mmg.com.au

Northern Rivers will take pride from a convincing Victorian Bushrangers Under-18 State Championships consolation final win over Western Waves.

Rivers had been in early trouble, having elected to bat first, with a lively wicket seeing them fall to 4-30.

Enter Tyler Larkin and James Billington.

The duo combined for a 212-run stand for the fifth wicket, with Larkin the first to depart for 111 before Billington was later dismissed for 106.

Coach Rohan Larkin said the pair had dug in.

‘‘We won the toss and batted and we knew the wicket would have a bit in it, because the curator had juiced it up a bit,’’ Larkin said.

‘‘It probably had a bit more than we expected and we lost our openers for ducks, Dylan Grandell was out for 14 and our No.5 went for a duck as well.

‘‘We were 4-30 and the ball was jumping at the batsmen and causing a few issues, but then Tyler and James weathered it.

‘‘Later in the day, as it dried out, it became a beautiful batting wicket and they were able to cash in.’’

The Waves looked to be in control early, with a 58-run opening partnership.

Tom Chalkley got the breakthrough and the momentum swung in Rivers’ favour.

The Waves finished all out for 151.

Tyler Larkin claimed 3-24 off seven overs, Grandell took 2-17 off eight and Chalkley had 2-21 off five overs.

Coach Larkin said he was pleased the Rivers responded after a disappointing performance against South East Sharks on Tuesday.

‘‘We walk away with a bit of pride, having squared the ledger (wins and losses),’’ he said.

‘‘We know we missed our opportunity on Tuesday, which was massively disappointing, but it was terrific that the boys came out and didn’t just go through the motions.

‘‘We squared the ledger and the boys can take something out of that.’’