CRICKET Albury-Wodonga Colts crashed out of the NSW Country Cricket Shield when it suffered a 61-run loss to Clarence River in the semi- finals at Tamworth yesterday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With the clash reduced to 41 overs due to a wet outfield, the Border line-up won the toss and bowled and looked in command with Clarence River slumping to 5-52.
But some late-order resistance from Matt Pigg (46) proved telling as CAW let their opponents scramble to 136 and seize the momentum it refused to hand back for the rest of the match.
CAW’s run chase was a disaster from the outset with only Ash Borella (17), John Spencer (12) and Chris Bridle (11) making double figures.
Skipper Michael Booth said CAW let a golden opportunity slip.
“It was a pretty disappointing day,” Booth said.
“We had the best of the conditions but couldn’t make the most of them.
“Clarence took a couple of greats catches and bowled well and it was one of those small targets that was difficult to chase down.
“Hopefully we will benefit from the experience.”
The biggest positive to emerge for CAW was the form of rising Kiewa bowler Ryan de Vries.
He picked up 4-15 off nine overs while East Albury all-rounder Chris Bridle lent good support with 3-23 off eight.
“Ryan bowled out of his skin,” he said.
“We didn’t have a lot to be happy about today but he was fantastic.
“He’s been our best bowler throughout the series and just stood up again for us.
“I think he can really go a long way.”
Clarence River will play Robertson-Burrawang in today’s final after they defeated Tamworth Colts by 10 runs in the other semi-final.
