Narrabri RSL Cricket Club secured its fifth straight Narrabri District Cricket Association second grade one day title on Saturday when it was crowned the competition’s premiers following a washed-out decider against Tatts.
Only 24 overs were played in the first innings of the contest at Hogan Oval after RSL skipper Justin Saunders won the toss and sent his opposition into bat.
Tatts had reached 7-107 before the match was called off just after 2.45pm due to the dangerous condition of the pitch following light but constant rain throughout the day.
It was not the way that the RSL men wanted to retain their title, but it did illustrate the importance of winning the minor premiership, which RSL did this season.
This year’s premiership continues a dynasty of dominance that dates back to the 2018/19 campaign for the RSL side.
It won the decider that year by 214 runs against the Western Razorbacks in March 2019 and has prevailed in every grand final since.
On Saturday, Guy Gleeson and Chris Hartnett opened the batting for Tatts and the duo combined for a 47-run partnership before Gleeson departed for a 27-ball 24 after being bowled by Saunders.
Tatts reached 65 runs for the loss of just one wicket but then suffered a mini collapse as it lost 3-3 as Dowdell knocked over Hartnett for a game-best 30 runs and bowled Travis Tilse for a golden duck and Michael Hewett for a 10th-ball duck.
Rod Kirk and Bill Wood steered the innings back on track before Kirk (14) was caught from the bowling of Matt Tubner as the score became 5-97.
Luke Baker then chipped in with two wickets as he dismissed Craig and Darcy Gleeson for ducks as the score became 7-105.
Tatts reached 7-107 after 24 overs before the game was abandoned.
Bill Wood finished unbeaten on 23 for Tatts, while Dowdell (3-10 from six overs) was RSL’s best with the ball.
Hartnett was later named the player-of-the-match at the NDCA awards presentation event, which was held in the Collins Park grandstand.
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