Sport
16 March, 2026
Highlands crowned Jefferys Cup champions after win over Shoalhaven at Moss Vale
The Highlands have claimed the Southern Districts Cricket Zone’s Under 18 title, defeating Shoalhaven in the Jefferys Cup final played at Lackey Park, Moss Vale on Sunday.
The Highlands have claimed the Southern Districts Cricket Zone’s Under 18 title, defeating Shoalhaven in the Jefferys Cup final played at Lackey Park, Moss Vale on Sunday.
Played under warm sunshine, Highlands won the toss and elected to bat but were quickly in early trouble at 2/20.
A superb partnership between Advik Ajithkumar and Sam Harwood steadied the innings. Ajithkumar produced a remarkable knock, bringing up his century and carrying his bat through the entire innings to finish unbeaten on 112. Harwood provided excellent support, registering a half century.
Highlands finished their 50 overs at 5/233, a total that looked around par on the Moss Vale surface.
For Shoalhaven, Lachlan Barry was the most effective bowler, taking 2/48 from his 10 overs.
In reply, Shoalhaven struggled to build meaningful partnerships, with their largest stand reaching only 41 runs. Wickets fell at regular intervals as Highlands’ bowlers kept the pressure on.
Shoalhaven were eventually bowled out for 192 in the 46th over, falling 41 runs short of the target.
Wicketkeeper Jonathan McLennan top scored for Shoalhaven with 28.
Highlands shared the wickets around, with four bowlers taking two each. Sam Harwood finished with 2/16 from eight overs, James Moylan claimed 2/39 from 10 overs, Max Bird took 2/24 from six overs and Callum Rope returned 2/13 from five overs.
The Jefferys Cup was presented to the Highlands captain Hamish Murray by Zone Chair Paddy Moylan and Cricket NSW Academy coach Damon Smith.
The win marks the first time Highlands have claimed the Jefferys Cup since the Southern Districts Cricket Zone was re-formed in 2023.
With several players in the squad as young as 15, only five or six members of the sides will age out of the competition next season.
Read More: Southern Highlands, Moss Vale