Mixed bag for Bay teams

The start of the two-day fixture pitted second grade against Bomaderry at Bomaderry Oval, while third grade had a date with Culburra at Hanging Rock.

After losing the toss and being sent into the field, the seconds made decisive inroads into their opponents’ batting order, bagging three early wickets to leave Bomaderry reeling at 3/6.

Number five Justin Ganderton (30) combined with Greg Wellington (25) combined for a 55-run stand, before the former was bowled by Praveen Varghese.

The Bomaderry lower order continued the fight back, with number seven Matthew Bell top scoring with 50.

After he was dismissed, the side could only add four more runs to their total to set the Bay 151 for victory.

The wickets were shared evenly between the Bay bowlers, with Mitchell Hockey and Varghese each nabbing three wickets, while Darcy Knight chimed in with two.

In response, the Bay’s top order couldn’t build on the work done by the side’s bowlers, as Bomaderry claimed three wickets, while restricting their opponents to 37 runs from 19 overs.

Their third grade counterparts fared better in the batting stakes at Hanging Rock Oval.

After winning the toss against Culburra, the Bay batted throughout the afternoon to finish the day at 9/224.

The home side lost a couple of early wickets but soon rebounded, mainly thanks to a classy half century to veteran number six, Tom Purcell, who top-scored for his side with 56.

Combined with an unbeaten half century to Arjun Remi (52 n.o), the Bay’s lower ensured their bowlers had a defendable target for this Saturday.

Batemans Bay Cricket Club president John Condon said Purcell sets a good example for younger members of the team.

“To have someone of his experience around is great for the club,” he said.

“He really stepped up to the challenge.

“A team batting for a whole day is not always beneficial, but it was good on Saturday, because some of the less experienced players got to spend some quality time in the middle.”