Rovers’ Premier League side got the monkey off their back when they recorded their first victory of the season on Saturday.
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It was Rovers' best performance of the season and they secured the win over Taree West with improved bowling and timely inclusions of experienced players.
Jarrod Prosper led the bowling attack and he recorded his best figures of the season, ending the innings with 5/32 off his eight overs.
Prosper’s wickets helped restrict Taree to 9/166 off their 40 overs.
“We bowled better lines consistently which puts pressure on the batsman to score,” Rovers’ captain Danny Powick said.
“We batted with confidence on the back of the bowling.”
Rovers’ run chase had a disastrous start as they lost two early wickets but Ethan Dowling, who has missed the majority of the season due to injury, scored 69 runs off only 49 balls to put his team on the front foot.
Jared Baldwin was able to do the rest as he finished unbeaten for 41 as Rovers finished 7/168 to kickstart their season.
Powick said he was relieved to get the win and is hoping the side can build on it.
“Now the guys know we can win at this level,” Powick said.
“We need to string a few wins together now and get our season back on track.”
Meanwhile Nulla defeated Wauchope RSL to secure back-to-back victories.
Nulla’s bowling attack put them on top of the contest from the outset and captain Ben Taylor solidified their advantage with his first career hat-trick.
Taylor grabbed five wickets for 32 runs in total off eight overs.
Wauchope were dismissed for 125 with Jason Blythe (47) ensuring Nulla would have to work for the win.
“We need to work on our killer instinct, we had a team on the ropes and let them score 40 more than they should’ve,” Taylor said.
Nulla were cautious with their run chase but the result was never in doubt as they reached 129 in the 36th over for the loss of three wickets.
“Our batsmen really applied themselves, I was stoked with our top order,” Taylor said.
“Youngster Harry Mainey was positive on his Premier League debut.”
While Taylor credited his bowling attack for the victory, he recognised his batsmen played crucial roles in earning the win.
“Angus Crotty and Dan Pretty were asked to bat time and they saw out some good bowling with good technique and patience,” Taylor said.
“That allowed Dan Baker to come in with wickets in hand and finish the game with ease.”
The Macleay’s Jackson Korn, Scott Witchard and Taylor will represent the Premier League in the Twenty20 competition at Coffs Harbour this weekend.
Nulla will enjoy a bye this weekend which means they won’t be forced to play without their captain while Rovers face the bottom-placed Port Panthers Pirates without their wicket-keeper Korn.
There are three rounds remaining before the competition will break for a month over the Christmas and New Years Eve period.