WITH one ball remaining and one run needed for victory, every buttock on the Bathurst City bench was clenched.
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But the tension was even higher for the two batsmen in the middle as their Bathurst District Cricket Association Twenty20 first grade match against Centennials Bulls drew to a dramatic conclusion.
Fortunately for Redbacks, Jacob Pepper scored the run needed. It means his side sits on top of the ladder with one round remaining before the Christmas-New Year break.
It was a remarkable finish, with Redbacks scoring 31 runs off the final three overs.
Rory Daburger, who was Pepper’s batting partner in the concluding overs, said they both felt unbelievable pressure.
“Given the total that we needed when I came to the crease with three overs to go, there was plenty to do. We needed a single off the last ball, and both of us knew what we had to do,” Daburger said.
“We just had to get a single whatever the cost, and once the ball was hit, wherever it went, we just needed to run.
“With our situation, there was a lot going through my head, but I just kept my head in the game and worried only about the team and not myself.”
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Daburger finished unbeaten on two runs Pepper at six not out. It was Daburger’s first runs in the top grade this season, having not been required with the bat in his prior appearances.
That final ball thriller – Redbacks having chased down 119 for victory – was the side’s second win of the Twenty20 portion of the season.
Its final Twenty20 match will be played this Saturday, weather permitting, at Morse Park 2 against Rugby Union.
But no matter the result, Daburger’s happy with the season thus far and excited for the longer format two-day fixtures to come.
“We are doing alright and is great we are at the top of the ladder, especially as we have lost out on playing matches due to the weather,” Daburger said.
“The upcoming two-day games will suit our team better too. It is more our type of game and we excel at that format given there is not as much scoreboard pressure.”
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If Redbacks win this Saturday, or if play is washed-out, they will go to the mid-season break on top of the ladder.
However, if play goes ahead beating Rugby Union will not be easy.
Defending champion Rugby is yet to post a win in the Twenty 20 rounds and has slipped to fourth on the ladder. It is a position it will be keen to improve on if given the chance.
In the one-day match between the pair earlier this season it was a closely contested battle, with Redbacks posting an 18-run win.
The match will commence at 12.30pm, with Centennials Bulls and Rugby Union to face off in the other game.