Central Northern batsman Will Fort could not be beaten in Monday’s first game of the Country Colts Championships in Tamworth, despite going down to ACT Southern in tough conditions at No 1 Oval.

Fort’s unbeaten 55 at the top of the order was the only highlight from a batting list that found itself at 5-25 early, with only two other batsmen, Isaac Barry (12) and Inverell’s Jai Tasker (12), scoring more than one.

The home side were skittled for 105 chasing ACT Southern’s 164, although showed enough with the ball to give them some confidence heading into the remainder of the tournament, beginning with Central Coast at Riverside 2 on Tuesday.

For the opening batsmen the Country Colts tournament comes at the back end of a very exciting few months that has seen him facing up at two National Championships, including pulling on the green and gold for Cricket Australia.

In September the Maitland District first grader starred for NSW Country at the U17 National Championships in Brisbane, averaging just under 40 to record the fourth most runs of the tournament and earn himself a spot in the U17 Cricket Australia side that played at the U19 National Championships in Hobart just last week.

“I really enjoyed the experience playing at the U19s – and that is what it is about – getting a real taste for that higher level of cricket.

“I wasn’t at my best there, but have been in pretty good form before that,” Fort said.

“It’s always good to come back and play in the country and for Central North, the pitch was doing a fair bit, it was just a pity we couldn’t put in a good team performance, but we will bounce back.” 

Armidale’s Jackson Gwynne was the pick of the Central North bowlers, the opening quick snaring 3-45, before some big middle order hitting from Esam Rahman (40) boosted ACT Southern to a solid total and eventually the win.

Sam Taylor was the main perpetrator of Central North’s demise with 5-10.

Jack Harris was another of the opening day stars smacking a 128-ball 111 as his Central Coast side amassed 8-261 against North Coastal. 

Lachlan Barnesley then fell four runs short of his ton as he anchored North Coastal to 223 in reply. 

Riverina fared better in their chase, Josh Staines (24no) and Angus McLay (31no) guiding them to a five wicket win over Western after Harry Rosengren made 33.

Earlier they rolled Western for 137, Tom Nelson (30) and Brock Larance (26) the best performers with the bat, while Max Harper, Jack Cattanach and Hugh Collins claimed two wickets apiece.

Matt Calder’s 4-29 meanwhile helped Illawarra dismiss Newcastle for 166. He then struck 50 and Jye Phillips 59 as they polished off the runs inside 34 overs.