IN Hastings Cricket, the first-grade Port City Leagues Magpies are in danger of missing the finals unless they can dismiss Wauchope cheaply in their second innings and then go on to claim an outright victory at Oxley Oval on Saturday.
At stumps on day one, Wauchope held a 62-run lead with eight wickets in hand – after earlier claiming first innings points in what was a tough day in the office for both sides, where there was an astonishing 22 dismissals.
Batting first, the Magpies bowled out the opposition for 92 with Jesse Schmidt, Craig McElroy and Chris Cole each claiming a brace of wickets. In response, the home team was dismissed for a paltry 56 with McElroy top scoring on 13 not out.
Wauchope then returned for their second dig and finished the day at 2/26.
The result of the Camden Haven-Comboyne clash will also have an impact on the final top four placings. With one game to play the second-grade Port City side – led by Jamie Hall – has wrapped up the minor premiership with a comprehensive 180-run victory over Comboyne at Andrew’s Park.
The Magpies declared at 8/253 in the 34th over before knocking over the Tigers for just 73. Nathan Marsh top scored with 104 not out, with B.J. Schneider hitting 52 runs while Sean Staniforth returned from injury and claimed impressive figures of 3/10 with the ball.
The third-grade Swoopers have taken out the minor premiership in their division after a scratchy three-wicket win over Wauchope Red at Wood Street. The visitors were dismissed for 99 with Ryan Doherty picking up 4/32 before Jamie Glason (29 runs) and Ray Atkins (28) steered the ‘Pies home with the bat.
The 3rd-grade Strikers qualified for the finals finishing in sixth spot after beating Camden Haven Black by 65 runs. Sam Frecklington (43 runs) and Les Witts (42) guided the Port City side to 6/165 before Rob Mooney (2/12) and Adam Power (2/18) led the way to have the Havens all out for 91.
In fourth-grade, the Leagues ‘Pies lost to the Pirates Rum Runners by five wickets despite the best efforts of Brian Knight with 49 not out and Ian Dickson’s 3/32.
