The Western Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) side produced one of its best efforts in years when finishing third at the state championship last week.
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After years of battling for victories and often left playing off for minor positions on the final day, Western produced some of its best efforts in years on the way to finishing an impressive third in the entire state.
The side included Mudgee’s Fergus Fergusson.
Their coach - Jordan Moran of Dubbo whose career includes RSL-Whitney Cup titles, representative grand final wins and NSW Country selection – treasures this as much as anything.
“It was absolutely outstanding,” Moran said last week at the conclusion of the carnival.
“The most proud I’ve ever been as a coach, the last four days.”
The third-placed finish was even more memorable due to the fact Western lost to the Polding on day one.
Following that loss the Western side scored a convincing win over Barrier and then two tight wins over North Coast and North West.
“We made 230 or 240 and then bowled them out for 50,” Moran said of the win over Barrier.
“We had North Coast on Wednesday and we got sent on a wet wicket and were all out for about 60 and then we had them 4/15 at lunch.
“But after that they got to about 4/50 but we rolled the dice and got the last six wickets for about 10 runs.”
Moran said the final day of the carnival, where his side played North West, was as much about ensuring everyone got a go as it was about winning.
But Parkes’ Harry Bayliss (54) and Bathurst youngster Tim Currie (43) ensured Western posted a competitive total of 7/176.
And despite North West gaining the upper hand at one stage, the Western side fought back to win and seal third spot.
“We bowled the first 10 overs for only about seven runs but then a big boy came in and bombed a few but the boys showed a lot of character and determination,” Moran said.
“We got three wins from four and we haven’t done that in the six or seven years I’ve been involved so it’s a massive achievement.”
The South Coast PSSA Zone finished as the overall winner after defeating Mackillop Catholic Schools by two wickets in a thrilling final at Glenn McGrath Oval in Caringbah.
WESTERN PRIMARY SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS SQUAD:
Tim Currie (Bathurst), Fergus Fergusson (Mudgee), Ben Anderson (Orange), Jonothan Rasmussen (Orange), Harrison Bayliss (Parkes), Nathaniel Ambler (Dubbo), Campbell Watts (Dubbo), Arthur Taylor (Wellington), Samuel Gee (Orange), Aidan Lindsay (Bathurst), Mac Webster (Cowra), Koda Sissian (Dubbo).
