THE North Coast under 16s cricket side have emerged victorious taking out the Stan Austin Carnival in Taree.

The North Coast side defended their title with an 11-run win against Newcastle in the carnival final.

Patrick Rose top scored for North Coast with a crucial knock of 55 and was awarded player of the match.

North Coast opened the batting and posted 142, with their bowlers successfully defending the total restricting Newcastle to 131.

Needing a big win to qualify for the final, the North Coast side beat Far North Coast by 81 runs, with Patrick Rose taking 3 for 8 from his 8 overs as the North Coast team bowled them out for 49.

North Coast also had a six wicket win against Mid North Coast, after dismissing them for 56 and reaching the total in the 19th over.

Maison Simmons was awarded player of the match after scoring 33 while opening the batting.

The Stan Austin Carnival is an annual junior representative carnival featuring regions from across Northern NSW.

North Coast coach Matt Rose explained it was a young team which took home the under 16s title.

“We brought up a few younger players, and we had nine of my under 15s players who I coached that came 2nd at the Northern NSW titles,” he said.

“The majority of the squad were from that under 15s North Coast team.

“It was a really successful carnival for us, especially beating such a strong team like Newcastle.

“It was a really good all-round effort, and they are a great bunch of kids who are well behaved.”

By Aiden BURGESS