THE Western Waves are Victorian Country Cricket League (VCCL) Under-18 champions after defeating North East Country at Bendigo’s Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The team included six locals, Ollie Wortley, Hamish Kearney, Hamish Cook, Zach Burgess, Josh Gordon and James Guthrig.

The team won the toss and it was Burgess who anchored the innings with 56 at number three, while Hamish Cook chipped in with 20 to see the Waves post 9-205 from 50 overs.

The locals stook up with the ball, as Josh Gordon and Hamish Cook each claimed three wickets to bowl North East Country out for 140 to claim the title.

Wortley was the Waves skipper and he said it was a great day for everyone involved.

“It was quite exciting leading up to it, having a few results go our way and playing well in the games prior,” he said.

“For the two Hamish’s, Josh and Zach to play the way they did was really important.

“North East Country was always going to be a tough test, we knew we were up for a challenge, but we had a belief within the group that we could pull it off.”

Brandon Weatherson coached the team, adding some familiarity for the locals who have played with and against him in the Hamilton and District Cricket Association.

Wortley said getting runs on the board was pivotal to the result.

“We won the toss and batted first which was pretty important we thought, the pitch was a road,” he said.

“Having the runs on the board meant we could defend better or attack, but having Josh Gordon come on, he turned the game our way and grabbed a couple of important wickets.

“I was quite nervous going into the game, wanting to get over the line and come home with the medal, but I just tried to stay as focused as I could.

“We are all talented cricketers and it could have been anyone who stood up for us, Zach really anchored the innings for us.”

Burgess was named player of the match in the Waves’ win.