The latest round of the Monaro District Cricket Association One Day competition witnessed thrilling encounters and impressive performances across the board, with Jindabyne taking the top spot on the ladder.
In an important clash, the Jindabyne Tigers visited Bombala, where Bombala chose to bat first after winning the toss. Opening batsman Mark Tonks set a promising tone by scoring 42 runs before falling victim to the skilled bowling of Jindabyne Captain, Lucas Rixon. Jason Cikos, maintaining his remarkable season average of 70.13, added 47 off 28 balls contributing significantly to Bombala’s total.
PHOTO: The ‘on-fire’ Jason Cikos carefully watches as the Jindabyne Tigers look to pounce CREDIT: Joey Sullivan.
Joey Sullivan’s disciplined 24-run innings brought Bombala to a score of 139, all out by the 29th over. Rixon’s prowess was central to Jindabyne’s bowling attack, claiming 3/39.
Jindabyne’s reply saw a stellar start from Issac Dawson, who remained unbeaten on 60, and Luke Saare, who scored 24. Together with a solid 35 from Dave Tickell, the Tigers were well ahead and finished strong with a contribution from Rixon. Despite Brent Lucas’s best efforts for Bombala, capturing 1/20 in 5 overs, Jindabyne secured a comfortable victory.
As Bombala looks to refine their strategies, a spokesperson for the club said, “The match was played in great spirits, and Bombala would like to extend appreciation to Jindabyne for their sportsmanship and banter throughout the day. Bombala will look to bounce back in their fixture next week against Rhythm at Nijong Oval, working on middle-order stability and tightening our bowling.”
Meanwhile, at Nijong Oval, Cooma Titans emerged victorious over Rhythm Cricket Club. The Titans overcame early setbacks with cohesive performances from their middle order. Hassan Nawaz (44), Mirza Zeeshan (42), and Moshin Imran (41) were instrumental in setting a challenging target of 226. Gus Brabham’s commendable 3 for 39 for Rhythm provided some resistance.
Rhythm’s chase began promisingly but faltered under increasing run-rate pressure. Despite Stuart Wood’s 37 and Nemasha Ambagahawatte’s 32, Rhythm was all out for 127 in 31.4 overs. The Titans’ strong bowling attack were hard to get away and pivotal to their win, each very economical, but there was one standout performer, Babar Rehman 6/8 from just 3.4 overs.
The Berridale Whitetails hosted Dalgety Cricket Club with Berridale opting to bat first. Despite setbacks, including the early loss of Captain Russell Haylock, Thomas King’s brisk 31 and Justin McCarey’s consistent 49 anchored the innings. The team totaled 175 before being dismissed.
Dalgety’s John Stanford showcased his prowess with a rapid 59, guiding his team to a victory with contributions from a disciplined middle order.
Reflecting on the match, Dalgety’s Simon Freebody expressed enthusiasm: “Today’s match in Berridale was a fantastic effort and proves we can mix it with the best.”
With Jindabyne leading the ladder on 29 points, important battles loom next week as the competition intensifies in the final rounds. Next week Rhythm host Bombala, Dalgety travel to Jindabyne, Coffey’s host the Cooma Titans, and Berridale have the bye.