Gunnedah’s semi-final hopes suffered a major setback in the MA Connolly Cup as Narrabri inflicted a 136-run beating at the Narrabri-based Collins Park last Sunday.
With Gunnedah coming off a 56-run victory against Moree while Narrabri came off a 43-run loss to Gwydir, Gunnedah came back to earth while Narrabri needed a win to keep its semi-final hopes alive.
After the hosts posted a total of 5-199 in their 40 overs, the visitors folded for 63 in 24.4 overs.
Having been Gunnedah’s batting star with 59 against Moree, Ash White dismissed Narrabri’s openers last Sunday to have the home side in trouble at 2-23 before a 73-run stand unfolded.
Jack Tate was chiefly responsible for Narrabri’s solid total as he struck six fours and four sixes in his 76 at number four. Tate’s dismissal left the hosts 5-150 with seven overs remaining, before Cooper Brayshaw and Matt Bradshaw put on an unbroken 49-run partnership.
White was Gunnedah’s standout bowler with 2-19 from eight overs.
Gunnedah opener Justin Carter top-scored in the run chase with 17, and the next best two scores were just 12 and 10 as wickets fell rapidly.
Dylan Segundo was the pick of Narrabri’s bowlers while Tate completed a fine all-round display with 2-7 from four overs.
Gunnedah’s finals chances will be decided this Sunday as the team hosts Gwydir at Wolseley Park, after Gwydir defeated Moree last Sunday.
Narrabri 5-199 (Jack Tate 76, Cooper Brayshaw 34 not out; Ash White 2-19, Braith Winsor 2-40) defeated Gunnedah 63 (Justin Carter 17; Dylan Segundo 3-15, Jack Tate 2-7) by 136 runs.
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