Cobar Cowboys produced a disciplined all-round performance to claim a convincing 42-run victory over Bourke in their 40-over Brewery Shield cricket clash on Sunday in Bourke.
The Cowboys batted first and defended a competitive total of 7/183 before bowling their hosts out for 141.
Cobar’s innings began shakily, slumping to 4/31 as Andrew Bell (2/36) and some sharp fielding dismantled their top order batting.
Tom McKenna (10 runs off 7 balls) started brightly before falling, while both Fraser brothers, Alec and Mark, departed cheaply.
Niduka Gunawardana battled for 6 from 25 before being run out.
From the wreckage, Jake Harbison (55 runs from 54 balls) rebuilt Cobar’s innings with an important counter-attacking half-century, striking seven boundaries and a six.
His 70-run partnership with Tristan Everett turned the momentum.
Everett then carried the innings to safety with a composed and mature 71 runs off 84 balls (not out), holding firm as wickets fell around him.
His knock allowed Cobar to bat out the full 40 overs and reach 7/183, aided by handy contributions from Tim Hillam (17) and extras (16).
Chasing 184, Bourke made an excellent start through Adam McLean (51 off 57) and Hugo Ridge (30 off 59).
Their 85-run opening partnership stand set a perfect platform and had Bourke well ahead of the required run rate.
But once Ridge fell, caught and bowled by Nicola Harbison, the innings quickly unraveled.
McLean followed soon after, bowled first ball after drinks by Niduka Gunawardana, and despite a promising 23 from Arslan Ali, Bourke lost 10 wickets for just 56 runs, tumbling from 0/85 to 141 all out in 37.2 overs.
Cobar’s bowlers were relentless, led by James Anderson, who claimed 4/19 from seven overs, including three maidens.
His disciplined line sparked Bourke’s collapse.
Cobar’s representative season has also now finished.
Gilgandra will meet Dubbo in the final next weekend to decide the winner of the Brewery Shield competition.—contributed
