EX-SERVICES broke their duck with a resounding win over Armidale City at Armidale Sportsground last Saturday and matches up against competition leaders Easts at the same ground this Saturday.
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Servies had not won a game entering last Saturday’s sixth round but made Will Green’s official takeover as skipper a happy one.
Brad Widders had captained the side from the start of the season but elected to stand aside for Green – and it proved an immediate hit.
Green remained unbeaten on 75 as Ex-Servies made 6-183 and then Widders claimed 5-30 from his 10 overs as City fell for 162.
The 21-run was a real morale booster, Widders said.
“It was a great win,” he said.
“Especially as they had said we should go back to second grade.
“That got the boys going.
“Having Will take over the captaincy was good for us all.
“He batted well too.
“Not having to worry about captaining the side was good for me too.
“I’m just starting to find form with the ball.”
Matt Hudson also struck with the new ball, claiming 4-43 from his 12 overs against a City lineup that was missing Karl Triebe and Cam Mundy with Matt Morrow (20) and Ruman Hassan (20) topscoring.
The win enabled Easts to assume the outright lead after beating reigning premiers Hillgrove Colts at Lambert Park.
Hillgrove made 8-250, with Matt Schaefer (42) and Matt Baillie (65) posting a 66-run opening stand.
Josh Croft (37), Lachlan Elks (38), skipper Brad King (21) and Tom Armitage (24) also got starts against an attack best served by Todd Francis (3-59 off 12) and Sam Constance (2-29).
Easts replied with 8-256 after Todd Francis belted a brilliant and unbeaten 112.
Consistent opener Dean Moore (43) was in the runs again while Ben Laurie was best of the Hillgrove bowlers, claiming 4-73 off his 12 overs.