Wicket-Keeper Cadell McMahon was the standout on Day Four of the Under 17 National Championships, scoring an impressive 72-runs as the Northern Territory fell short in their run chase against South Australia.
After already representing the NT at the Under 19 National Championships in December and debuting in 1st grade premier cricket for Port Adelaide, McMahon (Palmerston) was primed to make a strong contribution in Launceston.
His opening stand with Alice Springs Sam Rumpff (24) and number three Neel Patel (65) took the NT side to 2-144 in pursuit of SA’s 3-299 – however a series of middle over wickets and mounting run rate pressure restricted the NT side to 6-218 from their 50 overs. Waratah’s Mithuru Perera (20) provided some late hitting as part of this score.
Earlier in the day, the NT side had elected to bowl first at Invermay Park, and a brilliant opening stand from SA saw openers Hayden Barbulovic (100) and Henry Fogden (72) helped their side reach 0-190.
Despite being on the back foot, leg-spinner Reehan Shyamsundar (1/38) continued his excellent carnival and was the most economical off all the bowlers, while Southern Districts Matthew St Clair (1/40) followed up yesterday’s strong performance with another display of pace and accuracy.
At just 14 years of age, Tracy Village’s Tye Beer (1/64) again showed why he is one of NT’s brightest prospects, with another wicket and skilful bowling display on a pitch offering limited to spin bowlers.
Speaking after the game, McMahon said:
“I was finally happy to kick on with a score, in my first few innings I have felt really good and got starts but managed to get out when I had done all the hard work”.
“The team bounced back well today from the last couple of games. This is the sort of fight that we want to show when we put on the NT colours”.
“With two games to go, we are looking to carry this momentum and finish with back-to-back wins”.
Tomorrow will be a rest day for the NT side before the finish the tournament with two matches (fixtures are TBC).
South Australia 3-299 (Barbulovic 100, Fogden 72; Shyamsundar 1/38, St Clair 1/40) def. Northern Territory 6-218 (McMahon 72, Patel 65; Appleton 2/28, Alsop 1/26).