NEW City dispelled any lingering doubts about its legitimacy in Cricket Albury-Wodonga’s Provincial competition by turning in a bold first-up performance against North Albury at Bunton Park on Saturday.
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The Pheonix came away from day one with slight honours after holding last year’s grand finalists to 154 and responding with 1-49 on a day cut to 71 overs due to early rain.
The home team was reeling at 5-46 after being sent in before all-rounder Josh Mallichan came to the rescue with 53 in his highest score since crossing from Belvoir last season.
Mallichan, David Castello (21) and Michael Booth (20) added vital late runs against a disciplined New City attack led by recruits Hugh Le Lievre and Ben Dower.
Fellow signing Damian Cupido was the most successful of the Phoenix bowlers with 3-50 off 12 overs in a mix of medium pace and leg-spin.
Mallichan admitted North Albury was reasonably satisfied with its score after being in trouble early.
“The wicket wasn’t too bad and full credit to New City for the spots it bowled,” he said.
“It was a good effort by them in their first game up in Provincial.
“We were in a bit of trouble at 5-50 so we didn’t do too badly after that.
“It looks like things are pretty well set up for next week.”
New City went on the attack early in its run chase with Richard Dennis hitting four boundaries in his 24 before being dismissed.
Matt Williams (18) and Luke Bartley (7) then guided the visitors safely to stumps.
East Albury could manage only 99 after being sent in by Wodonga at Les Cheesley Oval.
Crow Joel Shepherd was the only batsman to master the difficult batting conditions against a disciplined attack led by Leigh Collins who grabbed the impressive figures of 4-20.
Shepherd made 36 batting at No.4 with Sam Hockin the only teammate to provide any support down the order in his comeback match for the club.
Tom Brown, Byron Hales and Leo McGhee were also economical for the Bulldogs.
Wodonga came through a difficult nine overs before stumps relatively unscathed and will resume at 1-21 next weekend.
Dederang’s clash with Albury was abandoned without a ball being bowled.