THE Macleay First XI team won the Mid North Coast inter-district title in sensational style on Sunday.
The team, captained by Kyle Masters, beat Manning Valley by nine wickets in the grand final, which was played at Tuncurry.
It is the first premiership Macleay First XI has won title on the inter-district scene since 1996.
Macleay just missed out on three titles last season with the over 35s and under 19s taking home the title, while the top side was beaten in the grand final by Manning.
The over 35s won the title back in the 2009-10 season.
Manning finished this season’s round matches top of the table and were slight favourites going into the match. Manning have proven to be a tough side for Macleay to beat, but that trend is starting to change as Macleay has produced two strong wins in the last two encounters.
Macleay Valley Cricket Association secretary Dave Hill was very proud of the side’s efforts.
“They have been in eight grand finals out of the past 10 and always seem to fall over the last hurdle,” he said.
“But on Sunday their bowling was tight, fielding was sharp and the running between wickets was great.
“It was all the little things that were happening which indicated they were on the right path to a win.”
Hill said captain Masters had decided to send Manning into bat first a few days before the grand final, believing his side were better at chasing than setting a total.
The gamble paid off for Masters and his side.
Manning actually won the toss and decided to bat first.
The writing was on the wall after the first two overs were maidens for Kale Waters and Masters.
Manning were in trouble early with Waters taking the wicket of opener Daniel Stone (0), who was caught by TJ Smith.
Masters was next to strike in his third over with the wicket of J Ferris (4) and Manning were 2-9.
Michael Rees put on a handy 35 runs, the highest score for Manning, before Macleay leg spinner Ben Taylor bowled him.
The turning point in the match was between the 17th and 34th overs when Macleay heavily restricted Manning.
Just two wickets were lost in that period but only 41 runs were scored.
By the 42nd over Macleay had bowled Manning all out for a meagre total of 121.
Waters was the best of the bowlers with figures of 4-31 off 10 overs. Taylor also impressed with figures of 3-20 off nine overs.
David Welsh, and TJ Smith also took wickets. Aaron Smith might not have taken a wicket but his second spell with the ball limited runs for Manning.
Daniel Donovan was the star of the Macleay batting line-up. He opened with Masters and together they put on a 78-run partnership; however, 70 of those runs belonged to Donovan.
His innings included nine fours and one huge six, which was his last scoring shot before he was bowled by Stone.
Masters (24 not out) and David Welsh (21) went on to get the job done and scored the winning runs by the 28th over.
The Macleay First XI team consisted of two players who won the title back in 1996, Tom Salmond and Brody Clarke.
Dave Hill was also associated with the side, as manager in 1996 and then the bus driver and avid supporter in this season’s win.
The team is managed by Anthony Henry.
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