The Tamworth under-12s showed some promising signs for the future at this week's annual Lismore carnival as they wrapped up their season.
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Facing predominantly zone sides, coaches Simon Hood and James Haling were really happy, and proud, of how they performed against some tough opposition.
They only managed to pick up the one win, although they "got close on a couple of occasions", but showed good improvement over the four days, which was the main thing they were hoping to see.
"There was a good improvement from everybody," Hood said.
Fletcher Panton's efforts against Far North Coast were a highlight. He was awarded the player of the match after scoring an unbeaten 30 off 24 retired at the top of the order before nabbing 3-19.
The young allrounder had a great carnival. He was their top wicket-taker and second leading runscorer.
Dominic Barbara was another notable performer picking up 4-2 off four with two maidens against North Coast.
"He really did well with the ball," Hood said.
Barbara also chipped in with runs hitting an unbeaten 22 retired in their win over Far North Coast. Coby Single also made 25 while Riley Jones, who was their top runscorer for the week, retired for 24no as they smashed their way to an imposing 4-182 from their 25 overs.
Panton's efforts then helped them restrict the Renegades to 7-104.
Taking on North West Sydney in their final game on Friday they produced one of their "better batting performances" for the carnival but weren't quite able to chase down the Sydney sides' 4-145.
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They finished with 105.
Hood said they changed the batting order around a bit to give some of the players that hadn't had a lot of opportunity to bat a bit more time in the middle.
There was no outstanding performance they shared the runs around with a couple of players scoring 20s.
He had spoken heading into the carnival about what a good learning experience it would be for them.
"It was an eye-opener for them," he said.
"It's just a pity they haven't got any cricket to follow that up now."
It's now about taking the experience and lessons from the week into next season.