DROPPED catches were the order of the day in round two of the Hastings River District Cricket Association first grade competition.
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Missed opportunities proved costly for Port Pirates in their 12-run loss to Wauchope RSL.
But Macquarie Hotel overcame a dose of butter fingers to remain the only undefeated team with a 44-run win over Port City Leagues Magpies.
James Terrett backed up his first-round performance with another five-wicket haul as the Macca defended 187.
Captain Michael Pelley said Terrett’s performance was one of many positives from his side.
“James knows what he’s doing and we just need to hope his body holds up,” Pelley said.
“And also for the second week in a row we’ve scored more than 180 and it’s been different blokes contributing.”
Chris Cole topscored with 67 while Liam Coelho scored a well-compiled 33.
Brendan Badenoch claimed 2-41 off eight overs after he went wicket-less in the opening round.
“Bads is still working into his season because of an injury to his non-bowling arm,” Pelley said.
At Andrews Park in Wauchope, Pirates won the toss and had the benefit of the best of the bowling conditions, but it was Nathan Lyon and Matt Miller who provided a thorn in their side.
RSL captain Matt Day said it was pleasing his side knuckled down and again were not bowled out.
“Over the years Wauchope has been known as being a team that can’t bat out their overs,” he said.
“So to do it for a second week in a row and only be seven down was a great effort by the boys.”
Lyon saw off the new ball at the top of the order, scoring a patient 33 which helped to lay the foundation for the middle order.
“Nathan did the hard work at the top of the order and got us to the 17 or 18 over mark which allowed Matty to cash in towards the end,” Day said.
Miller and Ethan McKenna combined for an unbeaten 40-run stand at the end of the innings which guided last year’s premiers to a competitive total of 7-147.
Day conceded Pirates got a little closer than he’d have liked before they were bowled out for 135.
Pirates captain Paul Stait lamented his sides’ lacklustre performance in the field.
“10 dropped catches will give any side a win,” he said.
“I think the boys can leave the bat at home for training this week.”
In his first game for the season, opener Mark Jackson provided a shining light for Pirates with a patient 39 while Jack Connolly picked up 3-15 off eight overs.
