mmg.com.au

Goulburn Murray Cricket’s top two under 16 sides will fittingly contest the association’s inaugural grand final when Moama White and Echuca clash at Moama Recreation Reserve on Sunday.

Minor premier Moama went through the season undefeated from its seven matches with six wins and a draw, while second-placed Echuca dropped just one match — against Moama White.

Echuca captain Brendan Moyle said his side had improved out of sight since round one.

‘‘I think everyone has improved a lot more and last game showed why,’’ he said.

‘‘We were in a pretty ordinary spot, then all the boys got up and about and showed how mature the team’s got over the year.’’

Echuca defeated Fire Brigade by 30 runs in last week’s semi-final, posting a competitive 110 after being 7/56.

Moyle said his players understood the significance of the win and trained positively on Tuesday night.

‘‘I think that training session was the most pumped up one we’ve ever had,’’ he said.

Moama captain Jake Toll said his side was equally excited for Sunday’s grand final, particularly after last week’s 11-run win against Echuca South.

‘‘Last week we were just that one batsman short because we didn’t have Clayton McGregor,’’ he said.

‘‘I think that one less batsman showed, but he should play on Sunday.’’

Both captains agreed impressive form in the home and away season meant little.

‘‘I think it all goes out the window,’’ Toll said.

‘‘You just forget about all that and focus on the new task.’’

The two sides met in round two at Echuca Secondary College, with Moama setting Echuca 133 for victory after finishing its 40 overs at 5/132.

Alistair McCann (26 not out) and McGregor (23) were the key run-makers for the visitors.

In reply, Echuca started positively but the run rate slowed as the side ultimately lost by 10 runs with three wickets in hand.

Openers Declan Hancock (45) and Jacob Keenan (21) starred with the bat, but the middle order failed to make an impact.

Each side possesses a wealth of senior experience and both captains will be keen to showcase their best cricket on a fast Moama deck.

The match starts at 10am.

Moama White squad: Jake Toll (c), Sam Clift, Jayden Dixon, Liam Gallagher, Keegan Hutchins, Sam Marshall, Alistair McCann, Clay McGregor, Sam McHale, Joshua Platt, Jack Russell, Che Taranto, Jamie Thompson. Coach: Stewart McGregor.

Echuca squad: Brendan Moyle (c), Brandon Byrne, Chevy Cocks, Mitch Frew, Luke Goyne, Declan Hancock, James Hancock, Matthew Hinks, Jacob Keenan, Ned Lanyon, Max Scales, Adam Southwell, Elliot Stewart, Peter Warman. Coach: John Moyle.