Henry Railz developed into one of the leading players in Western Zone during his time in Dubbo and in recent seasons he has been a regular in regional and NSW Country representative sides.
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But despite all that success there had always been some nagging doubt in his mind.
The left-handed all-rounder has been a standout with bat and ball for a number of years but the teenage’s biggest battle in recent times has been more mental than physical.
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However, having made the move to play in Penrith this season and then a string of key performances in a national title win with NSW Country/ACT has helped it all click.
Railz played a match-winning knock in the semi-final of the Cricket Australia Under 19 National Championships at Adelaide on Wednesday and then in Thursday’s rain-affected final against Queensland he took a wicket and made key runs in the middle order to seal a brilliant title victory.
“It’s been a bit weird because before this year I felt I wasn’t good enough. Mentally, not in terms of my performances,” Railz said.
“This time there were so many good cricketers (in Adelaide) and there was media as well and it was just very professional with a lot of cricketers who really knew their stuff.
“I didn’t feel like I was overwhelmed this time. I had 100 perfect felt that (like I belonged) and I had a point to prove to myself.
“It was good to go out and do that.”
The final was a dramatic and tense one as Queensland had reached 2-46 early on before the heavens opened over Karen Rolton Oval and the rain tumbled down.
A rain delay of more than five hours ensued and when the match restarted it was changed to a Twenty20 fixture.
NSW Country/ACT produced a fine effort with the ball in tremendously windy conditions as Queensland was restricted to 7-124 from its 20 overs.
Railz, who hadn’t been used a great deal with the ball in the lead-up to the decider, changed his pace and lengths up brilliantly in his three late overs and finished with 1-22 from three overs.
He then came to the crease with the score at 2-43 in the chase and after a slow start soon found his timing.
He made 29 from 26 before being caught in the deep in the 14th over and while there was some nervy moments late on his side got the job done with five balls to spare.
“It was sensational,” Railz said, adding it was the highlight of his career up to this point.
“That’s why you play cricket, for moments like that and I’ve put a lot of work in. Not just during pre-season but in the last few years so it was good to get a reward for all that.
“That’s the top of the list by far. It’s a long way clear.”
Railz’s handy performance in the final followed on from a terrific showing in the semi-final win over a previously unbeaten NSW Metro.
The former South Dubbo star made 78 from 68 balls as NSW Country/ACT fought back from a tough position to reach the lofty target of 274 with one ball to spare and two wickets in hand.
Railz also made a 65 not out and 45 not out earlier in the tournament.
“I went in with an idea I’d get an opportunity and I just had to grab it,” he said.
“In the past I’d gone into my shell sometimes and not backed myself but I got an opportunity early and made runs (65* against South Australia) and after that it was just some clean striking.”
Railz added it was a shame his side couldn’t celebrate with Marty Jeffrey after his fellow Dubbo junior was forced home early after suffering concussion when being hit by a short ball.
That’s why you play cricket, for moments like that.
- Henry Railz on the national title win
Grenfell’s Hamish Starr was the other Western product in the championship winners, finishing the carnival with three wickets and producing a fine support role throughout the side’s campaign.
The third Dubbo cricketer at the Adelaide carnival was Brock Larance, who was playing for the Cricket Australia XI under 17s side.
His side finished the carnival with two wins from eight games.
Railz and Larance will now team up and play for Western Zone at next week’s NSW County Colts carnival at Narrabri.
“It will be interesting after we’re obviously backing up from two weeks of cricket,” Railz said.
“It’s a sensational (Western) lineup and we’re in a position to go really well. It’s just up to us and Brock and I can spread our knowledge and the different things we learnt while away.”