NEW City is on the verge of one of the biggest upsets of the season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The young Phoenix side needs just 54 runs for victory against reigning premiers Tallangatta at Urana Road Oval, but there is a catch.
New City has just five wickets in hand after a mini collapse in the run chase, but coach Anthony Baker said he was confident the club could get the runs and record its second win this season.
“I’d like to think so,” Baker said.
“We’ve got a few batsmen to come in.
“If we can consolidate for an hour or so we are a big chance.
“Our guys just need to learn how to win.
“It will take a few years to build the club up.
“We’ve been in every game but they just can’t keep the pressure up but that will come with experience.”
A season-best 12-over spell from Fraser Thomas netted the Phoenix medium pacer 4-34, while Nick Baird took 3-27 to help bowl Tallangatta out for just 129 in 40 overs.
Young keeper Ben Hawken took two telling stumpings for the Phoenix, while Sam Stephens played a lone hand for the Bushies, finishing unbeaten on 45.
Stephens then took three scalps to help restrict New City to 5-76 in the run chase.
“We dug ourselves out of a hole which was good,” Baker said.
“With our top three bowlers out it was a great performance.
“It’s a very young club so it’s all a learning experience for them.”
New City’s performance was even more impressive, considering it was without Hayden Wishart and Mitch O’Brien.
At Lavington, Panthers top order batsman Sam O’Connor smashed an unbeaten century against a young Wodonga Raiders bowling attack.
O’Connor (101 not out) and captain Sam Harris (89) did the damage for the Panthers, who declared at 2-253, chasing a first innings total of just 83.
Nathan Brown was the pick of the Lavington bowlers with 6-31, while Jethro Menzies took 2-25.
At Bunton Park, an unbeaten 81 from captain Brendan Simmons helped North Albury to an impressive first innings total of 7-286 against Albury.
Simmons put on 100 for the sixth wicket with Daniel Athanitis, who’s quick-fire 49 contained five boundaries.
Hoppers opener Ash Borella continued his outstanding season, making 57 to take his average to 37.3.
And at Xavier Oval, St Patrick’s will fancy its chances of making East Albury’s 168.
Patties quick Jarryd Hatton took 3-46, while captain Kane Arendarcikas also chipped in with 3-44.