It’s been a slow start to the year for the Boorowa cricketers with a loss and a draw from the two games since resuming after Xmas.
Last Saturday saw the Criterion Shamrocks led by Publican Barry (Diamond Duck) McGahon visit the recreation ground, together with their loyal band of vocal supporters.
Unfortunately the game was interrupted by rain midway through the Boorowa innings and both sides shared the competition points.
Boorowa won the toss and sent the Shamrocks in claiming two early scalps to have the visitors at 2/18. Shamrocks made steady progress reaching 3/70 after 17 overs before a middle order collapse saw them slump to 6/76.
One could have been forgiven for thinking a bit of match fixing was involved, as Ex-Boorowa player Steven Barnes ran his skipper and publican Barry McGahon out for a rare Diamond Duck.
The Shamrocks did recover and set Boorowa a reasonable target of 176 for victory. Best of the Boorowa bowlers was Rick Bennett, Chris Turner and Dennis Watson with two wickets each whilst Chris Dwyer, Russell George and Jeremy Hewitt took one a piece.
In reply Boorowa began badly being 2/5.
Ross Gibson continued his good mid season form had smashed four sixes in an unbeaten 51 to take Boorowa to 5/76 in the 13th over when the heavens opened up.
With no further play possible both sides settled for a draw.
The first week back after the break saw the locals suffer a three wicket defeat at the hands of the improving Burrangong Cubs. Boorowa lost the toss and struggled for runs early reaching 2/21 in eleven overs that include a four and a six. Ross Gibson then took the long handle to the Cubs bowlers hitting a powerful 45 and was the top score in the Boorowa total of 154. Chris Dwyer also scored a handy 40.
In reply the Cubs struggled to reach 3/56 before a fourth wicket stand of 77 saw the victory set up. Despite a late surge by the Boorowa bowlers the Cubs scrambled home to finish on 7/158.
Best of the Boorowa bowlers was Rick Bennett with 3/26 and Chris Dwyer with 2/26. This week will see the lads have a break, as the annual sevens tournament will be held. Next weekend the side travels to Gus Smith oval No. 1 to take on Young JRL.
Contributed