The Matthew Wilkinson-coached team was crowned Horsham Under 15 Country Week champions after a comprehensive win in the final against Mount Gambier at City Oval on Friday.

Batting first, Warrnambool Gold made 207 from its overs.

Daniel Hawkins (63), Flynn Wilkinson (52) and Fletcher Cozens (37) all delivered with the bat to post a daunting score.

Mount Gambier needed a big effort with the bat but it soon became mission impossible as Warrnambool Gold’s bowlers made life hard.

While Mount Gambier got through the first 12 overs without losing a wicket, it had also made only 15 runs in that time. 

This tight bowling from Warrnambool Gold soon led to a regular fall of wickets, with Mount Gambier bowled out for 77.

Wilkinson said the team hit all its targets in the final.

“We wanted someone in the top order to get a 50 and Daniel and Flynn were able to do that and we wanted 50-run partnerships and we achieved those,” he said.

“It was a good wicket with value for your shots so we knew we couldn’t just blast them out. Our bowlers kept it tight and that built a lot of pressure.

“It was a really enjoyable week, when their number came up everyone contributed. Junior representative cricket is really important and hopefully the boys all learnt a bit from the week.”   

Cozens, who captained the team, was named the player of the week on the back of 274 runs at an average of 91.33.

Wilkinson said Cozens had a bright future.

“He’s a class act for sure,” he said.

“He was clearly the best player of the carnival and he ticks all the boxes. He’s got a great technique and temperament and is a fantastic leader.

“His field placings and bowling changes were spot on, he’s got a good head for the game.” 

In positional finals played on Friday, Colac Black defeated Warrnambool Blue to finish the competition as the third-ranked team.  

In a Twenty20 encounter, Warrnambool Blue batted first and made 6-118 with Harry Schrama top scoring with 44. Mount Gambier mowed down the target with 1-122 inside 11 overs. Rani Jamieson was explosive, smashing an unbeaten 86 from just 45 balls. 

In other positional games, Portland defeated Horsham by eight wickets. Portland’s Rory Barry finished with the incredible figures of 4-3 from his 1.1 overs.