LOCALS FAIL TO FIRE: Griffith's three Riverina Colts selections (from left) Justin Winkler, Jarrod Cahill and Jamie Winkler struggled on the weekend.
Cricket
IT WAS a weekend to forget for the Riverina under 21s as injury, wet weather and one big loss ruined the representative side's Country Colts campaign in Wollongong.
The team played just one game before the entire tournament was washed out and it was a tough nine-wicket loss to powerhouse Newcastle on Australia Day.
Riverina won the toss and chose to bat, but could only muster 132 runs before they were bowled out.
The innings began well as opener Dylan Beattie hit 47 to help the side reach 2-81 before Newcastle's attack clicked into gear, with some assistance from a green-top deck and the overcast conditions.
"They just had the ability to swing the ball, it was mad," coach Mark Favell said.
"One bloke was making it swing both ways in one delivery.
"Of course, when we came out to bowl, the sun came out and everything in the pitch and in the air disappeared, so we were up against it."
Griffith's three representatives all struggled with the bat Jamie Winkler was bowled for a duck, Justin Winkler made just five and all-rounder Jarrod Cahill scored 10.
Cahill then could only bowl three overs before breaking down with a back injury that ended his contribution to the Riverina cause.
But Favell said the whole team benefitted from the experience, even if very little went according to plan.
"For the guys who haven't played at that level, they know what it's about now, so they'll be better equipped for next time.
"Newcastle were head and shoulders above our guys. They were a very professional outfit who train and play together all year.
"Half our guys barely knew each other, but by the end of the weekend we were all mates."