Forbes holds Cup by two wickets

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first on a hot, humid day. 

Forbes had Condobolin in trouble early, taking advantage of a pitch that was moving around in the morning as it did in the local competition the day before. 

Matthew Atkinson was the stand-out for Condobolin at number four, compiling a fast 33 runs.

He was ably supported by the middle order with captain Sam Dargan adding a stubborn 15.

Forbes contributed to Condo’s total with extras boosting them to 93 off 20 overs. 

For Forbes, captain Mark Stirling had the outstanding figures of 4/15, cleaning up Condo’s middle order and tail. 

Opening bowler Jarrod Nicholson took 2/20 while first change bowlers Jamie Hoswell (2/20) and Abel Bernardi (1/22) kept the Condo wickets falling. 

Forbes made a bright start after lunch, making their way to 34 before the loss of Nicholson for 8 and Jamie Hoswell for 20 saw Forbes have a mini-collapse, keeping Condo in the game. 

The experience of Damian Kennedy (38) steered Forbes home after the first drinks break. 

However, the introduction of Steve Little (4/7) sent a shot of nerves through the Forbes camp before they completed the win with two wickets to spare. 

Condo’s other wicket takers were Matthew Smith (2), Andrew Brasnett (1) – a familiar wicket-taking name in Lachlan cricket - and Atkinson (1).

In the local Forbes Services Memorial Club Cup, the Trundle Ducks took advantage of the damp weather to skittle the Tigers in Trundle on Saturday.

In town at South Circle Oval, a fine captain’s knock of 42 from Jacob Reid and some tight opening bowling saw VC Reid home by 18 runs over the Postie.

The cricket competition now takes a break until Saturday January 6 when Home Timber and Hardware host the Postie and VC Reid take on the improving Trundle Ducks. 

The junior cricket competition is in recess until the weekend of Saturday, February 3.

If you have sports news over the break, email brendan.mccool@fairfaxmedia.com.au The Advocate is back in print from January 5.