GUNNEDAH captain Blake Small has a new goal after his side crashed out of this season’s Connolly Cup contention thanks to a defeat at the hands of Moree on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With the hopes of back-to-back silverware all but gone, Small’s new goal is simple: beat Tamworth.
“I think it’s too far gone for us now,” Small said of winning this season’s Connolly Cup.
“It’s disappointing given how keen we were to go back-to-back but that’s how it goes. From here I think it’s really about beating Tamworth.
“They have been a strong side for the best part of the last 20 years and it is always enjoyable beating them.
“Although it won’t mean too much this year, honestly getting a win over them is one of the most pleasing things you can do.”
Read Also:
Sunday’s match was a must-win as both sides, however Gunnedah could not get their innings going after winning the toss and batting.
Losing their first wicket with just one run on the board, Jay Urquhart (33) and Sam Lumby (38) helped Gunnedah post a first innings total of 8-157 from their 50 overs.
“I think realistically we probably needed a score of about 220 on that wicket,” Small said.
“It was one of the best wickets I’ve played on in the last 10 years and I don’t think our guys settled in too well on it.”
In reply, Moree required just 34.3 overs to secure victory, finishing at 6-158.
Gary Briggs (2-46) fought throughout the innings with the ball for Gunnedah but it was Small who proved the best with the ball, claiming 2-19. “Our regular players played really with the bat and ball,” Small said.
“At the beginning of the chase, I had a lot of confidence in our bowlers that we could defend the total.
“However, I just don’t think we bowled in partnerships and coughed up a few too many extras as well.
“It was disappointing but hopefully we can bounce back.”
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
