Lining up against Manning at Taree’s Johnny Martin Oval, the visitors posted a healthy 5-208.

It was largely due to Port City Leagues’ Bolster and his Port Panthers Pirates’ counterpart McColl, who contributed three-quarters of the side’s total.

With the Hastings in trouble at 2-37, following the dismissals of Derek Arnberger (12) and Andrew Glover (13), the pair launched a counter-attack.

Bolster was eventually removed for 79, an innings which included two sixes and four boundaries.

McColl continued his charge and, assisted by Josh Kew (23 not out), remained unbeaten on 71.

He smashed three boundaries along the way.

Manning began its run chase strongly, however, the wickets of Daniel Stone (22) and Paul Swan (17) saw the hosts slip to 2-40.

Michael Rees (22), Josh Ferris (23), Nick Delaney (18), Brad Staff and Ben Cole then lifted the team to a winning position at 5-174.

But, Manning lost the plot as Staff (25) and Cole (39) fell in quick succession.

Within minutes, Matthew Collier (0) and Cox (2) joined them on the sideline.

With Hastings turning up the heat, and the pressure on the home side, Camden Haven’s Brad Aldous bowled last man Trevor Bailey (1) – eight runs short of the target.

Ken Bennett and Aldous shared the honours with three scalps apiece.

Bennett secured 3-31 and Aldous 3-38, while Kew (1-22 from 10 overs) and David Stone (2-59) also contributed strongly.

First XI grand final

Hastings v Manning

Johnny Martin Oval, Taree

Hastings

D. Arnberger lbw Shields 12

A. Glover run out 13

D. Bolster c Bailey b Staff 79

R. McColl not out 71

S. Redden c Shields b Stone 0

J. Blythe c Shields b Stone 6

J. Kew not out 23

Extras: 5

Total: 5-208

Fall of wicket: 20, 37, 167, 167, 175.

Bowling: C. Shields 10-0-1-47, T. Bailey 5-10-18, P. Cox 10-2-0-30, D. Stone 10-1-2-40, M. Rees 8-1-0-34, B. Staff 7-1-1-36.

Manning

P. Swan lbw Bennett 17

D. Stone c McColl b Stone 22

M. Rees c Glover b Aldous 22

J. Ferris c – b Stone 23

N. Delaney b Aldous 18

B. Cole c Blythe b Kew 39

B. Staff c Grant b Bennett 25

C. Shields not out 21

M. Collier c Redden b Bennett 0

P. Cox lbw Bolster 2

T. Bailey b Aldous 1

Extras: 11

Total: 201

Fall of wicket: 37, 40, 74, 86, 121, 174, 182, 187, 198, 201.

Bowling: K. Bennett 10-1-3-31, D. Stone 10-0-2-59, B. Aldous 7.2-0-3-38, J. Blythe 2-0-0-9, J. Kew 10-1-1-22, D. Bolster 5-1-1-12, A. Willows 4-0-0-28.

Hastings won by 7 runs