IT was a replay of last season’s two day Grand Final with Muddies 3rd Grade taking on Rovers at home last Saturday.

The local lads, the reigning champs, started well for this one day clash winning the toss and electing to bat.

Darlington (11) swung from ball one although his timing was not too good, squirting balls to the on and off sides rather than straight where intended. He was typically caught only a few overs in to give class bat Alex Jenkins an opportunity to partner with veteran Taylor.

The pair took the score to 42 before Alex (16) disappointed himself to a second rate bowler.

Enter Dan Harris. The pair continued with Taylor turning the strike over well and the team scoring at four an over prior to the drinks break, Harris (6) stumped just prior. Walz (7), keen for a big score started well but didn’t last long – stumped. Muddies wheels were getting wobbly at 4/64 and after Taylor was bowled for 24 the wheels fell off, with the Muddies all out for 100.

Rovers were out of the blocks early and scoring easily to some loose bowling, and after seven overs they were 0/47, needing just 54 off the remaining 23 overs.

Barnes (1/2) was held back and Golden Arm Taylor (4/17) came on with almost immediate effect, Redfern (2/23) at the other end containing the batsmen as everything the Muddies did turned to gold, with wickets at 49, 51, 64, 66, 74, 75, 92, 92 (including a five over spell for just one run).

This left Rovers with one wicket in hand and five runs required off six balls.

Unfortunately, they scratched over the line and Muddies were defeated.

“Take strong merit from that session lads,” skipper Steve Doble told his troops.

“Rovers will go home thinking wow we only just won that after one of the best hours of cricket most were likely to see. What a comeback! We took away all advantage we possibly could and they will have even more respect for us as the Grades’ most threatening team.

“Don’t forget we are the current champs and come finals we will have the chance to reverse this result.”