Chasing their northern neighbours’ 145, the home side got the runs with a few overs to spare. 

Davies struck the winning runs off the final ball he was allowed to face with batsmen required to retire either when they reached 35 runs or faced 35 balls.

He finished unbeaten on 20 after peeling off the last nine runs Tamworth needed.

Earlier Chriss Crowell made 28 retired at the top of the order, Bede Maher 25 and Steve Massey 25.

David Jurd topped the wickets for the visitors with 2-34.

Tamworth opener Greg Kellett picked up two wickets in his third over to have New England in early trouble at 2-8 but through Greg Stoddart (26), Richard Cannon (22ret), and Rex Hunt, who coming in at 10 top-scored with 31, they managed to post a competitive score. 

Kellett finished with 3-19 while Steve Beaton chimed in with 2-27.

The over-67s didn’t fare as well as they prepare for a two-day carnival in Armidale, with Gunnedah cruising to a six wicket win in their annual Seniors Week clash.

The win was set up with the ball, Shayne Riordan, Paul Cruickshank, Rick Sampson and Pat Williams leading the charge as Gunnedah kept Tamworth to 118.

Riordan had the home side on the back foot early before Cruickshank and Sampson ripped through the middle order. Williams then came on and mopped up the innings to finish with 2-0 from his two overs.

Gunnedah in reply took just 18 overs to chase down the runs.

Openers Sampson and Paddy Paul laid the groundwork with an almost 50 run opening stand. Both retired, Paul on 32 and Sampson 26.

Christo Harmse followed with 17, Riordan (12no) and Cruickshank (9no) to guide them to a six wicket win.