Gwydir seemingly locked in a MA Connolly Cup semi’s berth with a hard fought two wicket win over Quirindi at Bingara on Sunday.
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The win took them to outright top spot, but was one captain Luke Smith admitted wasn’t looking likely half-way through their pursuit of Quirindi’s 9-189.
After a bright start, with Mitch Holt hitting 42 at the top and Kris Halloran making 41 at three Gwydir found themselves 8-148.
But Dylan Butler (14no) and Matt McRae (24no) shared an unbroken 43 run stand to get them home.
Kane Montague (4-34) did the damage in the middle order for Quirindi, along with skipper Elliot Tourle (2-39).
“They had some really good bowlers,” Smith said.
“Montague, he was very awkward to play and bowled well, and so did Elliot.”
Earlier Andrew Cohen made 52 opening the innings, and with Tourle (26) shared a 65 run partnership for the second wicket.
Tom Tanner also chipped in with 36, and Aaron Madirazza an unbeaten 15 at the end.
“We bowled a lot better than the last game at the start but probably bowled a few too many sundries through the middle session,” Smith said.
Lachlan Butler (3-28) and Matt McRae (2-40) topped the wickets for the home side, Holt also rolling the arm over and claiming 1-30 with his offspinners.