Wesley-CBC defeats Allansford-Panmure in under 17 boys decider

The Beavers' under 17 boys overcame Allansford-Panmure to claim the Twenty20 title.

Their 5/120 proved too strong for the Gators on Allansford's hard wicket.

Captain Flynn Wilkinson was awarded player of the match with 44 and 1/5.

Wesley-CBC co-coach Ben Evans, who mentors the team with Liam Couch, explained the occasion's historical significance.

"Today was the first time our club has ever featured on Australia Day whether it be seniors or juniors," he said.

Evans said he talked to his players about seizing their unique opportunity prior to the game.

The co-coach was thrilled with how his troops responded.

He said they dug in and posted a solid score despite the Gators' strong bowling effort.

"And the way they bowled and fielded was exceptional and has been all year," he said.

Evans said the short-form triumph was a good stepping stone towards the long-form finals at season's end.

Perhaps the highlight of the match came in the final over when 13-year-old Hudson Owen was on a hat-trick.

He was mobbed by his excited teammates as he had two Gators caught out.

"It felt pretty good, they were both catches, but still pretty good to get some wickets," he said.

It was the youngster's first time being on a hat-trick.

The match shaped up as an enthralling encounter with Wesley-CBC sitting on top of the overall ladder and Allansford-Panmure in second.

But the Beavers' team bowling effort kept the Gators at bay.

"It felt close at the start and when we started getting wickets it felt good," Hudson said.

There wouldn't be many 13-year-old's who love cricket as much as the young gun.

He said he also played under 13s, under 15s and sometimes division three.

"Just the experience of playing as a team and making new friends," he said of why he enjoyed playing the sport.

Wilkinson also won the under 17 country week player of the carnival earlier this month.