Going into the game, a win was crucial for both sides as percentage was the only difference on the ladder. 

Ex-Servicmens won the toss and elected to field - a decision that looked to have backfired with Lachlan Malcolm (21) and Alana Gallen (12) piling on the runs early and the Bay powering to 0/61 after the first two batting pairs.

Shoalhaven was able to swing momentum its way with timely wickets in the middle of the Bay’s innings before Luke Gallen led a late charge with 18 runs.

The Bay finished its allotted 25 overs at 9/105.

In reply, the Bay’s bowlers started well with accurate bowling leaving the visitors at 1/14 after its first pair. 

Ex-Servicemens then put the foot down with Kyeden Booth (18) and Sam Colgate (16) bringing the game back to level pegging. 

Things soon swung back in favour of the Bay in the 12th over, with Alana Gallen taking a game-changing three wickets to have the visitors reeling at 8/49. 

The Bay’s bowlers took charge from there and restricted Shoalhaven to 12/95 after 25 overs.

The best with the ball for home side was Alana Gallen with 3/7 in what was ultimately a player of the match performance. 

Coach Andrew Malcolm praised Alana’s performance and said the side was developing quicker than expected. 

“Alana was terrific with both bat and ball and really set up the win for us,” Malcolm said.

“The side is settling down well with our experienced players leading the way and all of our new players developing quicker that we would expect.

“If we can keep this level of performance up, we can cement a spot at the top of the ladder leading into finals next year.”

The Bay now sits one-game clear in second spot on the ladder and travels north to take on Nowra this week in Nowra.