By MATT NICHOLLS
A DEVASTATING spell of bowling from Luke Brown saw Ex-Services defeat ladder-leaders Hillgrove for the second time this season in the Armidale District Cricket Association.
Defending 194 in the day-night match at the Sportsground, Ex-Services looked to be in bother with Hillgrove cruising at 0/63.
But the dismissal of Josh Croft for 36 broke the partnership between him and Michael Dawson (40) and Brown then proceeded to rip through the middle order.
As the sun set, the Colts went from 0/63 to 6/96.
Scott Brennan tried to stop the flow of wickets, but when he was caught off Brown’s bowling for 36, the game was all but over.
Brown finished with 6/24 from 11 overs as Hillgrove were rolled for 144.
The tall left-armer has been playing all season with Servies, but had been restricted to batting duties – up until Saturday’s match – after injuring his shoulder.
His all-round ability could be that extra ingredient Ex-Services needs to make the grand final.
The Servies’ innings was set up with a blister half-century by Cody Graham, who smashed two sixes and four boundaries on his way to 50.
Cam Mundy added 32 in the middle order, while Brad Widders wieled the willow late to make a valuable unbeaten 29.
In the other first grade match, City proved too good for Easts at Lambert Park.
While runs had previously been hard to score at the venue, City knocked up 9/268 in their allotted time.
Andrew Brownlie and skipper Steve Butler both made half-centuries, while Paul Woodford (28), Matt Morrow (27) and Karl Triebe (35) also made valuable runs.
Ben Welch was Easts’ leading bowler with 4/60, while Sam Uphill toiled away to finish with 2/40.
In reply, Easts made a game of it, but ultimately fell short.
Welch hit 33 at the top of the order, while wicketkeeper Matt Preston blazed 77.
City’s heroes with the bat also did the damage with the ball, with spinners’ Butler and Brownlie combining to take 4/73 and 3/52 respectively.
