Austin Waugh has headlined Metro NSW's win in the final of the national under-17 cricket championships with an unbeaten century.
The son of former Australian captain Steve Waugh scored 122 from 136 deliveries, with four fours and four sixes, in the one-day final against Queensland.
NSW scored 6-274 from their 50 overs and then blasted out Queensland for only 122 in 34.1 overs at Brisbane's Allan Border Field.
NSW Metro were in early trouble at 4-57, but Waugh combined with Aiden Bariol for a 199-run stand that put them in a powerful position.
Bariol was dismissed for 85 in the last 10 overs as he and Waugh chased quick runs.
"I knew if I stuck in there, the runs would come later on in the innings, especially with this quick outfield," Waugh said.
"It made it a bit harder early on, losing a few early wickets, so it was good to get a few runs ... I knew I had to stick around.
"It's been a great experience, but it's just good today to capitalise, getting a hundred.
"It made all the other games stepping stones up to this one."
Queensland were in trouble from the start of their innings and NSW fast bowler Iain Carlisle led the demolition with 3-24, while spinners Tom Sowden and Ryan McElduff claimed two wickets apiece.
"I just had to work hard and get a decent total on the board, because our bowling has been pretty strong within the tournament," Waugh said.
"I knew we could defend a decent total."
Waugh will return to local Sydney cricket and says he is not thinking too far ahead to potential national under-age selection.
He said his father had been a good influence on his cricket.
"My dad has always been around for me, so it's good to talk to him - he knows a bit about the game," Waugh said.
"I haven't really copied him, just tried to make my own technique and play the way I want to play.".
Waugh shone at the championships and was the leading run-scorer for NSW Metro, scoring 372 runs at 74.4.
This was his only ton at the tournament.
