The Under 13’s grand final was held last weekend between Cohuna Nondies and Wandella at the Cohuna Recreation Reserve.

 Wandella won the toss and took to the crease to bat. Both opening batters, Nick Oliver and Huey Bremner, batted steadily, facing out their 26 balls before retiring and coming back in later. Flynn McKnight (20) and Archer Lancaster (18) batted well in the middle order before also needing to retire. Jaspa Chamberlain was able to find the boundary multiple times before going out for 21, caught Broden Wishart, bowled Jill McKenzie. Wandella were eight out, all out for 122 runs.

The following day, Cohuna Nondies had a huge chase of 123 on their hands, and after being 2/11, they had an uphill battle. With Farran Cooke and Broden Wishart batting together, they started to rebuild the tally, but both needed to retire. Gus Palmer made a nice 14 runs and also retired. Cohuna Nondies started losing wickets and once they were 7/53, Wandella looked to have it in the bag, remembering in U/13’s cricket once the eighth wicket falls, the team is all out. 

Lily Taylor managed to hold her wicket and retired, allowing Cooke and Wishart to return back to the crease. The task at hand almost seemed impossible, still needing 70 runs with no wickets in hand. But with 16 overs remaining, there was still plenty of time. Superb batting by Wishart and Cooke, both playing great cricket shots, the scoreboard slowly started ticking over, getting closer and closer. Running between the wickets was a key feature of the partnership, taking quick singles at every chance. 

Wandella knew they only needed one wicket and continued to try find the breakthrough. Wishart and Cooke found the boundary multiple times. With three overs remaining and two runs to get, Wishart hit a single, putting Cooke on strike. Next ball, Cooke played through the covers, beating the infield and Cohuna Nondies took home the victory. Cooke (37) and Wishart (40) both not out. The very excited Cohuna Nondies team ran out onto the field to celebrate with the batting pair. Man of the match went to Broden Wishart.

 Congratulations to Cohuna Nondies for an exciting win and becoming the U13’s Northern District Cricket premiers!