THE Bathurst under 14s did not have to work exceptionally hard during the preliminary rounds of the Mitchell Cricket Council premiership race, but they were forced to dig deep on Sunday to win the grand final against Orange.

Having been by far the strongest side in the competition throughout the summer, Bathurst went into the decider at the Sportsground as strong favourites. 

After a brilliant bowling effort it looked like they would cruise home.

However, a committed effort from the visitors made sure that it wouldn’t be so simple and late in the game, Bathurst were the side scrambling to try and stay alive.

Deua Berry and Ryan Campbell had the composure to steady their team and get them across the line in the face of a target of 120, securing victory in the 45th over with eight wickets down.

“It got pretty close, young Ryan Campbell and Deua had to do a lot of work there at the end. We had a lot of handy little partnerships, but couldn’t build anything big up until then,” a relieved Bathurst coach Shane Broes said.

“That’s the thing with small totals, it only takes a couple of wickets and you can get the wobbles. Especially when for most of the season, the majority of this side hasn’t had to do a lot of batting.

“The ones who have gotten us home in the previous games didn’t fire today, whether that was the pressure of a grand final I don’t know, but Orange are a good side and they really came to play today.”

Bathurst got off to a good start despite losing the toss and having to field, picking up a couple of early wickets before Ben Winslade (21) steadied things for Orange.

He was backed up by Bailey Ferguson (30) and Max Powell (28), who at one stage had their side in a handy position at 4-99 before the wheel began to turn for Bathurst.

They instigated a collapse that saw Orange lose 6-20, Brendan Pallier particularly showing the value of accurate bowling as he took 2-4 from seven overs.

Nick Broes also played a major part, taking 3-8 off five overs.

It was Broes himself who had been the backbone of most of the side’s previous batting efforts, but he fell cheaply. Though Sam Hall (17) and Ben Cant (15) got the scoreboard moving, when they fell Orange again worked their way into the game.

A steady flow of wickets saw the hosts slip to 8-98 and with all the momentum going in Orange’s direction, it looked like it would be a sad finish for Bathurst.

However, Berry held his nerve perfectly ignoring the carnage at the other end and picking out gaps in the field and running sensibly.

Campbell did likewise, and the pair put on an invaluable 22 to reach their target. 

Berry finished on 24 and Campbell 11.

Sam Ridley and Luca Wynn both did a fine job for Orange, bagging two wickets each while their fielding was also strong as they effected a couple of sharp run-outs.

“We spoke before the game about how other players have to stand up so we’re not relying on the same guys, and that’s what happened. The two boys at the end did a sensational job,” Shane Broes said.

“I think the sign of a good team is being able to win when you’re big guns have a quiet day, we did it here today and they should really enjoy this win and be proud of a great season.”