There aren’t many better ways to bring up your maiden century, and it almost didn’t happen for Metro Sixers North East batter Jonah Trope.

With less than 10 runs left for his century, Trope and teammate Anthony Bartlett ran a risky single.

The under 14s opener admitted to being “nervous” as he was forced to dive to guarantee his survival.

The throw missed the stumps, and Trope patiently worked his way to the 100 before retiring not out.

“At the start I was looking to work singles and then obviously once I got my eye in, converting ones, twos and then boundaries,” he said.

“I was feeling pretty good coming in so it was nice to get a couple of runs.”

As Trope raised his bat, spectators witnessed a show of sportsmanship sometimes – famously – lacking at the elite levels of the game; a number of Trope’s opponents approached him to shake hands, high-five or give a pat on the back.

“We’re always trying to get the players to play within the spirit of the game,” Metro Sixers North East coach Jonathan Rose said.

“It’s supposed to be a gentlemen’s game, something as simple as shaking a hand … just celebrating each other’s success as well as the other team’s.

“At the end of the day we’re all cricketers. We’re all trying to do out best and it’s important to celebrate the successes that come along with it.”

Trope’s side went onto win the Under 14 State Challenge final over Metro Sixers South East, thanks to some patient batting by Ashton Simmonds (20 off 34), Edson Whattam (23 off 42) and Anthony Bartlett (26 off 30).

Luke Harrison was the best for Metro Sixers South East, claiming 1-25 from six overs.

But in chasing the 213-run target, South East was dismissed for 141 with some outstanding bowling from Sebastian Bush (4-20), “up-and-coming leg spinner” Matthew Sidhu (2-16) and Rafael MacMillan (2-31).

Despite the loss, South East coach Graeme Smith was “very, very proud”.

“It’s been a long week … so they’ve done really well to get to day four and still be playing good cricket,” he said.

“Both in the 13s and 14s age groups, the standard gets better every year.

“It’s a real stepping stone for them … we like to see their skills, their approach to the game and their resilience to keep fighting.”

“They’re always learning, so we’re just trying to instil that professionalism,” Rose added. “It just comes with understanding the game a little bit more … doing those little one-per-centers that make good cricketers great cricketers.

“Thanks Dubbo for having us. It’s been outstanding. You guys have looked after us really well and we hope to come back next year.”