Houlahan’s mother Nerida and father Murray made the trip to watch Max and the team’s winning effort.

There were three matches with Max and James Psarakis opening the batting each day and helping to put on over 50 in their partnership to give Central North a good start.

Mrs Houlahan said unfortunately both James and Max got ducks in the final but the rest of the team lifted up.

“They weren’t going to get beaten,” Mrs Houlahan said.

“The bowling and fielding was exceptional. On day two you couldn’t fault it.”

Mrs Houlahan said the win has been a big victory for the area.

“The boys are over the moon with their win. They all gel so well and it’s a big, country effort,” she said.

And even better, three of the boys are playing up so will have the chance to try and win the Cup again next year.

Max is now attending a four-day Northern Inland carnival where he will play against some of his Central North teammates.

On January 31 he will have his last selection trial for NSW School Boys under 15s.