Playing for Central Highlands at Ballarat's Eastern Oval, Winnard, 17, said poor fielding let his team down with Southern Rangers winning by 15 runs.

This was Southern Rangers fourth under-18 state championship in five seasons.

Although scoring only six runs and taking none for 25 in last weekend's game, Winnard had made 103 runs not out, playing for Ballarat in the Kirton Shield recently.

Winnard said Sunday's game was the second state final he had played this year.

"We didn't play too bad," he said.

"Our coach (Paul Dredge) was disappointed. He thought we were a chance for a win."

Winnard said Dredge was pleased they "had a crack".

"Our fielding let us down," he said.

Winnard, who has another year in the under-18s, is also looking forward to the finals of the Ballarat Cricket Association. Winnard plays with East Ballarat in division two.