With just five points separating 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th placed teams, the local Muddies C Grade side (placed 4th) needed a solid two-week performance against 3rd placed United to set up a post Christmas charge to the finals.

Losing the toss was fortunate, as Muddies were requested to do as they had hoped – bat first on a belter pitch at home. And “BAT” they did – 7/202 at the end of the first day!

The Muddies cemented an opening combination lead, with fast-scoring Darlington off to a great start to what was otherwise some very solid and consistent bowling.

In fact, all of the top four Muddies batsmen spent time at the crease absorbing in excess of 60 balls each, with the mentality of “occupy the crease and the runs look after themselves”.

The openers managed 0/60 at the drinks break of 17 overs; Doble fell to an unfortunate catch on the boundary at long on for 16, Darlington went a couple of overs later for 63 to set a solid foundation at 2/86 off 23, that Taylor (15) and Ash Davidson were able to capitalise on.

Julian Harold was given a licence after the second break as Muddies sat comfortable at 3/127 with 14 overs to go.

Harold managed a fast paced 34 off 22 balls in the second best partnership of the match of 46, with Davidson, who may have benefited from a deep in thought square leg umpire who judged what would have been his 5th stumping of the season as not out, going on to just miss out on his first senior 50, caught for 48.

Freyling and Redfern surprised fellow players, each out for 1, and Scheisser scratched around for 6 not out. Singh managed to get the last couple to get the team over 200.

A superb team performance now set up for Schultz, Barnes and fellow bowlers next week, after no doubt being hungry over “not required” in the batting line up.

Sunday’s play gets underway at 1pm at The Muddies Pit.