A CAVALIER batting performance from Cody Graham has put Ex-Services well and truly back in the finals mix after an upset win against Hillgrove in the Armidale and District Cricket Association.
Chasing Hillgrove’s 184 at Harris Park, Graham cleared the boundary four times in his stellar knock of 73, helping Servies win a thriller.
He put on a third wicket partnership of 97 runs with opener Luke Brown, who hit five fours and a six on his way to 56.
By the time Brown was dismissed, Ex-Services needed just 14 runs to claim victory, leaving Trevor Smith and Cam Mundy to do the honours.
It was a shock result for Hillgrove as the Colts did little wrong with the bat.
Opener Josh Croft set a good foundation with his 28, while Scott Brennan (43) and Brad King (56) were able to keep the scoreboard ticking along.
A five-wicket haul from Josh Boland kept Hillgrove from producing a massive score as he took the key wickets of Sam Sewell, Tom Armitage, Brennan, King and Paul Wright.
With two wins on the board, Ex-Services are equal on points with Easts and just two wins from the ladder leaders in a season where six matches have been played after round nine.
