The Northern Territory under-17 cricketers were defeated by eight-wickets by long-time rivals Tasmania in their fifth match at the national championships being played in Ballarat.
The Territory's 54 all out after winning the toss and batting proved a small hill to climb for the Apple Islanders, who reached their target after 16 overs.
They had to overcome the loss of two early wickets with three runs on the board before reaching their target without further loss.
The Junior Strike enjoyed success with the toss when skipper Archie McCormick called correctly for the first time at the titles and elected to bat at Alfredton Recreation Reserve.
But what looked like a good batting track proved the reverse when opener Max Menzies was caught behind by Tasmania's wicketkeeper Riley Whitelaw off quick Mason Wright from the first ball he faced.
Worse was to come when left hander Nicholas Fleming edged Wright to the 'keeper from the first ball he faced to reduce the Strike to 2/1.
The Strike sent some early shockwaves through the Tasmanian batting lineup when Southern Districts seamer Sam Barker and Waratah medium pacer Mithuru Perera grabbed wickets with their first balls.
But the wicket soon dried out, making it hard for the bowlers to find the bounce and movement the Apple Islanders found when they had the ball.
The Strike play their final match on Thursday against ACT.
Tasmania 2-56 (T Dwyer 36no, S Barker 1/13, S Barker 1/16) d Northern Territory 54 (R Shyamsundra 15, M Wright 4/15, J Allen 2/18, B Potito 2/4) by eight wickets.