BATHURST is half way towards adding the Mitchell Cricket Council Twenty20 Cup to its trophy cabinet this season following a 75-run win at home over the Blue Mountains on Sunday.
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Destructive half centuries from Henry Shoemark (59) and Derryn Clayton (53) helped Bathurst on its way to a total of 196 at the Sportsground.
The Blue Mountains chase never got momentum going. Despite a determined knock from Alex Crowther (41 not out) the visitors were left on 5-121 at the end of their 20 overs.
“It was a good win. To score 196 in a Twenty20 is always handy. That’s more than we could have asked for,” Bathurst captain Jameel Qureshi said.
“Batting was perfect. Bowling, we bowled well. Our catching let us down a little bit but overall it was a good win.”
Dave Sellers (19) got Bathurst off to an encouraging start before he was caught, leaving the side at 1-38 off five overs.
Remaining opener Clayton and incoming batsman Shoemark had viewers at the Sportsground ducking for cover as they hit six sixes in their partnership.
The 78 runs they put on together helped Bathurst to a commanding position of 2-114, and Qureshi (36 not out) continued to pile on the pain for Blue Mountains in the remaining eight overs.
Wayne Sellers (16) also helped take Bathurst towards the 200 mark late in their innings.
Blue Mountains didn’t have trouble getting bat on ball in its innings but was often restricted to just singles and twos.
The 48-run fourth wicket partnership between Crother and John Ford (33) gave the visitors a glimmer of hope but once it was broken the win went out of their reach.
Ryan Peacock (2-18) and Luke Powell (2-19) were Bathurst’s best with the ball. Ben Parsons (1-17) and Mike Waldren (1-31) also claimed wickets.
“[Twenty20] is good for the young guys to get out and have a run and for a few other blokes to get an opportunity,” Qureshi said.
“Henry and Dez were animals. Dave earlier on was really good and Wayne always hits the ball well.”
No date has been set yet for Bathurst’s match against Orange, which was originally to be played on Friday but was postponed.