NSW’S elation from day one of the National Over 70s Cricket Championships in Adelaide quickly turned to agony come day two.
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The NSW side – which includes Tamworth trio Mike Cashman, Col Barton and Peter Virgen – won by the barest of margins against Queensland first-up.
The Blues batted first in the grudge match and scored 9-118 with Virgen (9), Barton (8) and Cashman (6) making small contributions.
Queensland then came agonisingly close as they were skittled for 115.
Next up for NSW was Victoria.
A win would just about secure a grand final spot for either sides but the Victorians belted the New South Welshmen.
Victoria racked up an imposing 1-202 and NSW replied with 7-98.
Barton was out for a duck, Cashman scored four runs and Virgen didn’t bat as 12th man.
“We got smashed,” Cashman said.
“They had a very good side today.
“We had three run outs, that didn't help, but they were very strong.”
NSW would need Queensland to touch up Victoria – and NSW would have to do the same to Western Australia – to make the final but Cashman wasn’t banking on that outcome.
“The best we can get and probably the most likely is playing off for third and fourth,” Cashman said.
“We have a really good chance against Western Australia. I’d be tipping we will beat them.”
NSW will play Western Australia on Wednesday following a rest day.
The positional playoffs will take place on Thursday to wrap up the carnival.
