The Tamworth Under 16s gave themselves a scare at Dick Edwards after they stumbled with the bat to be all out for 110 batting first.

It could have been a lot worse had Kuzi Jaravani not put in a 35-run late cameo to save the side after they found themselves at 6-55.

Toby Whale’s 32 at the top of the order also kept them in the game, although they were the only two batsmen to break double figures in what coach Chris Paterson described as the worst batting performance from the squad in five years.

“They have mostly come through as a group and that is the lowest total we have ever scored,” Paterson said.

“They bowled well and we didn’t build any partnerships.

“They turned it around and got the win though with some good bowling and fielding.”

Opening bowlers James McGowan and Blake Murphy tore into the Dungog top order, snaring two wickets each in their opening spell to leave the visitors floundering early.

Dungog just started to get some runs on the board when spinning duo Aaron Madarazza and Jye Paterson destroyed the rest of the list, snaring the final five wickets for just seven runs.

Jack Hannaford toiled hard and was unlucky not to take a wicket after an impressive display of control and pace.

“We stuck to our task and were good in the field,” Paterson said.

“We got a few run outs and took some good catches.” 

At Riverside 3, the Tamworth U14s kept their unbeaten record alive with a decisive display.

Nine Tamworth players rolled the arm over as they pinned Dungog down to be all out for 105 after Conrad George (4-11) and Harry Reynolds (3-19) led the way.

In reply, Tamworth only lost two wickets as they blasted their way past the total in just over 30 overs.

Openers Liam Rodgers (42) and Tom Haling (25) started in scintillating fashion, smashing a 60-run opening partnership before George came  to the crease to bash a quick 25 to get the home side over the line along with Noah Pitt (7).

Coach James Haling was particularly pleased with the side’s batting performance.

“It has been a highlight of our season,” Haling said.

“We have probably put on over 500 runs for the loss of only seven or eight wickets lately.” 

“They have been working pretty hard on occupying the crease and they have been brilliant.” 

He thought George was the standout after taking three wickets and hitting 25 runs at the end but also praised Rodgers and Reynolds.

At Riverside 5, the Tamworth U12s didn’t waste any time either, making 3-65 in their first 20 overs and then dismissing Dungog for 32.

Sam Fox (19) and Isabella Cameron (21) top-scored for the Blues before Matthew Holmes cut a swathe through the visiting batting ranks, claiming 5-3 from his seven overs. 

He also bowled five maidens in a fine performance aided by Landan Price’s 2-8 from 6.5 overs and Isaac Young’s 1-4.