Tuross Head product Tom Engelbrecht and Ulladulla product Matthew Gilkes have helped their ACT/NSW Country side tie with Tasmania in their recent Toyota Futures League match at Phillip Oval.
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In an unbelievable finish, the rarest of results was ensured when Gilkes ran out number 11 Gabe Bell for a first ball duck and Tasmania was dismissed for 345.
The round 10 match opened with Tasmania winning the toss and sending the Comets to the crease.
Behind Engelbrecht's 38 and Gilkes’ 18, the hosts posted 419 from their 140 overs.
In reply, Tasmania were restricted to 276, with Engelbrecht finished with 0/39 from his 11 overs.
In their second innings, Gilkes opened the batting and made full use of the opportunity, scoring 51 – as his side declared at 2/202.
Heading into the fourth and final day’s play, the hosts held a 333 runs lead, as Tasmania started at 0/12.
Midway through the second session, chasing 346 to victory, Tasmania were in trouble at 5/157.
However, Tasmanian captain Charlie Wakim was determined to prove otherwise.
With the help of the lower order, the Tasmanian skipper moved the score closer to the victory target.
When Wakim was dismissed Tasmania was 8/336 – as contributions from 18-year-old spinner Jarrod Freeman (36) as well as seamer Sam Rainbird (33 from 27) also helped their cause.
Rainbird was the ninth wicket to fall bowled by Nathan McAndrew with score on 345 before Gilkes’ run out confirmed the tie.
The Comets next take to the field from March 11 to 14 at Blacktown International Sports Park against NSW Metro.