CRAFTY running and big-hitting from Batemans Bay Cricket Club’s third grade middle-order batsmen guided the team to a one-wicket win against the Ulladulla United Blues at Lighthouse Oval.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Saturday, Ulladulla won the toss and elected to bat in clear conditions.
Ulladulla captain and opening batsman Shane Isherwood found the middle of the bat early on and took the score into the 20s.
Batemans Bay’s opening bowler Liam Macpherson stuck to his line and length and was rewarded soon after, removing opener Max Eggins (3) leg before wicket to have the home side at 1/24.
First-drop Andrew Eggins joined Isherwood and the pair set about seeing off the opening bowlers.
Ulladulla raced past 50 and Farley Prior was brought into Batemans Bay’s attack.
The spinner fooled Isherwood twice and had him hit lofted shots to fielders, but both chances were dropped.
Shortly after Isherwood (39) mistimed an attacking drive and the deflection popped up for John Boller to catch at slip.
It was the third time lucky for Farley and Ulladulla was 2/62.
Alex Eggins joined Andrew (27), but when the latter was caught and bowled by Pat Griffin Ulladulla went to drinks at 3/80.
Following drinks, Griffin was involved in the next three wickets.
He caught and bowled Hayden Jones (8); had Alex Eggins (0) caught at mid-off and snatched a diving catch to remove Mitchell Clark (2) to have Ulladulla reeling at 6/84.
Mark Templeman (2/32), Brody Saker (1/7) and Nyall Pierpoint (1/1) chipped in, although big-hitting by Stephen Donohue (32) pushed Ulladulla’s total to 153 from 34.4 overs.
Griffin had game-best figures of 3/37 and Farley returned figures of 2/25 from eight overs.
In reply, the visitors made a steady start.
Jamie Prior (26) was a rock at the top of the order and hung in for 28 overs until he was bowled and Batemans Bay was 4/92.
Tom Purcell’s (26) steady scoring and exquisite timing gave Batemans Bay hope after a cruel run-out robbed Brody Saker from influencing the game with his bat.
When Purcell was dismissed Batemans Bay was 6/106 and Ulladulla was poised to claim victory.
However, Nyall Pierpoint’s (18) big hitting increased the run-rate and late cameos by Templeman (6), Bishal Pachhai (8), Farley (8 not out) and Griffin (1 not out) gave Batemans Bay a dramatic win with six balls to spare.
Next Saturday, Batemans Bay hosts Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemens at Hanging Rock Ovals.
