The 2017 Australian Junior Interstate Series has come to an end in New South Wales with the Queensland Boys and Girls teams earning second and third place respectively.
The Boys’ Interstate final round was set to be a thrilling contest between Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, who had filled the top positions since day one.
The team comfortably took care of Tasmania, South Australia and the ACT 4-1 in earlier contests. Wins by Zach Maxwell (7&5), Mitch Varley (1up) and Louis Dobbelaar (5&4) proved crucial in capturing a round four victory over eventual champions Western Australia.
Fierce rivals New South Wales put a dent in Queensland’s title aspirations, with Tyler Duncan the only Queenslander to secure a win in round five. Requiring a comprehensive win against last placed Northern Territory, the boys etched a 3-2 success which left them trailing Victoria and Western Australia on individual contests won only.
The boys fought valiantly to leapfrog Victoria into second position, with the death knell for Victoria coming at the hands of the talented Louis Dobbelaar, who cashed in on the earlier good work of Tyler Duncan and Joel Stahlhut to give the young Maroons a 3-2 triumph.
But it ultimately left Queensland three contests shy of the Western Australians who, despite suffering their only loss to Queensland early on day two, were rewarded for their consistency throughout the week with their first Boys’ Interstate title since 2000.
Well done Tyler Duncan joining Royal Perth’s Lee and Mt Lawley’s Doull as the only unbeaten players throughout the week.
The fresh-faced Queensland girls team secured third place after defeating WA in the final contest.
The team experienced an early set back falling to the hands of defending champions NSW in round one, nevertheless returning to claim promising 4-1 victories over South Australia and the Composite team.
The fearless Victorian team continued their hot streak accounting for the gallant Queensland girls 4-1 in round four.
Headlined by strong performances all week, Queensland returned for one more battle to defeat WA, with Cassie Porter, Rhianna Lewis and Lisa Edgar providing essential wins.
The Queensland Women’s and Men’s team are looking to go one better in May when the Australian Interstate Teams Matches kicks off in Western Australia.
Boys’ results: Click here
Girls’ results: Click here
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