IMPOSING figures of 8-73 from St Pat’s Old Boys’ Matt Fearnley has helped his side to narrow victory in their Bathurst District Cricket Association clash against City Colts.
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Colts were left just six runs shy of the 178-run target set by the Saints in the previous weekend’s action, ending a hard-fought contest at Morse Park.
Fearnley resumed with figures of 3-6, but with Colts starting the day at 4-31 there was still plenty of work for he and his bowling attack to do.
Pat’s got off to a good start by removing Colts captain Dan Casey for 16 and five overs later Henry Allen (12) was also sent packing – taking Fearnley to 5-21.
Henry Shoemark (23) returned to the Colts lineup on Saturday but after a promising start the regular opening batsman was caught, leaving his side 7-67.
The Saints had a win in their sights before a 71-run ninth wicket partnership between Matt Stephen (58) and Craig Hanrahan (33) gave Colts a glimmer of hope.
Ben Mitchell removed Stephen to have Colts at 9-168.and finally break the lower-order stand.
Hanrahan was then clean bowled in the following over by Fearnley to leave Colts all out just shy of the Saints total.
“I’m absolutely rapt. It was an incredible bowling effort from Matt, but all of our bowlers also bowled well. I think the difference between Matt and the others is that he was the one who benefited from all the bowling pressure,” Pat’s captain Brendon Cutmore said.
“I couldn’t be happier for him. He wears his heart on his sleeve for our club. He puts so much effort in and sets a great example for our younger players.
“It’s the best I’ve ever seen him bowl since I’ve been at the club. He’s the guy who epitomises competitiveness, and shows that you can be rewarded for your efforts.”
After losing their first innings Colts emerged with renewed energy for the Saints’ second dig with the bat.
Colts reduced Pat’s to 8-90 in just 34 overs. The Saints at one stage were 7-34.
A devastating spell of bowling from Jacob Bognuda (5-23) gave him 10 wickets for the match while Henry Allen (1-16) was unlucky not to claim more Saints scalps.
“We got taught a big lesson in complacency. When you go out there and relax against a team full of experienced players then you're going to find yourself in trouble," Cutmore said of his side’s second innings effort.
“Jacob Bognuda and Henry Allen bowled great. They deserved plenty of accolades. Jacob bowled great across both innings and this match is the best I’ve ever seen him bowl.”
In the final round Pat’s face Centennials Bulls while Colts have Bathurst City.