After a convincing first-up win over Manning Valley the Clive Barton-coached side suffered a 61-run loss to North Coast.

They again chased but were set a considerably more challenging 180.

“We bowled alright and fielded alright,” Barton said.

James Austin had the coastal side reeling at 2-4 but a 101-run third wicket partnership got them back on track.

“The third wicket partnership gave us a bit of grief,” Barton said.

After breaking that they picked up 4-24 to drag back the momentum, but then the North Coast number seven came out and smacked a quick 40 to take it away again.

Austin was the pick of the bowlers with 3-23 and “bowled really well again”. 

Tamworth were then rolled for 119.

“We just lacked another partnership out of the tail,” Barton said.

After recovering from losing Lachlan Bradfield second ball of the innings they looked in control with Lachie Barton (43) and Brock Morley (25) at the crease. 

At that stage they were ahead of where North Coast were, Barton said.

But when son Lachie was caught the innings quickly petered out with none of the last seven batsmen making double figures.