THE cricket season came to a hugely successful end for a group of local junior cricketers last week as the Dubbo under-14s side won the Bradman Invitational Carnival at Bowral.
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The annual tournament, held at the end of each season, was contested by six teams from throughout the state playing Twenty20 matches and Dubbo were crowned champions after defeating Mid North Coast in the grand final at Bradman Oval.
Dubbo's carnival didn't start in the best way with an opening day loss to Hornsby but the boys bounced back on day two as they defeated Bathurst and Wagga.
Ben Knaggs (40), Charlie Kempston (38) and a quickfire 42 from Cal Braithwaite were the standouts in the win over Bathurst while Braithwaite was again the star in the win over Wagga as he made 52 not out.
Day three began with a win over the home side, Highlands, before a loss to Mid North Coast, the side they would go on the meet in the decider.
Dan Duffy was the star in the win over Highlands as he took 5/10 off three overs while Knaggs made 30 not out.
After losing to Mid North Coast a day earlier, the Dubbo side ran out on to Bradman Oval with plenty of motivation in the grand final and it showed as they kept their previously undefeated opponents to 6/91 from their 20 overs.
Leg spinner Sam Fraser was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2/13 off four while two runouts showcased Dubbo's impressive fielding skills.
In reply, Dubbo reached the total in the 18th over for the loss of just four wickets with Knaggs and Braithwaite again playing vital roles, with Knaggs finishing on 38 not out while Braithwaite making 23.
The carnival victory was a great achievement for the side coached by Lou Railz and managed by Trevor Thomas as they did it with two of their most talented youngsters, Marty Jeffrey and Dalton Medcalf.
