Warnambool Under-17s Junior Country Week grand final at Merrivale Oval. Picture: WARNAMBOOL STANDARD
West Wimmera could not complete its fairytale Warrnambool Under-17s Junior Country Week division one campaign on Friday against hot favourites Warrnambool Gold.
The underdogs lost by 85 runs against the unbeaten Gold side at Merrivale Oval, Warrnambool.
Budding all-rounder Brodie Cramer did however come away with some silverware when he was named division one player of the week.
Brodie, who also plays senior cricket for Winiam, took nine wickets for the week, including 4-41 in the decider, along with 132 runs at an average of 29.4. He earned the praise of team manager David Jensz, who believed Brodie could take his cricket a long way.
"Brodie was great. He captained us the last three days and he had a fantastic week," he said.
"He was always thinking about the job and it will put him in good stead for the future."
Jensz said it was fantastic for the association to get through to Friday's final.
"We didn't have great expectations going into the grand final against a dominant Warrnambool side," he said.
"They're a really good side so I knew we would be up against it."
Warrnambool Gold batted first and posted 167, with a gritty 61-run partnership between William Templeton, 44, and Thomas Ludeman, 31, proving to be the difference.
Brodie bowled exceptionally well and was assisted by Todd Alexander, 3-21, and Nathan Sparling, 2-13, to help stem the tide.
West Wimmera was dismissed for 82 in reply and never looked in the hunt against a top-class attack.
Only Heath Preston, 26, and Lucas Dahlenburg, 16, provided any resistance as Tom Smith, 3-10, and Ben Threlfall, 3-13, tore through the visitors.
Hamilton was crowned Horsham Under-15s Junior Country Week premiers after a 34-run win over South West at Horsham City Oval on Friday.