The Bay’s loss took away any hope of a hosting a semi-final and the team was left ruing its below-par fielding on day one.

Batemans Bay’s openers, captain Jack Gallen and Sean Griffin made a cautious, but steady start, and the score was at 24 when Griffin (6) was bowled by Charlie Parrish.

Tyler Kariotis came in at first drop but only managed four runs before he was caught off Parrish’s bowling with the score at 2/31.

Mackenzie Clack joined Gallen and the pair showed their experience and skill.

The boys added 39 runs, which included three fours and two sixes.

When Gallen was on 39 he mistimed an attacking shot off John Ulrick and was caught at mid-on.

Paul Bishop (6) chipped in but was soon out caught and the Bay was 4/85.

The big-hitting Ben Wiggins joined Clack, who smashed four boundaries and a six in his well compiled innings.

The pair turned the match in the Bay’s favour with a smart partnership of 42, until Wiggins (18 runs, two boundaries) was caught off the bowling of Max Lans.

When Wiggins was dismissed the Bay needed a further 43 runs for the win, with five wickets in hand.

Charlie Valentini added nine quick runs to assist the chase, but was caught out with the score at 143 which gave Charlie Parrish his third wicket.

Dylan Art then joined Clack, who upon reaching his half-century was compulsorily retired which brought Lachlan Knight to the crease.

Berry-Shoalhaven Head’s bowlers beat Knight’s bat and soaked up valuable balls before he was caught, looking to score quickly, and the Bay was 7/160 with two overs remaining.

Art (9) was in control and looked to be a late match-winner until he was run-out from a direct hit at 8/161. 

The last pair at the crease was Austin Reid (3 not out) and Liam Dufield (1 not out).

Runs were restricted by Berry’s good bowling and fielding and it came down to the final ball.

Needing three runs for a win, and two to tie the game, Dufield made good contact with the ball which flew down to third man.

However, the Bay’s pair could only manage one run and the side fell short in a gallant effort.

Batemans Bay under 14s coach Pat Griffin said it was a thrilling game of cricket which kept umpires and supporters “on their toes”.

“Full credit to both teams for a sensational game of cricket,” he said.

“The standouts for the Bay were Mackenzie Clack (50) who scored his first half-century, and a great captain’s knock of 39 from Jack Gallen.”

Batemans Bay secured third spot at then end regular season and will play in a semi-final against Berry-Shoalhaven Heads at Zealand Oval this Saturday and Sunday.

It will be 50 overs a side, and the winner will face either North Nowra-Cambewarra Blues or Ulladulla United.