It was a mixed finish to an incredibly hot day of action at the under-17s National Championships at Blacktown International Sportspark.

Both NSW teams started the day with big wins including the girls’ 11-5 win over Victoria and the boys blanking the ACT 7-0. However, both teams’ evening games were against the also previously undefeated Queensland teams with the girls claiming a 1-0 win, while the boys fell to a 9-2 loss.

The NSW girls’ win over Victoria started with a bang, hitting six runs in the first innings. Despite conceding five runs, the girls ensured the Victorians stayed at arms length. But it was in the night session that NSW firmed into favouritism for the tournament. It took until the bottom of the fifth innings for NSW to hit the lead with a sacrifice fly from Ryleigh Arnott bringing Pihuka Duff home for what was the winning – and only – run.

The NSW boys also started the day strongly, holding the ACT to zero. It was the fourth innings that was the decider. Leading 1-0 and with loaded bases, Zachary Roberts’ hit got Hayden Shaw and Jeremy Garland home before he and Jack Davies took it to four runs for the innings. Garland was great from the mound, pitching all five innings with nine strikeouts. The night session was a different story as Queensland bolted out to a 9-0 lead at the bottom of the third. Two consolation runs got NSW on the board. On the bright side, the loss only saw NSW fall to second and they will look to bounce back when they next play Queensland on Tuesday.

With Monday’s temperatures set to reach 38 degrees, the draw will again start at 8.30am with sessions at 11am, 5.30pm and 8pm.

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Results – Day 2

Girls