CONNOR Cook led the way as Beechwood Hotel Barbarians registered a five-wicket victory over Port City Leagues Magpies in the May Kelly Cup final on Australia Day.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Cook claimed 4-10 off four overs including the vital wicket of Sean Minns as the Magpies were restricted to 9-110.
He then backed it up with bat in hand and steered the Barbarians home as they passed the total five wickets down in 17 overs.
Barbarians captain Josh Hyde was impressed with the way Cook understood his game.
"His execution was outstanding where he made Sean Minns hit into the breeze and to the longer part of the ground," he said.
"For a 17-year-old he just knows his bowling inside out; he won that battle."
Hyde said the teenager carried out the team's batting plans perfectly when he strode to the crease.
"I told him before he went out that they had Badenoch and Felton to a lesser extent up their sleeve so if we took advantage of two overs of their spinners it'd help us," he said.
"He then hit three sixes and a couple of fours in a couple of overs which takes the game away from the opposition pretty quickly when you're only chasing 110."
The Barbarians captain was also pleased with the way Cook and Jared Humphreys batted together against Wauchope RSL on Saturday to steer the side into the final.
"They're young blokes who just set goals when they're batting and know exactly how to achieve them," he said.
What else is happening in sport?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.
If you value local journalism, continue to support us and consider taking out a subscription. CLICK HERE for a 30-day free trial.