Tamworth Blue under-12s continued their winning ways in Tamworth on Sunday thanks to a brilliant spell from Blake Scicluna.
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Defending 5-169 in their top of the table clash with Moree, and with the visitors starting to form a few handy partnerships, Scicluna provided the spark the Blues' needed.
"He bowled very well, he was excellent," coach Chris Paterson said of the right-arm quick adding that his 5-4, which included three maidens, was the turning point.
They went on from there to dismiss Moree for 141 to solely occupy top spot with one round remaining.
Earlier in trouble early with the bat, Paterson was pleased with the way they dug themselves out of it.
"The middle order performed well when we were in a bit of trouble," he said.
The Blues' five, six and seven accounted for over half of their runs with Brady Hunter hitting 29, Coby Single 31no and Ben Sleeman 32. Paterson said Sleeman "really hit them around, which got us a bit of momentum back".
The Gold 12s didn't fare as well in their clash with Narrabri. The visitors batted first and on the back of a 98-run third wicket stand between Clay Hoffman (58) and Jonty Fowler (48) posted 8-173 from their 40 overs.
Dominic Barabara (2-9) and Nicholas Green (2-19) were the most successful bowlers for the Gold, who in reply mustered 6-134.
Ben Murphy carried his bat and was unbeaten on 56 after sharing a 73 run partnership for the second wicket with Charlie Doyle (23).
The Gold 14s meanwhile defended for their fourth win of the season. Chris Fox batted brilliantly at the top of the order for 60 while opening partner Nick Bukovac hit 43, the pair putting on 83 for the first wicket as the home side made 197.
They then restricted Narrabri to 6-162, Harry Lewington (2-29) and Ryan Stewart (2-6) leading the charge in what was a good allround bowling performance.
The two Tamworth sides hold the top two spots heading into the final round with the Gold a point ahead of the Blue.