The U21s Finals series delivered three high-quality matches, showcasing emerging talent, strong team performances, and a thrilling Grand Final finish.
Game One – Wests v Merewether
Two-time defending premiers Wests opened their finals campaign against a determined Merewether side in a tightly contested encounter.
Merewether won the toss and elected to bat, building their innings around key contributions from the top and middle order. Bailey Lidgard anchored the innings with 30 from 34 balls, while Harry Cornwell added 27 from 28. The standout performance came from Jamie Dickson, who finished 42 not out, guiding Merewether to 7/128 from 20 overs. For Wests, Zameer Masoom Khil and Sam Gallagher were the leading wicket-takers, each finishing with two wickets.
In reply, Wests were led by Alex Gallagher, who top-scored with 43, but Merewether’s bowling attack kept the pressure on throughout the chase. Bailey Lidgard capped off a strong all-round performance with 3/20 from four overs, while Darcy White was exceptional with 3/11 from four overs, as Wests were restricted to 10/123. While Wests continued their strong finals presence, it was Merewether who progressed through to the Grand Final.
Game Two – Belmont v Charlestown
Belmont secured their place in the Grand Final with a dominant all-round display against Charlestown.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Belmont produced an imposing total built on a powerful top-order performance. Joey Gillard led the way with an outstanding 69 from 41 balls, supported by Oliver Gribble with 47 from 34. Connor Gibson added valuable late runs with 27 not out from 24 balls, pushing Belmont to a strong total. For Charlestown, Kel Wilson was the pick of the bowlers with 2/22 from four overs.
Charlestown’s chase struggled to gain momentum under sustained pressure from the Belmont bowlers. Ryder Howard (19) and Kel Wilson (17) offered resistance, but wickets fell regularly. Daniel Hitchings produced a match-winning spell of 4/3 from 1.3 overs, supported by Connor Gibson (3/18) and Henry Batchelor (2/20), as Charlestown were dismissed well short of the target. The win confirmed Belmont’s place in the U21s Grand Final.
Grand Final – Merewether v Belmont
The U21s Grand Final delivered a tense finish, with Belmont holding their nerve to claim the premiership.
Merewether won the toss and elected to bat, but found scoring difficult against a disciplined Belmont attack. Hudson Joliffe top-scored with a patient 29 from 40 balls, anchoring the innings as wickets fell around him. Belmont’s bowlers shared the load, led by Jacob Curry with an outstanding 3/15 from four overs, while James Burke added 2/22 from four overs, restricting Merewether to 8/98 from 20 overs.
Belmont approached the chase with composure. Joey Gillard once again delivered on the big stage, striking a decisive 33 from 32 balls to set the tone. James Burke capped off an excellent all-round performance with an unbeaten 23 from 25 balls, guiding Belmont home to 3/99 in 19 overs. Darcy White was the standout for Merewether with the ball, finishing with 2/9 from three overs.
For his match-winning contribution in the Grand Final, Joey Gillard was named Rippit Player of the Final, as Belmont were crowned U21s premiers.
Acknowledgements
The U21s competition was proudly delivered in partnership with Talk2MeBro to help promote connection, conversation, and mental health awareness within the game and wider community. A special thank you also goes to Kade Sutton for his excellent commentary throughout the U21s Finals series.
