An unbeaten seven wicket partnership of 122 by 15-year-old prodigy Hayden Essery and Mick Stinson got Wingham the win over Port Panthers Pirates in the McDonalds Premier League match at Cedar Party Reserve on Saturday.
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The pair came together with Wingham struggling on 6/87 chasing Pirates 4/204.
It was Essery’s best first grade innings by far as he outscored his more experienced partner, something not many do, to remain 67 not out, hitting eight boundaries.
He struck the ball to all parts with crisp timing and followed up with intelligent running giving spectators a glimpse of his undoubted potential.
Stinson was unconquered on 41, his third not out this season. He has 165 runs so far at an average of 82.5, surely justifying a rise in the batting order.
The pair had to mount the rescue mission as the top order failed to negate the Pirates seamers, led by Adam Carrall (4/40).
Only Ben Cole (38) looked at ease until he gave a simple return catch off a leg-spinner, just on the drinks break.
Victory was confirmed in the 39th over with an Essery boundary.
Pirates had a terrific partnership themselves when father and son team of Gary Humphreys and his 15-year-old son Jared put on a new ground record 129 for the fourth wicket.
Jared finished unbeaten on 96, the highest individual score of the competition, whilst his mentor made 59.
They also rescued Pirates’ innings, coming together on 3/24 in the ninth over after winning the toss.
Wingham missed several opportunities from both players in a poor fielding display, including a stumping and catch from Jared whilst in the 30s.
But the youngster dug in and hit eight fours, occupying the crease for 31 overs.
His dad hit seven boundaries in his knock before falling to Ryan Smoothy.
Rees finished with 2/25 and Smoothy 2/31 whilst the spinners from both teams were virtually nullified by the lack of turn.
The victory projected Wingham into third position on the points table but further improvement will be necessary when they next take on comp-leaders Port City Leagues Magpies at Oxley Oval on December 9.
The scheduled fixture against United this Saturday has been transferred to January 21 owing to rep commitments.
Second grade went down to the undefeated United at Central Park. Chasing 7/200 Wingham could only manage 161. They meet Taree West on Saturday, again on Central Park.
Third grade suffered an upset defeat at the hands of United when they could only put together 127 in response to 7/220. They enjoy the bye this weekend.
