THE junior Hurricanes are in action this week, as part of the Under-17 and Under-15 country week campaigns.

The Under-15s started their campaign with the traditional clash against Portland in Hamilton, and the home team started positively.

Winning the toss and batting at KFC Oval, Hamilton opener, George Huf (37), got the team off to a solid start, while Harry Austin (34), Brodie Phillips (52) and Lachlan Phillips (41) helped Hamilton to 4-227 from 50 overs.

A stunning bowling performance helped the home team easily defend the total, bowling Portland out for 72 inside 38 overs.

It was an even spread from the bowlers with six bowlers all collecting wickets, to start the week off with a win.

The team then travelled to Horsham to take on Warrnambool Blue at Coughlin Park on Tuesday.

The Hurricanes lost the toss and were sent to the crease with Eddie McShane the only batsman to offer any sort of resistance.

The number three fell five runs short of a stunning century, with the next best individual score being 13, as Hamilton was restricted to 9-186.

Warrnambool Blue chased the target down in the last over with just one over remaining, in what was a thrilling end to the round two clash.

Eli Hunter and Lachlan Phillips each claimed three wickets for the Hurricanes.

Under-17

IT’S been a tough start to the Under-17 campaign with three losses so far in Warrnambool.

Monday’s game against Wimmera Mallee saw Hamilton bowl first and keep the batting side to 8-176 from 50 overs at Dennington Oval.

The run chase started horribly, losing both openers with just one run on the scoreboard.

Henry Bensch’s 28 helped steady the innings, but Hamilton was bowled out for 109.

Tuesday’s early game was at the same venue, facing Horsham in a T20 contest.

Hamilton batted first and got to 8-66, thanks to Sullivan Gibbs’ 19, with Horsham reaching 6-108 to win comfortably.

Warrnambool Blue awaited at Merrivale Oval for the second game of the day and Blue smashed the Hamilton bowlers to all parts, scoring 5-157 from 20 overs.

Jack Wortley’s 26 was the standout in the run chase, as the Hurricanes could only manage 7-107 at stumps.