After giving a post-match interview in honour of his side’s comprehensive dispatching of Tamworth at the Sportsground in Armidale on Sunday, Todd Francis walked away and then hollered: “It’s been 10 years, or about 10 years, since Armidale beat Tamworth.”
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Whatever the exact number, it had been a long time since an Armidale captain had savoured Francis’ experience. And didn’t he and his teammates love it.
As Tamworth's jugular became increasingly exposed chasing Armidale’s 8-185 off 50 overs in the round three War Veterans Cup clash, Armidale’s players became increasingly vocal in there desire to land the killer blow.
That came in the 33rd over when, fittingly, Francis trapped Brock Ridgewell in front for two, as the under-strength visitors were dismissed for a meek 105.
Francis was the chief destroyer, snaring 4-26 off 9.5 overs, while No.4 Kyle top-scored for Armidale with a 118-ball 83.
For the skipper, the most pleasing aspect of the win, other than the end of the long drought against Tamworth, was the 185 runs.
He said: “To be honest, the runs we scored, the 185, were worth 230, 240. The outfield was extremely slow … the real difference for us today was Kyle Taylor.”
He added: “Everything sort of clicked … For us to get a win over Tamworth is always good.”
Shaun Stevenson top-scored for Tamworth with 24, while Matt Bryant and Joey Mead both claimed two wickets for the visitors.
It was a big turnaround for Armidale, after their first-round forfeit.