by Damian Darlington

Captain Killen won the toss and ordered Atherton 1 to bat in what was a cool morning in Tolga. Deuble and Conner opted to play for the weaker opposition to bolster their numbers and skill level.

Doble (0/1) and Twomey (1/12) bowled sleekly in the early overs managing a well-deserved wicket. Davenport took the opportunity to stick with his medium pace bowling while the shine was still on the ball, troubling Atherton’s middle order and collecting the great figures of 3/6 off 3 overs.

Some razzle dazzle from the outfield saw Doble make two direct hit run outs and when Stanaway (1/11) and P.Darlington (1/16) both took wickets Atherton were struggling at 6/34.  

The ever tight bowling of Edward (0/4) saw the runs dry up for those opposite until Muddies' subs Deuble (23) and Conner (3no) pushed their team to 129 off 27 overs with some great running between wickets until Deuble was unselfishly run out on the last ball of the innings trying for the extra run.

Muddies' openers Allison and Curtis got our boys of to a great start with an undefeated 25 run partnership. Batting at number four 8 year-old X.Darlington is still showing he can mix it with the big boys falling two balls short of retirement as Rayner surpassed the milestone for the fourth time from five attempts in another firm knock.

Unbeaten this season, Cooper was determined to keep his record intact. Unfortunately he received the ‘perfect ball’ swinging from outside leg to clip the top of off stump.

At the bottom of the order Doble found great support in his captain Killeen (6), then fresh from retirement Allison returned to the crease to smack four consecutive fours. Eventually being run out for 31 off 28 balls whilst Doble found the gaps with great shots along the ground scoring 34 off 37 in a 45 run partnership.

Curtis (14no) made his return to face the fastest bowler in the competition and accustomed team mate (Deuble) to dispense him to the boundary. Both Deuble (2/5) and Conner (1/3) bowled exceptionally well and were the key to keeping the junior Muddies to 113, 16 short of their target.