Protecting a modest 9-125, Corowa bundled Albury out for 83 at Ball Park last Saturday, with brilliant bowling displays by speedsters Nick Grant and Jarryd Hatton, and spinner Ben Mitchell.
Winning the toss, Corowa elected to bat. Matt Wilson and Jarred Lane didn’t trouble the scorers; Shauny Smith obviously thought afternoon tea was ready early so went back to the clubhouse quickly…3 for 8.
Fortunately, Matt Grantham and Kade Wilson gave a bit more resistance striking the ball with strength. Grantham top scored with 43, Wilson 37 not out.
Dynamic allrounder Jaryd Hatton added 18 valuable runs to what seemed a small total of 125.
A long weekend Corowa crowd had the boys’ tails up. Albury came out strong at 0/20.
Knowing something special was required, Nick Grant struck. Unsurprisingly Benny Mitchell was keen to take the ball and helped to see us take 4 wickets for 7.
Knowing that the points for this game were going to make a difference come March, the boys didn’t waste time in mopping up the tail, Grant finishing with 4/19, Hatts 2/25 and Benny 3/13 to bowl Albury out for 83.
It was a brilliant effort and sees the Roos in fourth position, with 58 points. But the ladder is tight.
B Grade
Heading to play Albury in another important game against a top 3 side we were keen for a win to consolidate spot in the top 5.
With captain Phibbs finally winning a toss we decided to bat first. This however didn’t go to plan, as a steady flow of wickets and some tight bowling did not allow any partnerships to get going. Keenes, Eales and Phibbs did get starts. All out for 125.
With not many runs to play with, early wickets were going to be the key for us to have any hope of a victory.
After a loose couple of overs, Albury got off to a good start, but young gun Joe Lavis dialled his radar in with 3 wickets in four balls and also on a hat trick; with Banger also chiming in to have Albury was 4-51.
A mini partnership saw the next wicket fall at 78, putting us well and truly in the game. At 7-101 chasing 125, it was anyone’s game with Albury looking shaky.
But a couple of boundaries in a late 20 run partnership just about put the game to bed before Kuschert claimed a late wicket. Equation: Albury needing five; Corowa two wickets.
In an anticlimax, the game was decided with a no ball and 4 wides.
Corowa Cricket Club would like to acknowledge our sponsors for this season, A & A Auto, Davidson White Accountants, John Rhodes Bricklaying, Waldrons Fresh on River, Kilara Group, Rivalea, Terry White Chemist, O’Connors, Balldale Hotel, Federation Steel, Collins Transport, BJ Hanrahan Family Trust, Thrifty, Corowa Furnishing and Floors, Wiesners, VK Logic, Wodonga Pneumatics, Back on Track Physiotherapy, Corowa Curtain & Decor, Corowa Meats, TH Kitchens Joinery & Corowa RSL Club.