South Tamworth opening bowler James Hammond produced his best performance of the season, in an evenly poised clash against West Tamworth at No.1 Oval.
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Hammond claimed 6-28 off 13 overs as Wests were dismissed for 202 in 63 overs after winning the toss on a hot, sunny day.
Wests skipper David Mudaliar top-scored with 89, which included 15 fours, and came at a time when his side were in deep trouble.
In reply, Souths were 1-33 at stumps.
Commenting on Hammond, Souths captain Mitch Smith said: “Pretty consistent our James … [It was] a smart bowling effort yesterday on a green, grassy pitch.”
Less than six points separate second-placed Wests and third-placed Souths on the ladder, in what is the season’s penultimate regular-season round.
Given the aforementioned trickiness of the pitch, it was not surprising to see Wests in trouble early with the failures of their top four batmen – Harrison Kelly (3), Dan Collinson (0), Michael Moffitt (3) and Adam McGurik (1).
Wests No.10 Stu Irwin – whose highest score this season ahead of the match was three – made 35 on Saturday, the second top score.
Brock Morely (12) and Blake Fitzgerald (10) will resume their innings on Saturday.