HOLBROOK has successfully defended the O’Farrell Cup.
A week after stunning Leeton, the home side accounted for Griffith by 20 runs in tough conditions to retain Riverina cricket’s most prized possession.
Mark Tucker tore through the hosts, claiming six wickets for just 20 runs, but it wasn’t enough as Holbrook posted what skipper Grant Forrest described a more than competitive score of 149 on a “two-paced” wicket.
Griffith, which shot out to 0-21 early in its chase, then collapsed to 6-46 before eventually being rolled for 129.
Shannon Terlich, who came into the side along with Grant Gardiner and Todd Hannam, took four wickets for the HDCA as did Chris Manns.
And Forrest, who led the way with a game-high knock of 57 after winning the toss and batting, was thrilled with those efforts.
“It was a really tough wicket,” Forrest said.
“We knew it was always going to be tough to bat second on a Holbrook wicket and the guys bowled well.
“I always thought 150 was going to be competitive.”
It’s the first time since February 2002 that the small district association has won consecutive challenges.
Wagga will attempt to wrestle the cup back off Holbrook in a fortnight.
“We’re looking forward to it,” Forrest said.
Meanwhile, Henty caused an upset of sorts to take out the HDCA one-day competition on Saturday.
Culcairn was undefeated going into the final, however, proving no match.
Henty passed Culcairn’s total of 108, losing seven wickets.
