Just one lusty blow separated the two teams with the Crocs winning a heart stopper over the Gators by four runs. After some early rain, the field still looked lightning fast. It was a far cry from the last meeting of the sides which was called off due to a water logged field.

No such concerns in this game played under a cloudless sky.

The toss took place in the spiritual home of Boorowa Cricket, the Courthouse bar about an hour before the first ball was bowled with Coggo winning a rare toss for the Crocs who elected to bat first.

The Crocs struggled early as the Gators went with the unusual tactic of opening with spin from one end and pace from the other.

It seemed to work a treat with the Gators continuing the combination for the majority of the first twenty overs.

The Crocs proceeded steadily to reach 2/37 in the 12th over before a collapse saw them reeling at 6/40 losing 4/3 in just three overs.

It may have been an early day before Cameron Johnston produced his best batting of the season scoring a useful half century for the Crocs.

He combined with Brad Rose who made a classy 57 not out in a seventh wicket stand of 85 to have the Crocs back in with a chance of posting a respectable score at 7/125.

Alex Blomfield chipped in down the order with a very useful 20, as the Crocs climbed past 150 and it was game on. 

The innings eventually wound up in the 35th over on 179 which presented a good total for the Gators to chase.

The pick of the Gators bowling was speedster Mitch Clarke who put in his best display of the season taking 5/18 and decimating a stump or two in the process. 

He was well supported by spinner Mick Elkins who made a welcome return to Boorowa cricket this season with 3/29. 

Other wicket takers were Murray Armour 1/29 and Mick Canellis 1/15.

In reply, the Gators went hard early through Anthony McMahon but he fell with the score on 19. 

Ben Doust and Mick Elkins then put on a useful stand of 51 to take the score to 2/70 in the seventeen over. With twenty overs left the Gators required a neat 100 with six wickets in hand. 

The game was set up for a grandstand finish and it didn’t disappoint. At 4/138 the Gators still required 42 off the last six overs.

In an effort to push for runs, they began to take more risks resulting in a steady flow of wickets. 

The Gators reached 9/164 after 38 overs requiring 16 to win off the last two overs. 

Mitch Clarke and Luke Syrec held the game in their hands for the Gators and with some clever batting from Luke in particular, it looked as though they would make the required target before Chris Dwyer knocked over Luke’s castle and the game was done. 

The bowling attack was led by Chris Dwyer who claimed the crucial final wicket and took 3/31. 

Alex Blomfield completed a good all round game with 2/21, Ryan Scott took 3/23 with Brad Rose 1/29 and Cameron Johnston 1/15 being the other wicket takers.

It was one of the best games of the season in the Yass competition and many thanks must go to the loyal supporters who witnessed such a good match.

This week’s sees the Gators stay at home against the Yass Golf Club Taipans whilst the Crocs go on the road to Murrumbateman in what looks like a very tough assignment. 

With just four rounds left until the semis, every game is vital. Join the teams back at the Courthouse Hotel on Saturday night and have a chance at the Jackpot Joker Draw of $1500. 

That would be a great way to cap off a big day at the cricket.

-Thirdman