THIS week saw Portland host the annual under-13s cricket Country Week, with teams from across the south west region of Victoria descending to play a handful of games across Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Portland fell just short in its opening clash with Wimmera Mallee, going down by eight wickets despite some solid performances with both bat and ball.

Oscar Quarrell top scored with 12 runs down the order, while Jaskirat Somal (11) and Charlie Askew (10 not out) also made their contributions to a total of 8-94.

And while Wimmera Mallee eventually chased down the target with just under two overs to spare, Portland also saw some strong performances with the ball, as Somal and Askew picked up a wicket apiece.

Game two saw the side struggle against a tough Warrnambool opponent, going down by 123 runs in that contest.

Angus Smith was the lone bowler to break through with a wicket as the visitors made 1-184 from 25 overs, while Oscar Quarrell top scored with 14 in Portland’s innings.

Harry Askew starred with the bat in Portland’s next game against Hamilton Green, making 21 retired not out, while Somal again chimed in with a handy 12.

Their total of 6-77 proved to not be quite enough for victory, as Green was able to chase it down despite Harry Askew and Alex Bradbury picking up a wicket each while Quinn Stewart was able to produce a run out.

Round four’s scoring was incomplete at the time of print, however Harry Askew again produced with the bat, making 19, while Somal, Cohan Fleming and Quinn Stewart all reached double figures against South West.

The final game of the competition on Wednesday saw Portland take on Wimmera Mallee again, and once again their opposition proved to be just slightly too good, despite the batting efforts of Somal (23) along with wicket takers Fleming, Charlie Askew, William Oliver and Smith.

Portland coach Alister Stannard said he felt the week had gone very well overall despite the lack of success in terms of the win-loss column.

“I think the whole week was really good for them, a lot of the spectators and parents have commented on how far the boys have come even in just a couple of days,” Stannard said.

“They’ve all learned a lot along the way, even in the games where they’ve been outgunned there’s been a lesson to be had from it.

“They’ve never dropped their heads, always kept themselves in the game, and I think they’ll grow and be better as a result.”

Stannard said that off the field the team had gelled together well and should be looking forward to their future as cricketers.

“I think from this experience they’ll continue to be good mates whether as teammates or opponents, and hopefully it holds them in good stead for future country weeks.”