The Cowra Bowling Club notched their first win for the season in the Cowra District Cricket Association's second grade competition but it wasn't easy work against a determined Morongla.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Set a modest 112 for victory, the run rate was never in question, but sitting at 7-78 after sixteen overs, the onus was on the Bowling Club to find a way to get the runs without running out of wickets.
Nevertheless, with the unbeaten Scott Gray (31) and Drew Willis (19) at the crease, the rest of the runs came quickly, the experienced Gray leading his side to a three wicket win in the 22nd over.
Of the upper order, stand-in skipper Paul Basham hit a handy 24, showing poise with the bat before his dismissal, courtesy of Morongla's Evan Stanbridge, left the Bowling Club at 5/59.
For Morongla, Stanbridge (2/30) and Mitchell Amos (2/14) were the pick of the bowlers, with the bowling attack a consistent threat throughout the afternoon despite not having enough runs to work with.
The Bowling Club, despite a haphazard chase, set up victory with their bowling and fielding during Morongla's innings, the latter winning the toss and deciding to bat.
While some runs came courtesy of Amos (24) and Bill Statham (21), ultimately the village side wasn't able to get an effective run-rate going, with the poppy early season pitch restricting both teams' ability to adequately farm the strike.
But to give too much credence to the pitch would take away from the efforts of the Bowling Club; Basham was the pick of the bowlers with an economic 3/14.
Other bowlers to contribute to the wicket-fest included Ethan Gray (2/19) and Aiden Roberts (2/15), while Sam McDonald also added a handy 2/11.
Morongla will have to wait a week to rebound, with an early season bye scheduled this weekend, while the Bowling Club will turn their attention to Grenfell Blue this weekend.
Grenfell derby goes to the men in Blue
Over at Henry Lawson Oval, Grenfell Blue made light work of the Grenfell White team, dismissing the team for 84 runs before chasing the total down in the 13th over.
The derby marked the introduction of two teams from Shire of Weddin to this year's competition, but while there was a sense of occasion about the day, it was a familiar set of Grenfell faces that starred with the bat and ball for the Blue side.
Mathew Tozer took 3/21, Shaun Logan 2/5 and Phillip Rolls 2/13 after the Blues were sent into bowl, while openers Terry Knight (35 not out) and Garry Handcock (39) helped ensure an easy nine wicket victory.
Grenfell White will host the Valleys this Saturday.
READ ALSO:
