TOMORROW’S first grade cricket competition is expected to be a heated one with the United All Blacks and Rovers currently both sitting in a commanding position against rivals Nulla and Kempsey Heights.
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Macleay Valley Cricket Association president Matthew Brennan said the United All Blacks are in a strong position after day one against the second placed Nulla outfit after scoring 291 last Saturday.
“The United All Blacks Scott Ritchie (98) will be kicking himself after being caught behind an agonising two runs short of his maiden century by Nulla skipper Brody Clarke,” Brennan said.
“Other solid contributions were made by Dave Welsh (40) and Cliffy Kelly (24), who assisted Ritchie on the pitch.
“The Nulla bowlers toiled hard all day with leg spinner Ben Taylor making his mark with the impressive figures of 4/63, which was assisted by opening bowler Dan Morrison who took 3/49.
“The South Kempsey pitch is a road and a batsman’s paradise at the moment and the All Blacks will have to bowl well to dismiss the keen Nulla batters.”
Brennan said Nulla have a strong batting line-up and are fresh from a spell. “They are very eager to chase the high score down with Brody Clarke and Dan Baker sure to continue their good form with the bat. This will be a close game with only one innings likely.”
The Rovers are in a commanding position on the slow outfield at Athletics in the other first grade match between the Rovers and Kempsey Heights.
“The Rovers scored 240 runs in their first innings and having the Heights 1/28 at stumps on day one puts them in a commanding position,” Brennan said.
“An excellent knock by the talented left handed batsman Zeb Johnston (89) set the platform for the Rovers total with some outstanding assistance supplied by skipper, Tim Smith (43).
“In a brutal blow to the Heights chances just before stumps, opener Todd Giddy (7) was dismissed by a great Josh Brenton catch off the bowling of Zac Tyne.
“This has left his brother Blake Giddy (16no) and Josh McFarland (1no) at the crease. The Heights do have a strong batting line up on paper with Phil Dowling, Scott Witchard, Adam Clay and Daniel Wade still to come.
“The Rovers will look for early wickets and in a close game should achieve a first innings win from their current game position.”
The United All Blacks take on Nulla at South Kempsey and the Rovers take on Kempsey Heights at Athletics with both games starting from 1pm.