Dubbo’s four-pronged pace attacked destroyed the Wellington batting lineup on Sunday and helped Dubbo score a convincing Brewery Shield win.
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The victory made it two from two for the Dubbo side this season and captain Matt Ellis wants his side to build some momentum in the aim of hosting a final later in the summer.
If early signs are anything to go by, Dubbo looks every bit a title contender after seven wicket wins over both Narromine and Wellington.
Sunday’s win at No. 2 Oval was set up by the Dubbo quicks.
Wellington won the toss and batted but there was little joy for the viisitors as new ball bowlers Ben Semmler (3/15) and Ben Knaggs (3/20) ripped through the top order.
Wellington found itself at 6/35 at one stage early on and from there they struggled to recover.
Jake Caudwell (3/15) and Blake Watmore (1/9) continued the carnage as Wellington was dismissed for just 73.
“It was particularly good from the guys with the new ball,” Ellis said.
“Benny Semmler kept it tight and they both got wickets and when you’re restricting runs and wickets are falling at regular intervals it gives you the momentum.”
Neither of Wellington’s big trio of Keiran Brien, Nic Cosier or Brad Johnson made double figures, something Ellis described as “crucial”.
A couple of dropped catches was the only down side to Dubbo’s efforts in the field, according to the skipper.
Despite losing three wickets relatively early on in the chase, Dubbo was never truly tested as Knaggs (31 not out) and Pat Berryman (24 not out) guided the side home.
Wellington’s opening bowler Damien Wells inflicted some damage when he removed each of Lewis Matthews (0), Tom Barber (17) and Nick Karydis (0) but he was the only one to really fire with the ball.
His effort had Dubbo 3/26 but the next partnership proved to be the match-winning one for Dubbo.
“It was a really important partnership from Benny Knaggs and Pat Berryman,” Ellis said, with Berryman’s knock following on from his 49 not out in the win over Narromine.
“I’m very pleased with the start but there’s still a job to be done,” Ellis said of his side.
“But the attitude is really pleasing and if we keep building that momentum in the New Year it will stand us in good stead and hopefully have us well placed to host a home final.”
Dubbo’s next match isn’t until January when it takes on Brewery Shield defending premiers Nyngan, with the fixture followed by a clash with Cobar.
Cobar defeated Wellington earlier this season.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
