Above: The RSL side that defeated the Western Imperial Razorbacks in round 15 on Saturday in Wee Waa. RSL is the Narrabri District Cricket Association 2018-19 second grade 40-over minor premiers and has advanced to this season’s grand final. Pictured are – back, Terry Hynch, Rod Tomlinson, Jake Baylis, Matt Dunn, Craig O’Connor, Will Ford, Justin Saunders, front, Beau Tomlinson, Pat Wheeler, Neil Brayshaw, Daniel Hughes, Zach Baylis and Alistair Wheeler. Absent – skipper Jason Trindall, Matt Gilmore, Scott Duncan, Cooper Brayshaw, Bernard O’Connor and Blake Jarrett.

The RSL Cricket Club’s second XI had already claimed the Narrabri District Cricket Association second grade 40-over minor premiership before it entered its round 15 clash against the Western Imperial Razorbacks.

But at Dangar Park in Wee Waa, RSL refused to let its foot off the gas, defeating the hosts by 147 runs.

RSL batted first after winning the toss and smashed its way to 8-276 from 40 overs.

The top order fired for the ladder leaders. Openers Craig O’Connor (86) and Matt Gilmore (64) combined for a 134-run partnership, and third batsman Neil Brayshaw (66*) was also in fine form.

Pat Wheeler (26) and Beau Tomlinson (14) also reached double figures in that innings.

The Razorbacks’ best with the ball was skipper Pat Legge who took 2-27 from six overs.

RSL’s defence got off to a dream start as it took the first four wickets in the Razorbacks’ innings inside six overs at the expense of just nine runs.

The Razorbacks eventually made their way past 100 but never recovered, losing their final wicket in the 23rd over to fall for 129.

RSL’s best with the ball was Blake Jarrett (3-38 from seven overs), while fellow opening bowler Will Ford was impressive with 2-7 from five overs.

O’Connor (2-36 from four overs) and Wheeler (1-17 from 2.5 overs) were RSL’s other wicket takers.

O’Connor finished with the three NDCA best and fairest points and teammate Ford picked up two.

Despite the heavy loss the Razorbacks remained in second spot on the ladder, finishing ahead of round 15 winners and third-placed Tatts on net run rate after the sides both finished on 75 competition points.

RSL finished on 90 points to claim its first minor prem

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