MID North Coast (MNC) might have been overwhelmed by Tamworth in their Northern Conference sweep through the Northern Inland last weekend but they bounced back with wins over Quirindi and Armidale.
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The Kevin Pike-captained MNC lost by 10 wickets at No 1 Oval last Friday night, making 7-136 in their two 20-over stints while Tamworth made 2-200 after Tamworth’s first five batsmen – Chris Crowell (31), Tom Kellett (32), Barry Everingham (41), Kingsley Agnew (18) and Steve Massey (9) – all retired unbeaten.
It was an ominous display from a side that had to settle for a draw with North Coast when the recent State Veterans Championship Final was washed out in Tamworth.
“Tamworth are a very competitive side, probably the best team in the state,” Pike said.
“They gave us a good touch up on Friday night.
“But it was an enjoyable game played under the lights.
“It’s a great atmosphere and their hospitality was very good too.”
He said Quirindi’s hospitality was equally as good as his side bounced back to record a 20-run win on the Saturday.
MNC made 4-214, with the trio of Warren McWilliams (35), John Leahy (36) and Bill Sadler (35) all retiring against an attack where Tamworth fill-in Denby Budden claimed 2-23 while Brian Wellings (1-24) and John Southam (1-27) also bagged wickets.
Ian Stutchbury (38 retired) topscored for Quirindi while Wayne King (25), John Lobsey (20) and Southam (20no) also made runs.
Graham Doust (2-21) and Dave Chapman (2-25) joined Leahy (1-19) in the wicket-taking statistics.
Against Armidale Golden Oldies on Sunday the MNC Sharks had a good win, compiling 5-175 to Armidale’s 140.
Sadler (30) and Leahy (30) continued their runmaking while Greg Kohler chipped in with a 33 retired and Tamworth’s Ron Farrell helped out with a 25-run cameo against an attack best served by Bob Jex’s 2-28.
“It was a good way to to do it. Now we have three home games in the New Year,” Pike said.
