NSW claimed their 21st Arthur Allsopp U16 Boys' National Championship title last evening at Waverley, Victoria, defeating Queensland 17-10 in the Grand Final. The five-day tournament was held in conjunction with the Under 16 Girls National Championship at Waverley, Victoria. 

The boys in blue started their Championship on an assertive note, notching up two back-to-back wins against ACT and SA respectively, before winding up the day with a loss to QLD. Lead-off hitter Carter Shears hit two doubles, a triple and drew a walk for 3 RBI in the former, while Jordan McSavaney and Mac Orsini registered 2RBIs each against SA. The Blue Bloods maintained their momentum on day 2, raking up comfortable wins against WA and VIC, featuring 2 RBIs added by Xavier Lachat and Maikera Thompson in the former game.

Day 3 of the tournament featured a win and loss against SA and WA respectively. In the game against SA, Noah Powell and Blaze Pus combined for the no-hitter, allowing just one walk in the four-inning game. Powell grabbed 3 RBIs with the bat as well. Two dominating wins against VIC and ACT followed on day 4, proceeded by a loss to QLD. The win against Victoria featured Benjamin Hodsdon who scored 3RBIs, while Xavier Lachat and Maikera Thompson-Tetana combined for another 4RBIs. Carter Shears pitched four innings, allowing just two hits with six strike outs. Against ACT, Blake Pus took seven strike outs and allowed two hits, while also registering 3RBIs alongside Jordan McSavaney and Lachlan O’Sullivan.

The Grand Final

The final day of the Arthur Allsopp Shield saw NSW bow out to QLD in their first game, followed by a thumping win against VIC to seal their spot in the Grand Final. Unsurprisingly enough, our boys in blue saved the best for the last, with Austin Gooden and Noah Powell making big contributions with a combined 10RBIs from 6ABs and a home run each. Powell’s opening bat scored three on a home run over centre and helped set the tone for NSW from the outset. While Gooden’s performance with the ball helped limit the big-hitting QLD offence to 10 runs – an offence that scored 21 twice in the tournament. The title-defence was successful, with the 17-10 final scoreline handing the state its 22nd Under 16 Boys National Championship title. 

Individual Awards

Austin Gooden was named Best Pitcher and Player of the Grand Final at this year's National Championship for-

• 44 Innings Pitched
• 2 wins
• 10 strike outs
• 0.955 ERA