Another hard fought, close match was played in the Twenty20 cricket competition on Friday night at Ward Oval where Bushies reigned supreme over the Back Door Bandits and won the match in the final over.
The Bandits won the toss and batted well to see out their 20 overs, setting a solid total of 156.
David Watson top scored for Bandits with 50 (which was brought up after being dropped on the boundary).
He was aptly supported by Thomas Plater (38) and Tristan Everett (29).
Wickets were shared around by the Bushies’ bowlers with Nicola Harbison, Tarun Bheemireddy and Graham Harbison all taking two wickets each.
The Bushies’ run chase started well with Tom McKenna and Anthony Mitchell setting an opening partnership of 48 before Mckenna was dismissed for 27.
Bheemireddy combined with Mitchell to add another 41 runs before Bheemireddy was dismissed for 32.
Jake Harbison chipped in with 38 before being dismissed in the last over with Bushies’ requiring five runs to win.
Some clinch batting by Isaac Theakston (with his highest ever batting score) off the remaining five balls got Bushies over the line.
Bandits’ best bowlers were Tim Hillam (2/14), Jed Noonan (1/16) and Matt Shephard who took two crucial wickets, with 2/24.
This week Howie’s Hombres will take on the Back Door Bandits in what is poised to be another tantalising night of local cricket!—contributed
