WAUCHOPE RSL became the first team to defeat Port Macquarie Pirates this season with a comfortable 51-run win at Andrews Park on Saturday.
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Captain Matt Miller starred for the hosts, claiming 4-18 off eight overs as Pirates were dismissed for 112 in pursuit of 164 for victory.
Pirates found a way out of trouble with a nail-biting one-wicket victory over Port City last weekend, but Bailey Smith and Aaron Hagenbach ensured that wouldn’t happen again.
Smith (2-34) and Hagenbach (2-13) provided valuable support for Miller who claimed three of Pirates’ top four batsmen.
Miller said it was a satisfying win which saw his team move into third spot on the ladder ahead of the Christmas break.
“Everyone stuck to the plans we had in place and understood how they were being implemented,” he said.
“It was a huge win for us to prove that we’re definitely contenders for the premiership and it’s great to get a couple of wins leading into the Christmas break.”
Miller admitted the win also proved his team could compete with the best in the competition.
“We’ve had a couple of tough losses but that win will boost our confidence massively,” he said.
Wauchope were sent into bat on their wicket and were dismissed for 163 in the 40th over with Bailey Smith best of the batsmen with 36 and opener Robbie Parker making 27.
Most batsmen had a start and that built their total.
For Pirates Captain Ben Woodward showed his experience with 5/21, backed by the guile of Paul Stait with 4/38.
Pirates turn at the crease came to end on 112 after 33 overs, after being 4/22. Connor Cook had 27 of those runs, and Ben Woodward fought hard with 17.
Wauchope’s victory ensures there is only one undefeated team remaining in the Mid North Coast Premier Cricket League after Wingham accounted for Taree United.
We now have only one team undefeated left in The McDonalds Premier Cricket League after the weekends results.
Wingham sit on top with their win over local foes, Taree United.
We also have another centurion with Josh Meldrum scoring 116no for Taree West against Nulla.
The bowlers were led by Sam Whitbread with 5/43 for United against Wingham.
Chatham Park was the scene for the local derby between Taree United and Wingham. United won the toss and batted. Their strong batting line-up was troubled by the Wingham bowlers and they were bowled out for 133.
United lost their fourth wicket at 119, and then collapsed. Murray McCartney continues his run-scoring season with 38 and the in-form Tom Burley made 35.
Ryan Smoothy was best for Wingham with season best figures of 4/16 from 8.
As always, the Rees boys took wicket, David 3/36 and Michael 2/18.
Wingham knocked off the runs in the 27th over but lost eight wickets getting there after an opening stand of 51.