Macleay was unable to reel in Hastings total on a good batting strip at South Kempsey, thanks largely to an impressive bowling display by David Bolster.

Bolster claimed 4-9 from his five over stint, all but stalling the Macleay run chase in the final overs of the match.

It followed a 95-run stand between skipper Danny Powick (32) and TJ Smith (73) for the third wicket.

Macleay had bowled well to restrict Hastings to 9-24,1 with Powick claiming three wickets to stifle some big lower order hitting late in the innings.

He received good support from leg-spinner Ben Taylor (2-40 from 10) and Matt Lewis (1-30 from nine).

Shane Reddon was the standout for the visitors, scoring a composed 67 with able support from man-of-the-match Bolster (38) and Andrew Glover (38).

Macleay seemed on track to record an easy victory after the partnership between Powick and Smith, but Bolster’s late heroics saw the side bowled out for 225.

Team manager Dave Hill said it had been a disappointing season for the interdistrict side.

“I think we’re pretty much dead in the water. I can’t see us making the finals now,” he said.

“We didn’t bowl all that badly, but unfortunately they did it a little better.”

Macleay will play its final match against Manning at Taree on January 31.