In the much anticipated clash between the Golfie Tigers and Home Timber & Hardware on Grinsted Oval, Jarrod Nicholson scored the second century of the season as the Tigers made 7-190.

Nicholson smashed 12 boundaries and a six on his way to 105 before falling with the score at 151, dominating partnerships with D Bray (16), P Gaffney (9) & M Stirling (34).

J Brett provided a valuable 19 at the end of the innings with a stubborn B Nicholls, as the HTH bowlers struggled somewhat, but still bowled tidily. The fact they only bowled 5 extras, was significant in keeping the Tigers below 200.

The Tigers also lost their way a little in the middle losing 4 wickets in quick succession. Best bowlers for HTH was the ever reliable Toby Hurford with 2-26 off his 8 overs and I Vale 1-26 off 6.

HTH started their innings at the required run rate with C Smith (13) and H Leadbitter (15) putting on 32 for the opening stand before Brett (2-37 off 6) and J Higgins (1-37 off 7) gave the Tigers real hope. HTH were 3-70 and 4-80, including Vale for 13, although HTH were scoring well.

The experience of J Hoswell 73 n.o including 10 fours, and the consistent D Kennedy 43 including 7 fours, put on the partnership that changed the game, taking HTH to 5-177 before Kennedy fell to the variation of Gaffney (1-13 off 2). The Tigers could smell blood and had some hope of the predicted upset, but some lusty hitting from Hoswell in the following overs took the game from the Tigers claws and saw HTH home and safe with 8 overs remaining.

Meanwhile on South Circle a much changed Trundle line up were delivered heartbreak again by the Postie. The Ducks batted first and were well led by B Ridges (17) and D Jones getting them to 27 before the Postie took control. The unlucky L McDean (1-11 off 8) bowled well again, but it was the introduction of change bowlers J Page (3-26 off 6) and B McDean (2-25 off 8) that saw Trundle lose 4 wickets in 4 overs, all on the total of 27, including the dangerous B Medcalf. Trundle captain W Goodsell (31 n.o) had a good day and with D Turner (29) saved the Ducks any embarrassment, putting on a stubborn 63, Trundle finishing on 9-126. Postie used 8 unlucky bowlers, as their fielders helped the Ducks along, with C Holman also very tidy in his spell of 0-15 off 5 overs.

The in-form Mitch Bayley, returning from a sabbatical in the wilderness, compiled a chanceless 91 not out, including 11 fours as he brought the Postie victory after 20 overs. It was a century nipped in the bud, although it can’t be said his partner Glasson (33n.o) was the reason Bayley did get the 9 more runs he need for a second century of the season. Trundle’s Ridges (0-7 off 4)  bowled well and was supported by M Watt ( 0-21 off 4) and the improving Jones (0-21 off 3). However it was the Postie sending a message out that they too can handle the bat this season. Postie winning by 10 wickets.

Well Kept – The App