JAMES Psarakis has a busy cricketing weekend.
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Yesterday he captained his Tamworth High School side in its Gleeson Shield North West Final against Glen Innes High School in Glen Innes.
Glen won a thriller to be crowned regional champions for the first time for several years at least.
It came down to the final ball after Glen had made 4-219.
THS got off a flying start in reply and was 4-115 after only 20 overs.
Psarakis inflicted most of the damage, belting three sixes and four fours in a 53-run stay.
His dismissal was a big one for Glen Innes and, after wearing the initial onslaught, it started to peg THS back and, with two overs remaining, the Tamworth side needed a run a ball.
The equation then became five off the final over.
But some excellent bowling from Perry Stapleton ensured Glen held on for a one-run win.
The Bradman Cup rep was the main destroyer, claiming 6-21 and picking up the last three THS wickets.
He was a real handful for the batsmen, with all of his six wickets bowleds.
Jarryd Stevens tried his best to get THS home, top-scoring with 68.
Earlier, Stapleton showed he’s just as handy with the bat, smacking 66.
Cody Hogan also hit 53 and Jack Simons an unbeaten 36 to form the backbone of Glen’s innings.
Psarakis was hoping to get back in time to play for his Joblink Plus side in its final round of the McDonald’s Tamworth Premier League Twenty20 late yesterday.
The Australian Under 16 cricketing representative will then turn out for his South Tamworth first grade side in its NICU Tamworth District Cricket Association clash with City United at Dick Edwards Oval today and tonight travel to Newcastle with the Tamworth side to play Hamilton Wickham in a round of 16 SCG Country Cup clash tomorrow.