Cochrane played a starring role in the Australian Country team’s victory in the under 15 boys division of the Mel Young Easter Classic in Tauranga.

Cochrane and his teammates created history by becoming the first ever Australian under 15 team to make the final, then went on to conquer Waitekerie in a thrilling grand final.

The Australians came from four points down with two minutes to go to send the final into over-time. From there, they powered away for an 87-81 victory.

Cochrane is only 12 and he and his teammates regularly went up against older and taller opposition from across New Zealand.

The Australians went through the four-day tournament undefeated and the team’s coach, Grant Cole, was full of praise.

“These young men were outstanding all week,” Cole said.

Cochrane will return home to Wagga over the weekend.