On Saturday, the Junee Stallions travelled to Temora in what was called the most inconsistent game of the year, which unfortunately went in the direction of Temora 9/173 (40) – 10/129 (29.4).
With one game left, the Stallions need to get a big win against Stockinbingal this week to end the season in a strong position.
Temora won the toss and elected to bat first. Opening bowlers Ovia Boge and Will McGrath applied pressure straight away, but it was McGrath doing the damage, tearing through the Temora top order, picking up the first 5 wickets. With Temora reeling at 5 for 21, the momentum stopped as drinks were called. The Stallions appeared to send out a different team at the break as Temora formed a partnership and Junee started to slip.
Will McGrath said, “Temora were able to bat out their remaining overs as chances continued to go down, and Temora got to 9 for 173 off their 40 overs. Captain Trent Charlton was not impressed and addressed the side at the break. Opening partners Ean Martin and Hayden Diggins took to the crease and vowed to be positive, but ultimately Martin was dismissed for 1, leaving Junee on the back foot. Charlton joined Diggins at the crease but looked off the pace, playing and missing several times before finally finding the middle of the bat, which found square leg.
With the Stallions 2 most senior bats in the shed, Junee appeared to panic as the wickets came fast. Hayden Diggins felt the pressure of the others falling around him as he was the 6th wicket for 22 runs. Junee were unable to gain momentum until Ben Cook hit the crease at 7 for 69. Cook is showing plenty of promise and positivity, smacking the ball to the boundary. But it proved too hard to chase the total as Cook was caught for 39. Junee were able to get some pride back into their game as they were bowled out for 129. Junee let the game slip away which was very disappointing, but with one game left in their season, they remain tied in 2nd place.
“They will now face Stockinbingal Friday night under lights in Cootamundra. With two rounds left in the regular season, the Stallions must win as they have the bye and will not get any points in the final round. Let’s get around the team and cheer them on as they look to take this team into the finals. Let’s go Stallions.”
Fall of Wickets: 1-15 Ean Martin, 2-37 Trent Charlton, 3-42 Ovia Boge, 4-47 Tom Diggins, 5-48 Lachlan Philipse, 6-53 Hayden Diggins, 7-69 Brad Diggins, 8-93 Mea S Toua, 9-122 Ben Cook, 10-129 Riley Dobson
The Fisher Park game on Saturday will begin at 6:00 pm.
– Jack Murray
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