Sport
9 January, 2025
Grampians Cricket Association juniors shine in AJ Martin Shield contest
Some of the region's best under 13 crickets played three games.
Some of the region's best cricketers had the chance to ply their trade against some of the best in their age group.
The Grampians Cricket Association under-13s took on Ballarat, Castlemaine and Gisborne in the annual AJ Martin Shield, featuring sides from Maryborough and Grenville.
Stawell hosted two junior representative games this week at North Park on January 7 and 9.
Unfortunately, the young guns struggled against their larger opponents, losing by six wickets against Castlemaine and a 100-run defeat against Ballarat Blue.
Nevertheless, the up-and-coming sporting stars have shone bright with the bat and ball.
Tatyoon's Edward Astbury amassed 106 runs at an average of 53, including knocks of 43 retired off 33 balls against Ballarat Blue and 43 retired off 70 balls against Gisbourne.
Swifts/Great Western's Rowly Tucker snagged five wickets across three games at an average of 13.2, with his best figures being 2/17 against Gisborne.
GCA's under-14 girls play five games from January 14 to 16 in the Western Victoria Shield, a series of T20s featuring teams from Warrnambool, Geelong, Ballarat, Hamilton and Colac.
Meanwhile, the under-17s will compete in the Kurtin Shield from January 20-23 against Castlemaine, Maryborough and Ballarat.