Wingham’s soft batting underbelly was once again exposed, leading to their first loss in the Mid North Coast Premier League competition against Macquarie Hotel at Wayne Richards Park on Saturday, February 9.
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As has oft been the case this season, the bowling unit once again did their job, restricting the reigning premiers to 8/156, but the batsmen failed when rolled for just 88, at one stage being 6/36!
Following the last match split-points washout against Port Pirates, the loss leaves Wingham now just one point clear of Wauchope and Port Pirates, with this weeks’ combatants, Port City Leagues Magpies, in fourth spot on 41.
A second loss this weekend could see Wingham leapfrogged by either or both Wauchope and Pirates.
Macquarie elected to bat first but had their share of trouble with the new ball, losing wickets regularly.
At the half-way mark they were 6/86, Josh Hyde having contributed the most with 28 and openers Carroll (16) and Boxhall (11) respectively.
Dave Rees (2/34) dismissed Carroll and Boxhall and Tim Rees had Pelley (1) caught by Steve Allwood, who then bowled Chris Cole (2) first ball. ‘Harmy’ then picked up the important wicket of Hyde.
Macquarie reached the century in the 25th over for the loss of eight wickets, Allwood claiming two more, finishing his spell with 4/20, with three maidens.
From there Dylan Lewis and wicket-keeper Brett Myres held the attack at bay whilst adding 56 valuable runs. Lewis hit five boundaries on his way to an unbeaten 40, whilst Myers played the support role with 13 not.
Wingham Under 16 batsman, Blake Thompson, has been scoring runs in the lower grades all season but had his stumps rattled by Luke Boxhall in the first over of Winghams innings. Ryan Morris (3) suffered the same fate when the total was 21, followed by Ben Cole (0) and Brock Hynes (0), all in the same over.
Hyde chimed in with a Rees double, firstly Michael for 21, then David for a duck to effectively end Winghams chances at 6/36. Harry Clarke top-scored with 22 but also fell to Hyde after another gritty knock. Josh McTaggart (18 not out) and Allwood (6) prolonged the inevitable in adding 22 for the last.
Boxhall grabbed 4/27 and Hyde 3/25, each from eight, whilst Ben Stewart picked up 2/5.
Wingham will have to find some batting steel at Cedar Party Reserve to remain in the competition lead.
