PLAYING IT SAFE: Macquarie Valley's Mitch Bower plays his shot. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 1021sgcrick3
MITCHELL Cricket Council completed one of its most dominant Western Zone campaigns with a seven-wicket demolition of reigning champions Macquarie Valley at Wade Park yesterday.
Following on from the 43-run win over Lachlan the day before, Mitchell bowled smart against Macquarie.
As they were on day one of the carnival, the home side’s bowling attack proved too clinical for the opposition with Orange quick Liam Gough (3-25) and young Bathurst spinner Max Hope (2-18) the main men in bowling Macquarie out for 169.
In reply, Mitchell batted smart too.
After surviving an opening spell from Declan Hoare and Ben Strachan that had more venom in it than a Black Mamba, Mitchell skipper Trent Colley hit 64 not out and along with Josh Toole (65no) put on 136 to chase down Macquarie’s total with more than 10 overs to spare.
Colley was rapt to get the result.
“Especially to beat Macquarie, it’s really nice,” Colley said.
“Early doors there Strachany and Declan bowled really well and it was quite difficult to score. With a new ball on this wicket it’s quite tough, it was really important to get through that and once the new ball was gone it became easier.
“The most satisfying part is Tooley and myself were not out and got the job done. That’s the biggest thing.”
The other thing Colley was most pleased about was his side’s ability to create, implement and execute a plan.
It worked against NSW Country star Pat Rosser on day one.
He fell for 11.
It worked on day two versus Macquarie’s main threat with the bat - Jordan Moran.
Two weeks ago Moran blasted a ton to get Dubbo home over Orange at Wade Park.
Yesterday he was gone for 10.
“We had a really good week this week in terms of plans and preparations for both sides,” Colley said.
“Basically all of those plans were executed and came off and at this level you need to be prepared.
“Full credit to everybody there. I wasn’t surprised (by two wins) because all of the guys performed at the Mitchell carnival and they stepped up and performed this week.”
