A PATIENT spell of fast bowling has seen South Tamworth secure a win over Old Boys at Bicentennial Park on Saturday.
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Souths opener Tom O’Neill claimed 6-70 as he helped his side defend its first innings total of 297 by bowling out Old Boys for 270.
However, the wickets did not come easily for O’Neill as Old Boys youngster Adam McGuirk (73) patiently kept his side’s run chase going and forced the Souths quick to bowl 22 overs for the day.
“Old Boys batted really well,” O’Neill said.
“They were patient and careful on a wicket that was doing quite a bit for the bowlers.
“I thought Adam McGuirk batted really well.”
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O’Neill said all of South’s bowlers “pulled their weight” to help get the result.
“I think all of our bowlers did pretty well,” he said.
“There were plenty of plays and misses, and I think a lot of our bowlers bowled without luck.
“We knew there was a fair bit in the wicket and I think you only need to look at our batting card to see that once you got going on this wicket it was good to bat on.
“But, it was certainly tough to get a start on and we knew if we kept the ball full there would be enough in the wicket to help us through.”
It was a nervous finish for Souths as the Old Boys lower order through Landen Price (23 not out) and Troy Sands (30) helped get their side close to the target before eventually falling 27 runs short.
“When I came off the ground and saw the scorecard I was pretty surprised how close it was,” O’Neill said.
“It was certainly a lot closer than I thought it was on the field.
“I suppose picking up those lower-order wickets and not allowing the tail to wag is something we as a team can look to improve on going forward.”
Souths will now look to their next assignment against North Tamworth, while Old Boys will look to bounce back against West Tamworth.