Played at South Circle Oval, Curtale blasted eights 4s and four 6s in Cowra’s successful pursuit of victory, having earlier bowled Forbes out for 133.

It was Cowra’s first challenge, having claimed the Grinsted Cup off Parkes prior to Christmas.

Forbes elected to bat first and opener Jarrod Nicholson took an aggressive approach scoring a quick-fire 36 before spooning a drive straight to Josh Carmody off the bowling of Brendan Traves.

Cowra’s bowlers immediately piled on the pressure and picked up a second wicket on the cusp of the first break and the score was 2-60.

A mixture of tight bowling and some poor running between the wickets allowed Cowra to pick up five wickets in the middle session, ending with Forbes 6-103.

Off-spinners Josh Carmody (4-47) and Curtale (2-3) cleaned up the middle and lower order, restricting Forbes to 133.

Seam bowler Jackson Moodie bowled well without luck registering figures of 0-23 from 10 overs.

Forbes’ Corey McDean (30), Jason Hoswell (13) and Gus Coles (18) were the other batsmen to score double figures.

In reply, Cowra never really came under any serious pressure, despite losing two wickets in the opening 10 overs.

Curtale’s strike rate gave Cowra the ascendancy and they were able to seal the six-wicket victory in the 23^rd over. 

Cowra’s next challenge is scheduled for this Sunday against West Wyalong.

Meanwhile, Cowra will be to home to some of the state's best young cricketers during February when it hosts the Country Cricket NSW under 18s State Challenge.

The three day tournament pits together four teams encompassing the best players from each country cricket zone in NSW.

Cowra District Cricket Association president Greg Nicholls, who is the tournament coordinator, is thrilled to secure the high performance carnival. Games will be played at Holman and Twigg Ovals. Western Zone will team up with Riverina. The tournament begins from Friday, February 3