And, it’s easy to see why.

The trio recently returned home from the prestigious Bradman Cup, in Newcastle, as members of the victorious Central North Zone (CNZ) under-16 representative outfit.

They’ll now tackle their City counterparts, Mosman, for the state crown at Allan Border Oval on Sunday, February 14.

Before the Newcastle event, Upper Hunter mentor Paul Watts – who has coached the three boys – predicted the side would “go alright” on the big stage.

They did that … and more.

Central North won its second title for the season and second Bradman Cup in four years with a three-wicket triumph over Southern/ACT at Newcastle’s No.1 Oval.

The Kel Walls, Rod Bryant and Terry Browne-coached team only just sneaked into the final and, after restricting Southern to 9-227, looked shaky early in its chase.

But a 94-run stand between Tamworth’s Tyson Rennie and Watts salvaged their title hopes and they reached the target with six overs to spare.

“It was a great performance from the lads,” Walls said.

After losing the toss and being sent out to field in hot and humid conditions, Paddy Montgomery and Jaiden Tasker made early inroads for CNZ to have Southern/ACT 2-29 after 10 overs.

Scalps were hard to come by after that, with Blake Nikitaras (94) and Kaleb Phillips (59) putting on 109 for the second wicket. 

Montgomery struck in his second spell to remove Phillips and Watts picked up Kyle Jarrett a couple of runs later, but Nikitaras combined forces with Nick Groenewegen (9) to frustrate CNZ again.

They added 51 for the fifth wicket to push Southern/ACT towards 200. 

“The boys battled well this morning,” Walls said.

“They restricted the run chase on a good wicket and fast outfield.”

Walls felt there was 300-350 in it and, at one point, Southern looked on target to score that. 

Moree quick Montgomery was the top wicket-taker, finishing with 3-49 off his 10. 

Tasker (Inverell) chimed in with 2-51, Tamworth’s Jye Paterson 2-42 and Watts 1-23. 

Things then couldn’t have started any worse for CNZ.

“We were 2-5 at one stage,” Walls said.

McNeill (23) and Will Fort (25) steadied things but then from 3-49 they crumbled to 6-113. 

It was a bit concerning at that stage, Walls conceded. 

“We needed a partnership and Rennie and Watts provided that partnership,” he said.

“They steadied us as well as pushed up the runs.” 

That took them to 207. 

“Their partnership really won the game for us,” Walls said. 

Rennie was the one to fall for 67, but Watts (33no) and Tasker (14no) then polished off the runs in the 43rd over.