IN a history-making day for the Port City Leagues Magpies, all five teams recorded comprehensive wins on the same day in their four respective grades during last weekend’s round of Hastings District Cricket.
At Oxley Oval, the first-grade ’Pies defeated the Pirates by 72 runs with Tim Harris cracking 86 not out, Chris Cole 67 and Kyle Bray 45 runs.
Cole’s credentials as an all-rounder were enhanced when he claimed figures of 5/49 with the ball, while the return of captain Craig Grant was a successful one as the old timer turned back the clock with the gloves snaring three stumpings.
The second-grade Port City side overwhelmed Beechwood by 229 runs where Captain Jamie Hall led the way with 74 runs, supported by Nathan Marsh with 50 and Brenden Cunningham’s 39. Ben Hutchins then tore through the opposition with 5/15 helping to dismiss the home side for 101.
The third-grade Swoopers beat Wauchope Blue by 79 runs in a top-of-the-table clash at Sancrox. Batting first, Nik James (57 runs), Ray Atkins (54) and Dylan Lewis (35) flung the bat to all parts of the ground before part time swing bowler Brett Wasson picked up a career best 5/8 with the ball to complete the rout.
The third-grade Strikers were too strong for Macquarie winning by 92 runs with Josh Felton (47 runs), Mick Hourigan (42) and Clinton Cocking (40) getting on top the Dolphins while Luke Morrison took 3/25.
The fourth-grade ’Pies completed the clean sweep with a four-wicket win over the Pirates Sea Dogs where Mick Gordon smashed his way to 93 not out while Gareth Cairns destroyed the top order taking 4/26.
