West Tamworth needed a lift. And at Riverside 1 they got it – capitalising on Old Boys’ sporting declaration to chase down 220 for a shock outright win.
It was Wests’ first win over Old Boys since round 13 of the 2016-17 season. They had lost their past four matches against them, including a major semi-final thumping last season. Wests skipper Shaun Stevenson had spoken about Old Boys’ mental hold over his side.
Following Saturday’s unlikely triumph, he spoke about his teammates’ jubilation.
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“The boys were stoked – they were really happy,” he said. “It was really good.
“We needed it after getting out-righted [by City United] the week before. Yeah, it was fantastic.”
Having comfortably claimed the first-innings points, Old Boys captain Ben Middlebrook declared on 1-65 on Saturday – chasing an outright win after slipping to fourth on the ladder.
Wests then finished on 2-222, passing the target on the first ball of the 38th over. Daniel Collinson (78 not out) and David Mudaliar (63) had a 87-run opening stand for Wests. Harrison Kelly was on 42 not out, while Shawn Mepham struck a valuable 29.
For Wests, the victory halted a run of three straight losses, and was their first win since round one.
On day one, Old Boys won the toss and batted – declaring on 6-306, with Corey Sommers (107) and Aaron Hazlewood (90) the top-scorers. Collinson took 3-72 off 16 overs.
In reply, Wests were dismissed for 151. Kelly (65) top-scored.
Old Boys quick Chris Coulton took 2-23 off four overs, and then 7-66 off 18 overs (his best career figures).
