Dubbo produced a disciplined and clinical all-round performance to defeat Cobar by 86 runs in their Brewery Shield fixture on Sunday at Ward Oval.
The visitors defended a solid total of 8/208 before bowling out the Cobar Cowboys for 122 in 30.4 overs.
Electing to bat first, Dubbo found themselves in early trouble after the loss of three quick wickets.
At 3/32, Cobar were well on top at this point in the match but several dropped chances saw the momentum swing with Dubbo who went on to eventually compile a steady 8/208 from their 50 overs.
Cobar’s attack worked hard on a surface that offered reward for good bowling, with Tristan Everett a standout with 3/46 from nine overs, including a wicket on his first ball.
Nicola Harbison (1/34 off 10), Prajwal ‘PK’ Kharel (1/25), and Slade Neale (2/34) kept Dubbo’s scoring in check with disciplined spells.
Chasing 209, Cobar’s innings never recovered from a devastating opening bowling spell by Dubbo captain Khurram Tahir, who ripped through Cobar’s top order batters on his way to a superb 5/20 from 5.4 overs.
Jay Egan and Jake Harbison were both removed for golden ducks in the first over of Cobar’s innings.
Further early strikes reduced Cobar to 5/19, leaving them with a mountain to climb.
Only Tristan Everett provided prolonged resistance, crafting a fighting 49 from 61 balls, striking six boundaries.
When Everett fell at 9/104, Dubbo were moments from victory.
Lower-order batter, Ryan Urquhart, finished unbeaten on 16, with solid support at the other end from Nicola Harbison (7), and the last wicket partnership managed to put on 18 runs making Dubbo work for their final wicket.
Cobar were eventually bowled out for 122.
Cobar head to Bourke this Sunday for Round 3 of the competition.—contributed
