Photo: @ash.wanasinghe_photography

The development manager of Canterbury Metropolitan Cricket Association says the under 17 team have bright futures following their national win.

Canterbury won the National Men’s U17 Cricket Tournament at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln with a comfortable victory, beating Northern Districts by 75 runs in the final game.

Keryn Ambler said he was very proud of the team for how they approached the tournament.

“We had a short lead up to the tournament but the players took every opportunity to learn as a group. This meant they were ready to collectively overcome any challenges they faced during the tournament.

“We had a number of fantastic individual highlights such as Felix Huston’s 100 in game one, Harry O’Loughlin’s belligerent 100 in the final match, Tom Turner taking 8 wickets to set up our outright victory against Auckland. 

“Hunter Shore’s consistency with the new ball set an important tone for the bowling group, Callum Samson’s all-round reliability with mature partnership batting and commitment to bowling tough overs were other standouts.

Every player contributed strongly to ensure we were in a position to keep pressure on in each game.  The other impressive aspect was everyone’s ability to control their energy levels throughout some long, hot conditions.”

Ambler said all the players made significant developments throughout the week which gave themselves a chance to learn more about their own games.

“With these types of traits in they guys, I certainly see some bright futures” Ambler said.

“Canterbury Cricket has a rich history of successful teams and individuals throughout the years.  The boys certainly knew this and used it as motivation for their performances. 

“We have strong, predominately school based competitions in Canterbury as well as having quality systems and structures for developing players at MA level. 

The understanding of developing the whole person here in Canterbury, rather than simply technical, tactical is also a strength.”