The NSW Country Cricket under-16s competition came to an end on Thursday, with the undefeated Riverina finishing as champions.

Western came in fourth but only lost one once, to the eventual champions on day two of the competition at Newcastle.

“When we came away we were disappointed but happy to win three of four matches,” Connolly said.

“We won three of four and lost to the eventual winners on the hottest day. It was over 40 and we were out west away from the coast and we lost Henry Railz to some heat stress when he was batting well. He came off and then Nic Broes, who got about 70, got out very next ball so our chase really came to a halt.

“But we performed well and really matched them.”

Connolly was delighted with the all-round performances off his side.

The only time Western Zone scored below 200 was in the loss against Riverina, where the heat-effected side posted 192. On two occasions Connolly’s team also bowled out opposition for less than 160.

“We batted really well for most of the tournament,” Parkes’ Connolly said.

“All in all it was good for us and our bowling performances backed that up.”

Connolly singled out Railz for praise, with the South Dubbo man finishing with 159 runs at an average of 53 while he also performed well with the new ball.

Western captain Thomas Nelson also finished with 159 runs, at an average of 39.75 and they are just two Western players putting their hand up for higher honours.

“There’s definitely a group of about four or five who are in the running for possible Country teams so that’s great to see,” Connolly said.

Broes, Brock Larance and Tom Atlee were also singled out as potential Country players but Connolly added he had been pleased with his whole squad.

“We got good reports back from the umpires about how they played so we can’t ask for more than that,” he said.