NSW Country captain Tom Groth has said the Bush Blues only have “pride in the cap” to play for after the defence of their national country championship unravelled via three straight losses.
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Queensland Country were the latest side to beat the Bush Blues, prevailing by 67 runs at John Riordan Oval, Shepparton, on Wednesday.
The Bush Blues play Western Australia Country on Thursday to conclude their championships campaign.
Groth, the South Tamworth and NSW keeper, said the side was surprised by their downward spiral after opening the tournament with four consecutive Twenty20 wins including the final, in which they defended their T20 title.
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He said NSW’s top five just did not score enough runs when the one-dayers began.
“It’s been tough,” he said. “It’s just been our batting. We’ve struggled to get away to good starts.
“We’ve sort of been behind the eight ball … We’re just playing for a bit of pride tomorrow [Thursday].”
Sent into bat, Queensland finished on 6-231, with Christopher Hall (58) top-scoring.
Groth’s South Tamworth teammate, quick Tom O’Neill, opened the bowling and finished with 0-16 off five overs. O’Neill has been used sparingly during the championships and is wicketless.
In reply, NSW were dismissed for 164 in the 42nd over. Opener Graeme Batty (65 not out) top-scored.
Cameron Brimblecombe claimed 4-32 off 10 overs for Queensland.
NSW have three wins, three losses and a draw [their T20 clash against South Australia was abandoned due to extreme heat).
