Wayne Dunlop was sensational for Newtown on Saturday as the Tigers’ talent-laden lineup finally delivered.
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While Newtown is firmly entrenched in the RSL-Whitney Cup’s top three and already has two double bonus point wins to its name, the side’s batsmen were yet to completely click.
On Saturday it all came together as Dunlop belted a brilliant 142 and many others chipped in around him.
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The Tigers amassed a huge 6-289 at No. 3 Oval and while Mitch Bower went on the attack in the chase the Hornets eventually fell 95 runs short.
“As a team, that’s the best we’ve batted this year,” Dunlop said.
“Someone went on and made that big score and we still had wickets in hand at the end. We put ourselves in a good position.
“We’ve been losing wickets in clumps and going a bit too hard early but we got it right and it clicked.”
As a team, that’s the best we’ve batted this year.
- Wayne Dunlop
It certainly all clicked for Dunlop.
Prior to Saturday he had been dismissed in the twenties four times in five digs this season but against a battling Souths attack he capitalised in a huge way.
Long regarded as one of the best batsman in Dubbo, Dunlop was at his destructive best against anything short as he raced towards three figures.
There was plenty of support from Mitch Russo and Doug Potter.
Russo made 42 during a 96-run second-wicket partnership before Potter (43) and Dunlop added 128 for the third wicket.
“As a senior player it’s my job to bat a long way through the innings,” Dunlop said.
“I had scored plenty of 20s this season it was nice to go on with it.”
None of the seven Souths bowlers used troubled the Newtown attack too much but Bower came into the attack late on and claimed 2-43 from his eight overs.
While Dunlop had helped Newtown go at more than six an over during the first 10 of their innings, it was Bower who got his side off to a flying start.
After Angus Norton departed early Bower took little time to settle in and immediately took to Tigers openers Ben Patterson and Trent Smith.
he and Josh Williams (29) added 76 for the second wicket but when Bower later fell to Tom Barber (3-33) for a hard-hitting 81 the end came soon for Souths and they were dismissed for 194.
“The runs dried up a bit before drinks and they were about 90 then. When it got to nine runs an over needed it was hard,” Dunlop said.
“We did well to peg them back while Mitch was batting really well.”
Barber and Dan Holland took three wickets each for the Tigers while Steve Skinner’s 2-19 from eight overs was key.
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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.
