It's rare to see a second-grade game out last a first-grade game, but on Saturday afternoon at Twigg Oval, that's exactly what happened.
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In a gutsy contest that finished about 20 minutes after first grade play ended, epitomised by some big efforts on both sides of the ledger, it was Morongla (7/144) who won by 14 runs, dismissing the Bowling Club (130) with the second to last ball of the day.
The win against the previously undefeated Bowling Club means that Morongla's season is well-and-truly back on track, their two straight wins putting them back on a path where they can aim once more for finals action.
Nevertheless, it certainly wasn't an easy effort.
Batting first, Morongla's innings certainly seemed to follow last week's template: an early innings struggle left the side at 5/68, eventually giving way to some strong middle and lower-order hitting, leaving the team with a competitive enough total on the board.
Lee Wilson cashed in late to top score with 44, while Tom Doolan helped build base to work from with his 26. Rohan Wilson was also a steady contributor, anchoring the late hitting with an unbeaten 29.
For the Bowling Club, Sam McDonald was the pick of the bowlers with 2/14, though late call-up Matthew Reed contributed an economic 1/14 from his eight overs to help keep things tight.
With a reduced line-up compared to previous weeks because of availability issues in the first grade competition, the onus was on the Bowling Club's remaining regulars to step up to the challenge, and until they eventually ran out of wickets and experienced hitters, it seemed like an unlikely victory was on the cards.
Skipper Paul Basham battled illness en route to a top score of 38, and when his dismissal left the side at 4/44, Will Harris stepped up to the crease.
Harris' 35 proved crucial as the side battled in fits and starts to keep pace with the total on the board. But with four overs to go, three wickets, in hand, and a-run-a-ball needed for victory, the pressure from Morongla's bowlers lifted.
Rohan Wilson's 3/16 was crucial, while Patrick Neville helped ensure the pressure remained true at the end, getting a consolatory wicket to seal victory.
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