ON Saturday Stags took on Hibo Gold in their first grade clash at Seiffert Oval.
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After winning the toss and electing to bat, Stags opener James Wilson got his side off to a good start, bowling Kurt Langbein for one.
The next to fall was Ryan Day for seven again off the bowling of Wilson.
Mik Webber and Hamish Copland were steadying the ship nicely before Copland was run out from a direct hit thanks to Josh Watling, pushing for a quick single in close.
Ben Staples was caught brilliantly by Mick Murphy off the bowling of Daniel Cooper for four and Stags only had to wait one ball for another wicket to fall when Sam Cosgrove was trapped in front.
At this stage in the game Hibo Gold were 5/55. When Connor Murrell dismissed Brad Smith Stags were in a dominant position.
Mitch Cook took the wicket of Mik Webber (18) and Doug Webster (0) in succession.
The best of Hibo Gold’s batsmen was Brad Mitchell who made a very valuable 36 and was also supported well by Nathan Stewart (20).
Gold finished up all out for 130 after 39.2 overs.
Stag’s bowlers James Wilson, Mitch Cook, Daniel Cooper and Andrew Tivey each collected two wickets while Connor Murrell bowled tight and picked up one.
Needing 131 to win, Stag’s Captain Daniel Cooper made his intentions clear from right from the start, picking up boundaries in the first couple of balls of the innings, but after making 13, Cooper was bowled by Webber.
Shortly after Murphy was caught behind off the bowling of Brad Smith.
Jesse Cao joined Josh Watling at the crease with the score at 2/15.
Cao and Watling combined for a partnership of 87, with both batsmen showing patience against a strong Hibo Gold bowling attack.
After consistently rotating the strike and hitting the occasional boundary, Stags looked like they were cruising for a comfortable win.
Watling was caught by Copland off the bowling of Scott for 47, and shortly after, Webber had Cao caught for 44.
With the score at 4/112, and needing 19 for victory, Stags lost four quick wickets thanks to some skillful bowling by the Hibo Gold seam attack.
Connor Murrell and James Wilson were able to get their side across the line in the 28th over and eight wickets down.
Webber finished with three wickets, Smith and Mitchell picking up two each and Scott also took one.
This Saturday, December 10, Workers Stags play Crookwell on Seiffert Oval in one of the first grade games.
The other will be played on Wexted Oval at Trinity Catholic College between Hibo Green and Hibo Gold.