HILLGROVE consolidated top spot in the Armidale District Cricket Association second grade competition after defeating Ex-Services on Saturday.
A half century from Alex Brown helped the Colts eke their way to 6/216 after winning the toss and batting at Lambert Park.
Brown (61) had support from opener Andrew Byrne (20) and fellow middle-order batsmen Hugh Reeves (30), Lochlan Elks (20) and Byron Whackett (35).
Ex-Services quick John Elliott was the best of the bowlers with 3/62 from his 10 overs, while Nick Levy returned 2/34 from his nine.
In reply, Services never looked like challenging as wickets fell regularly on the slowing pitch.
Trevor Smith added 32 before he was bowled, while Dale Northam and Tom Heffernan each added 19 in the middle order.
In the end, Ex-Services was bowled out for 130 in the 27th over.
Wickets were shared around, with Max Laurie and Tom Benthall each snaring three, while Michael Frost returned 2/45.
Hillgrove’s win moves it four points clear at the top of the table, ahead of Servies, Barbarians and Guyra.
Guyra consolidated fourth position when it beat the Baa Baas at Moran Oval.
On an up-and-down wicket, the Spuds did well to score 151, with the bulk of the runs coming in the final 10 overs.
At one stage the visitors were 8/53, but Justin Ryan (54) and Bruce Coppock (34 not out) combined to give Guyra a competitive total.
The Barbarians lost regular wickets in response and fell well short after being bowled out for 118 in 30 overs.
Skipper Brad Rafferty was the only batsman to make an impact as he scored 40.
Shane Wolfenden did the damage with the ball to finish with 4/10 from four overs.
In the other second grade match, Easts defeated TAS at Harris Park to keep its finals’ hopes alive.
