A FIVE-STAR performance from RSL-Colts all-rounder Wes Giddings helped propel his team to a 77-run win over Rugby at No.1 Oval on Saturday.
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Giddings made a career-best 149 as his side amassed 8/280 from their 40 overs, before backing that up with bowling figures of 3/21 off five overs.
His innings featured 17 boundaries and four sixes, and only ended when he was bowled by Nathan Munro trying to play the ball behind square on the leg side.
While admitting the win was a pleasing one for the team, Giddings was also able to reflect on his own personal achievement, admitting he took some added satisfaction from performing on the hottest day of the season so far.
“I felt good for the first 20 overs or so but then the heat went up a notch. I noticed it when I took a quick single in about the 25th over and it started to hurt after that,” he said.
“It was tough but it was fun too. I’d made about 130 before so to make 149 is the best I’ve ever done and to help contribute to another win is pleasing.
“The other boys all chipped in and made some valuable runs as well and in the end we did enough, but in saying that Rugby chased hard.
“Chris Russo batted really well and it wasn’t until the last five overs or so that we felt really comfortable that we would win.”
Russo made 93 in reply for Rugby, who lost NSW Country opener Jordan Moran (4) and Glenn Shepherd (22) early.
When Munro (10) and James O’Brien (22) fell the score was 4/93 and things looked difficult but Russo and Aidan Bennewith got their side back in the contest with a 73-run partnership.
Once Bennewith fell the final five wickets went cheaply as Rugby was bowled out for 203.
I’d made about 130 before so to make 149 is the best I’ve ever done and to help contribute to another win is pleasing.
- Wes Giddings
“We’re building a nice lead at the top of the ladder and we’re playing good cricket in doing it,” Giddings said.
“To make 3/280 is almost perfect with the bat. Sometimes you get to the last 10 overs with only a couple down and blokes go silly and you miss the chance to make a good score.
“And then our bowlers came out and did a good job as well. It was just a good all-round win.”