Article written by Grey Morris (Darwin, NT) who is a former Sports Editor at News Corporation
A classic century from NSW Metro top order batter Andrew Boulton and a five-wicket haul by leg-spinner Ryan Gupta set the foundations for Blues' 193-run win over the NT at the 2024 National Under-19 Championships.
The NT had some big performers of its own, Charlie Bignell's second consecutive 40 at the top of the order and James Hatton's four wickets were big highlights for the Strike.
But a big collapse cost the Strike any chance of a big runs chase when they lost 9-36 against the spin of Gupta and Everett Oxenham (3-32).
Earlier, Hatton showed why he is one of the Territory's rising stars by grabbing four wickets from his 10-over spell, including the in-form Boulton, who was caught at deep mid-wicket attempting to hit his 11th boundary.
Another highlight for the Territory was the wicketkeeping of Palmerston's Cadell McMahon, who starred at last year's U17 titles.
Tall for a keeper, McMahon held on to four catches behind the wicket and did not concede a bye despite NSW going past the 300-mark.
Coach Dylan Slater was quick to acknowledge the input of Bignell and Hatton with the bat and the ball and McMahon's keeping.
"Charlie batted very well and was unlucky to go out like he did, caught behind off a reverse sweep, James was very good with the ball and Cadell keeps getting better behind the stumps," Slater said.
"He's recovered from a chipped tooth he suffered in the game against Vic Metro where he's come back beautifully from that where his hands are fantastic.
"Cadell was lucky to work with (former Australian wicketkeeper) Tim Paine when he coached the NT Strike in the Top End Series and now he's ready to take his game to the next level."
The Strike have a rest day on Tuesday before entering the playoff series to decide the finals standings on the championship table.
NT v NSW Metro _ NSW Metro 8-303 (A Boulton 110, A Lee-Young 54no, C Holland 54, J Hatton 4-49, J Malone 3-58) d NT 110 (C Bignell 49, J Gawthrope 14, R Gupta 5-12, E Oxenham 3-32) by 193 runs.