Outstanding win for Old Lions U9 at NAS Junior T20 Tournament
The Old Lions U9s dominated the NAS Junior T20 Tournament, lifting the trophy unbeaten as Carter Eilertsen and Luke Riley walked away with top individual honours.
The Old Lions U9 cricket team have been crowned NAS Junior T20 Champions, capping off an unfor-gettable season with an emphatic win over Zoo Lake on August 31 in Florida.
The young side delivered a commanding performance, winning the final by a staggering 109 runs. The victory sealed a flawless run through the competition, with the Old Lions playing, and winning, seven matches.
Read nmore: Bowler’s heroics lights up U9 cricket tournament
For standout bowler Carter Eilertsen (8), this win happened soon after his outstanding bowling perfor-mance, where he tore through the Randburg Raptors batting line-up on August 8.
His consistency earned him the Best Bowler Award at the tournament, securing nine wickets and record-ing the most dot balls of the competition.
Carter’s best friend and teammate, Luke Riley (9), also shone brightly, finishing the tournament as Best Batsman, with an extraordinary 316 runs, at a strike rate of 158.
Coach Campbell Farr praised the team’s spirit and growth, saying: “These boys far exceeded my goal and vision for the tournament. We have not just won a tournament; we have formed a core group of players that can hopefully grow with each other, and take over Gauteng cricket.
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“I love the culture we have built as a team, not just from the players, but from the parents as well.
“I hope the boys have not only grown as cricketers, but as people, with stronger morals and principals.”
For Carter’s mother, Candice Eilertsen, the moment was a reminder of how far her son has come in just a year. “The dedication and passion he’s put in have been incredible. To see it rewarded on the field, with his team lifting the trophy, is something we’ll never forget.”
Philippa Riley, Luke’s Mom, also expressed her pride. “The hours he spends practicing in the nets, and the true love and passion he has for the game. It’s inspiring to watch your child work so hard at some-thing they absolutely love, and then get the success and rewards at the end, whilst remaining so hum-ble. We couldn’t be prouder.”
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