PORT Stephens cricket guns Lucas Vincent and Tyler McInnes have experienced an emotional roller coaster at the McDonald’s NSW Country Colts Championships on the south coast.
The talented duo were part of the Newcastle Under 19s representative team that were pipped for the title by North Coastal in a one-run thriller last Friday at Balgownie’s Judy Masters Oval.
Both sides went into the final day fixture with the championship title up for grabs.
Requiring a victory, the Newcastle Colts had North Coastal reeling at 9-138 before skipper Harry Kershler (38 not out) and tailender Daniel Hitchings (20 not out) rescued the eventual champions with an unbroken last-wicket stand of 60 to register a total of 9-99 from their allotted 50 overs.
The talented Kershler had earlier been dropped on zero in a crucial missed opportunity.
In reply, the Newcastle XI were on track to lift the trophy at 4-136 with valuable contributions from skipper Harry Price (79), opening batsmen Drew Saxby (26) and Hunter Palmer (22) and Sam Gallagher (17).
But the Novocastrians lost six quick wickets for 62 runs to be rolled for 198 – two runs shy of their winning target.
Nelson Bay native Vincent and McInnes of Corlette are exciting first-grade prospects with Newcastle District Cricket premiers Stockton & Northern Districts Seagulls.
Newcastle registered victories over Central Northern, Central Coast and Southern Districts to zoom into title contention before their epic showdown with North Coastal.
Vincent, a stylish top-order batsman and crafty left-arm off-spinner, showed his wares with two half-centuries against Central Coast (76) and Southern Districts (55) and bowled superbly in tandem with promising leg spinner McInnes throughout the carnival.
McInnes was at his wily best in the final clash with North Coastal – bagging 3-28 off 10 overs with Vincent returning the figures of 0-29 off his 60 deliveries.
Tyler also returned hauls of 2-16 and 1-7 and troubled opponents with his flight deception and unerring accuracy.
Lucas and Tyler will continue to press their claims for NSW Country Under 19s selection when the Seagulls open their 2026-27 Rippit Premiership first grade campaign this Saturday with a one-day fixture against Cardiff-Boolaroo at Lynn Oval.
By Chris KARAS
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
