While the final margin was 53 runs, there was few who argued the talented Dubbo White side weren’t worthy winners over Dubbo Blue.

Blue captain Rory Madden won the toss and elected to bowl. Madden (1/17) backed up that decision by knocking over opener Jack Fuller with a peach that angled in and swung away to knock over the off stump. Noah Brien and Will Dennis bowled tight  but some quality batting from Dudley Shepherd (36) and Sean Duggan pushed the score to 41 before Duggan was bowled by Anthony Atlee (2/21).

Hugh Sienkiewicz (13) was looking aggressive before playing across one from Rudy Peet (3/30) and when Shepherd was dismissed by Blake Smith (1/4) with the score on 80 the Whites still had some work to do Ollie Williams, Lockie George and Harrison Quinn all bowled well through the middle. But Josh Bywater returned to the crease after copping a blow to his hand earlier on from a Peet delivery and set about upping the run rate.

Along with Jack Byrne (14), who was particularly impressive through the off side, the runs start to flow and despite the best efforts of Fletcher Hyde, who was outstanding in the field, Bywater finished 38 not out. Bywater and Dugald Shepherd (8), added 52 in the last six overs to reach 7/150 after the 32 overs.

Dubbo Blue lost Harrison Quinn early, dismissed by Dugald Shepherd, and then things went a bit pear-shaped with Will Dennis being run out. Kuber Thakur (2/14) then produced an unplayable ball, similar to Madden’s earlier effort, which swung in and seamed away to take Anthony Atlee’s off stump.

Blake Smith followed soon after, bowled by a very tidy Ty Sissian (1/6) and the score was suddenly 4/27. Josh Townsend (28) took his opportunity up the order with both hands and didn’t look out of place as he and skipper Madden set about resurrecting things.

They took the score to 40 before Jack Fuller (1/6) got his payback and bowled Madden. Debutant Jodan Porter (0/13) bowled well and Bywater, Paddy Cant and Sean Duggan were also economical.

Townsend was eventually out for 28 to Jack Byrne (1/8) while the impressive Billy Whillock (12) unselfishly got out trying lift the run rate.

Peet and Hyde were aggressive in a final wicket partnership but Peet swung hard and edged a  Charlie Tink (2/9) full toss, and first slip fielder Sienkiewicz, who was moving in with the delivery, was able to maintain his feet, change direction and take a miraculous one handed catch to end the Blues innings on 97.

Next round Dubbo White host Condobolin and Dubbo Blues travel to Parkes.