Gunnedah under 11s claim thrilling win

Gunnedah under 11s have produced a thrilling second win of the cricket season, overcoming Narrabri in a remarkable contest despite playing much of the match with two players unavailable.

Coached by Chris de Groot, the Gunnedah side showed plenty of determination and composure to chase down Narrabri’s total in a nail-biting finish, securing victory with just one over remaining.

Gunnedah went into the match already a player short following the withdrawal of Lachy Finnerty, while rising star Frank Plevey was unavailable later in the match, leaving the team two players down for the second innings.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Gunnedah endured a difficult start, with a series of overthrows and sundries helping Narrabri post 1-107 from 15 overs.

Narrabri then made an early impact with the ball, reducing Gunnedah to 3-11 after three overs.

However, Oscar de Groot and Bailey Irwin steadied the innings with an impressive 66-run partnership, both retiring to potentially return later in the match.

Gunnedah finished its first batting innings at 5-92, leaving plenty of work to do.

A half-time tactical discussion appeared to have the desired effect, with Gunnedah returning to the field with renewed determination.

Jack Wright set the tone with a wicket in his opening over, while wicketkeeper Ignatius Truter impressed with his work behind the stumps.

Tight bowling spells from Bastien Hallett, Henry McNamara and Darby Maher helped restrict Narrabri to 5-185, setting Gunnedah a target of 93 runs for victory with four wickets remaining.

Otto Duff and Angus Snape then combined for an important partnership to put Gunnedah back in contention.

Angus scored a valuable 32 runs before retiring, while Otto contributed 20 before being dismissed.

With four overs remaining, Gunnedah needed 32 runs with two wickets in hand.

Bailey returned to the crease and produced an explosive cameo, smashing 15 runs from just eight balls before being caught on the boundary.

That left Gunnedah needing seven runs from the final two overs, with just one wicket remaining.

Oscar de Groot and Angus Snape returned to the crease and showed remarkable composure, rotating the strike five times during the 29th over to keep the chase alive.

Needing just two runs from the final over, Oscar settled the contest in emphatic fashion, pulling the first ball to the boundary for four and securing Gunnedah its second win of the season.

While the victory sparked plenty of excitement among the players and supporters, coach de Groot said the most rewarding moment came after the match when the umpires and Narrabri coach congratulated the team on its conduct.

The young Gunnedah players were praised for their sportsmanship and the way they represented their town.