So often in matches played at the Lady Cutler Complex it is the batsmen who dictate the result of the match, with the flat decks and fast outfields perfect for big scores.
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But in Saturday’s RSL-Pinnington clash between RSL-Colts and Newtown it was the bowlers who shone.
Newtown appeared to give its finals hopes a huge boost when restricting competition-leading Colts to 8-125.
But it wasn’t to be, as the Colts bowlers also lifted and ensured the men in red kept a firm hold of top spot.
Batting first, things didn’t begin well for Colts as Josh Smith (6) and Michael Ying Sing (6) departed to make it 2-15 after 11.
Nathan Finaly (29) made a start before he fell to the hugely impressive Jaimal Sandhu. Lyndon Whitney dug in from the middle order but runs were extremely hard to come by and he finished unbeaten on 39.
Each bowling their eight overs, Dale O’Donnell took 0/13, Nathan Merchant claimed 1/18 and Mike Jeffrey took 1/20 but Sandhu was the standout, finishing with 4/29.
The total of 8-125 was not a huge one but Shane Groen gave Colts the perfect start by taking three quick wickets.
Greg Kerr (30) and Merchant (29) got things back on track but once they departed it was a procession of wickets.
Groen finished with 3/23 and Ryan Davies, Finlay and Smith each struck twice while Geoff Wheeler took 0/9 from seven overs as Newtown was dismissed for 106.
South Dubbo continued its charge towards the top three, defeating CYMS by 30 runs and forcing the Cougars to drop from second to third.
After struggling prior to Christmas, the Hornets have won two straight to move within four points of CYMS.
On Saturday, Pat Brandon’s 63 proved vital to his side’s total of 9/161 from 40 overs, with Tristan Ward’s 24 the only other score over 20.
Matt Ellis was CYMS’ best bowler, continuing his rise with the ball by taking 4/31 from seven overs.
In reply, Neil Motbey (4/20) struck twice early before Nathan Hawke (20) and Daniel Duffy (49) dug in. The pair added 62 for the third wicket but there were few other meaningful scores after that.
Motbey was his side’s best while fellow opener Andrew Cusack took 3/17 from eight and Joe Coles finished with 2/24 as the Cougars were dismissed for 131.
At Lady Cutler 2, Macquarie moved back into second spot after a 38-run win over Rugby.
Blues skipper Ian Marchant led from the front, top-scoring with 53 as his side made 180.
Strath Munro (3/15),Jason Coyle (3/36) and Gary Goodman (2/16) were Rugby’s best bowlers but the side’s run chase didn’t begin well as Max Rumble (4) was knocked over in the first over.
Things didn’t get much better from there as Rugby was reduced to 6/51 but Munro and Goodman showed their all-round qualities.
They made 34 and 47 respectively but it wasn't enough as Andy Blake’s 3/26 helped the Blues restrict Rugby to 142.
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.
