The Batemans Bay first grade side have recorded their first victory of the 2017/18 season, taking out North Nowra by 15 runs at Bernie Regan Sporting Complex.
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Batemans Bay skipper Scott Fagerlund called for a balanced bowling attack after day one of the two-day match, and that’s exactly what he got from his young side.
“It started off with Mitch Hockey with the ball, then Crokey (Lachlan Croke) picked up two wickets to get them four down pretty quick,” Fagerlund said.
Jack Carter (20) and Cameron Fernie (3) were the two batsmen to fall to Hockey, before Croke picked up the wickets of Dean Tyson (10) and Justin Weller (10).
However, a 144-run partnership between Luke Huard and Hugh Gillen threatened to take the game away from the visitors.
“We kind of fell into a little hole, and they got a partnership,” Fagerlund said. “The boys didn’t give up, showed a little spirit, and got a couple more quick ones to finish them off.”
Huard and Gillen frustrated the Bay bowlers, taking the total past 200 while looking strong and steady at the crease.
Huard (119) brought up his ton to match Fagerlund’s effort from the first innings, while Gillen (73) raced past 50.
However, a double breakthrough from the visitors would swing the momentum back their way.
Gillen was stumped off the bowling of Anthony Mortimer, and when Huard fell to Mick Smart soon after the home side were 6/245.
Smart and Mortimer then cleaned up the tail, and with two players absent, the home side finished all out for 254.
Fagerlund praised his young side’s ability to get back into the match.
“Things are starting to look good for us at the moment,” he said.
“I said a couple of weeks ago that we wanted to cause a little havoc, and I think we’ve done that to North Nowra.
“Most of the boys were pretty happy. It’s their first ever first grade win for a lot of them.”
The team now returns home after two away matches, and is confident going into their match-up with Berry-Shoalhaven Heads.
“Anything is possible against them, and they have to travel,” Fagerlund said. “A lot of teams don’t like traveling down to the Bay.”
And as for the key to the victory, Fagerlund believes it’s a simple as the coin toss.
“Win the toss, and bat,” he said.
“That’s the biggest thing with us. I think that cost them big time.”
