Josh Brenton was the hero for Rovers’ Premier League side as the lower order batsman hit the winning run off the final ball to knock off the second placed Wauchope RSL side in stunning fashion on Saturday.
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Josh finished unbeaten on seven runs to help Rovers surpass Wauchope’s total of 213.
Rovers captain Ethan Dowling was impressed with Josh’s efforts, as the bowler showed composure at the crease despite the pressure of the moment.
“Josh was pretty calm in the middle as he recorded his runs pushing for singles and as he scored the winning run,” Ethan told the Argus.
Josh also played his part with the ball as he and Lachy Dowling combined to steady Wauchope’s runs after they made a strong start to the contest.
“They won the toss and chose to bat. They started really strong and we didn’t pick up our first wicket until they had reached 64 runs,” Ethan said.
“Then we got three quick wickets through some really tight bowling from Josh and Lachy, it was a turning point.”
However, with Wauchope seemingly on the ropes, Rovers became their own worst enemy.
“It was a bit tough through the middle order, we dropped a few catches that should have been taken and that let us down,” Ethan said.
Rovers regrouped to pick up Wauchope’s final three wickets for two runs and dismiss the side with five balls remaining in their innings, a pivotal moment in the game.
Facing a hefty total, Rovers had their best start of the season in response.
Callan McKiernan, fresh off an unbeaten 127, recorded 77 while fellow opening batsman Tim Smith notched 35.
Mitch Korn (27) and Lachy (18) helped reduce the total at first and second drop, respectively, before a batting collapse put Rovers back under pressure.
An important knock from Ethan (21) put Wauchope’s total back within striking distance before Josh produced the heroics.
The victory lifts Rovers into fifth position on the table and they are now only five points outside the top four.
Ethan claims the win has breathed plenty of confidence into the side.
“I am pretty confident, if we keep batting the way we have been, then we are a big chance to make the top four.”
Rovers have strung four consecutive wins together but face a hard schedule for their remaining five games of the season.
The side faces Nulla and Taree west, who are in last and second last, respectively, in consecutive weeks before they face the fourth-placed United, competition leaders Wingham and defending champions Macquarie to end the season.
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