Narrabri District Cricket Association’s two MA Connolly Cup teams have begun their respective 2020-21 campaigns on the front foot with round one wins on Sunday.
Narrabri Gold did not have to take the field to earn its first six points of the year. Its round one opponents, Tamworth, forfeited the match scheduled to be played at Collins Park.
Narrabri Blue’s opening round game against Peel Valley was then moved from Hogan Oval to Collins Park and the hosts demolished the visiting side.
Narrabri Blue batted first and scored its way to 178 runs before losing its final wicket in the 41st over.
Daniel Hughes top scored with a late unbeaten 27, while teammates Lachlan Woolford (21), Matt Conroy (18), Luke Meppem (17), Chris Watkins (16), Tim Shields (15) and Nathan Trindall (13) all chipped in with double digit scores.
The Narrabri men then knocked over Peel Valley for just 67 runs in 25.3 overs.
Tatts Cricket Club first grade captain Ryan O’Neill dominated with the ball as he ripped apart the visiting side’s top and middle order to finish with a game-best 5-24 from 10 overs.
Opening bowling partner Trindall helped create early pressure with 0-17 from seven overs. While he was unable to secure his first wicket of the representative season, he got the dismissals rolling with an impressive direct hit runout in the third over.
The seventh and eighth wickets were taken by Kaleb Mowle (2-19 from five overs) then Jade Lees (2-3 from 2.3 overs) took the last two wickets of the game.
Round two games are scheduled to be played on Sunday, November 15. Narrabri Blue will play its round two match at home against Gunnedah, while Narrabri Gold will travel to play an away game against Peel Valley.
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