50 in the opening round.

Victoria Metro captain Will Sutherland scored 52 in his side’s total of 9-217 against Tasmania, before picking up two late wickets to help dismiss Tasmania for 194.

Sunshine Coast product and Queensland captain Angus Lovell also passed 50, hitting seven fours and a six in his innings of 51.

The host state chased down South Australia’s total of 7-206 with three wickets and six overs in hand.

For Western Australia, skipper Tristan Hobley compiled a classy 73 against Victoria Country, forging a 118-run partnership with Emile van der Merwe (76) in their side’s total of 234.

Victoria Country put up a fight with the bat, reaching 202 on the back of 72 from James Ryan.

Matches will continue Tuesday at Maroochydore and Landsborough, with NSW Metro and ACT/NSW Country going head-to-head.

For full scores, fixtures and tables, head to www.nationalchamps.com.au

Scores

New South Wales Metro 3-68 (A.Waugh 38*, C.Sully 2-15) def Cricket Australia XI 67 (O.Davies 28, J.Edwards 3-25)

ACT/NSW Country 1-107 (J.Sangha 58*, B.Nikitaras 33*) def Northern Territory 105 (N.Cowling 25, M.Jeffrey 4-13)

Victoria Metro 9-217 (W.Sutherland 52, J.Boyce 35*) def Tasmania 194 (L.Williams 43, J.Kaye 38)

Queensland 7-207 (A.Lovell 51, J.Sippell 48) def South Australia 7-206 (L.Froude 63, C.Bullard 37)

Western Australia 234 (E.Van der Merwe 76, T.Hobley 73, A.South 40, M. Cairns 4-31) def Victoria Country 202 (J.Ryan 72, D.Billington 3-18)