A timely century from Austin Waugh set the tone for NSW Metro before a brilliant performance with the ball sealed a big win
Waugh ton lifts NSW Metro to U17s title
New South Wales Metro have won the 2016-17 Under 17 National Championships, on the back of an unbeaten century from middle-order batsman Austin Waugh at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.
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After scraping through to the final with a nail-biting win against Western Australia in the semi-finals, NSW Metro were far too strong for Queensland in the decider, recording a 152-run win.
Queensland skipper Angus Lovell won the toss and chose to bowl first, which looked a good decision when his bowlers reduced NSW Metro to 4-57.
But Aiden Bariol joined second-drop Waugh at the crease, combining for a 199-run stand.
Bariol was bowled for an excellent 85 chasing quick runs in the final 10 overs, but Waugh – the son of former Australia skipper Steve – continued on, reaching 122 not out off 136 balls at the end of 50 overs.
"I knew if I stuck in there, the runs would come later on in the innings, especially with this quick outfield," Waugh said.
"It made it a bit harder early on, losing a few early wickets, so it was good to get a few runs ... I knew I had to stick around.
"It's been a great experience, but it's just good today to capitalise, getting a hundred.
"It made all the other games stepping stones up to this one."
Waugh's ton propelled NSW Metro to an imposing total of 6-274, with James Ward the pick of the Queensland bowlers with 3-58.
Queensland's chase never got going, with the tournament's leading run-scorer, Angus Lovell, dismissed for eight by medium-pacer Jack Edwards.
The host state lost regular wickets throughout their chase to be dismissed for 122.
Fast bowler Iain Carlisle finished with 3-24, while spinners Tom Sowden and Ryan McElduff collected two wickets each.
"I just had to work hard and get a decent total on the board, because our bowling has been pretty strong within the tournament," Waugh said.
"I knew we could defend a decent total."
Under 17 National Championships – Final
NSW Metro 6-274 from 50 overs (A. Waugh 122*, A. Bariol 85, J. Ward 3-58) def Queensland 122 all out from 34.1 overs (N. Carroll 43, I. Carlisle 3-24)