A POOR fielding effort has cost the Tamworth over-60's vets cricket team in its match with Port Jackson on Friday.
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The local side dropped nine catches throughout the see-sawing encounter at Tamworth No.1 Oval, which saw Port Jackson chase down victory with two overs to spare.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Tamworth got off to a steady start thanks to the patient batting of Chriss Crowell (20), Peter Boyd (23), Ben van Aanholt (15 not out) and Brett Davies (13).
However, tight bowling from Tamworth ring-in Ken Barnes (2-12) and Michael Rowles (0-9) helped Port Jackson restrict Tamworth to 130 from their 40 overs.
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In reply, helpful knocks from Port Jackson captain Douglas Latto (26), Michael Collins (28) and Rick Howard (32 retired) saw the visitors claim victory.
Tamworth team member Greg Kellett said the side lamented their missed chances in the field.
"They say catches win matches," Kellett said.
"To drop nine is pretty unfortunate and really holding on to one or two would have really helped us.
"But that's how cricket goes sometimes."
The players were also treated to a guest appearance from Australian test vice-captain and Bendemeer native Josh Hazlewood before the day's play.
"I think it was a real highlight to see Josh down there before the game," Kellett said.
"A few of the guys jokingly asked him to have a run with both teams.
"He was very gracious and generous with his time and was more than happy to take photos with quite a few of us."
Kellett said despite the side's loss all of the players "enjoyed the contest".
"I think everyone had a lot of fun," he said.
"The Port Jackson guys want to come back and play in Tamworth again for sure.
"For a few of them it was the first time they had ever played under lights, which was quite special.
"It would be great to have them back again in the future."
Friday's game was the third in a three game tour for Port Jackson who claimed a win, a loss and a tie across the three games in Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Tamworth.
For the locals, they now turn their attention to a clash with Quirindi on Friday night.
"We will take on Quirindi in a northern conference game next," Kellett said.
"Following that, we will take on Coffs Harbour on March 15.
"All games will be at Tamworth No.1 Oval so it would be great to see a crowd down there for a fun night of cricket."