Unfortunately that dream came to an end for the Crocs as they suffered a five wicket defeat at the hands of Binalong.

However the Gators continued their unbeaten run with an emphatic nine wicket win over Bookham and have sounded an ominous warning to the eight other teams.

The Gators fielded one of their strongest teams yet and upon bowling first had the Bookham team reeling early at 5/32 in the first 15 overs.

Only a middle order fightback saved Bookham from total collapse as they reached 5/92 before the tail enders capitulated to be all-out for just 102.  

All of the Boorowa bowlers were exceptional but the pick was young gun Matt Canellis who picked up 4/12.

Other wicket takers were Russell George 1/23, Stuart Gay 1/13, Tim Gregory 1/20, Mitch Clarke 1/21 and Andrew Burns 1/9.

On the fast outfield at Bookham, this total was never going to be enough and the Boorowa openers Brendon Shean and Russell George put on a century for the opening stand as the Gators took just 22 overs to run down the total.

Russell finished not out on 59 whilst Brendan fell just short of a half century on 49.

Meanwhile back in Boorowa, it was a totally different story.

The Crocs won the toss and batted but it was slow going early with just 3 runs coming in the first five overs.

Boorowa reached just 3/45 in the first twenty overs against some tight bowling.

The innings never gained any momentum as the Crocs were dismissed for just 97 in the 39th over.

James Green was the pick of the batsmen with a patient 33.

It was going to take a massive effort from the Crocs bowlers and whilst they did dismiss five batsmen, they just didn’t have enough runs in the bank.

Binalong past the score in the 29th over.

Jye Paterson took 2/21 for the locals and was well supported by James Green with 1/10 and Jacob Piper with 1/0.

Skipper Chris Dwyer pulled off a stunning run out for the other wicket.

This weekend sees a massive end to the competition before Santa arrives.

The Gators have the bye on Saturday whilst the Crocs play a crucial home game against the Dalton Dingoes.

Dalton and the Crocs both need to win to stay in touch with the competition leaders.

Then on Sunday, it’s the long awaited local derby between the Crocs and the Gators which was a deferred game from earlier in the season.

The Gators should start favourites being unbeaten, whilst depending on Saturday’s result, the Crocs may be really desperate for the win.

The Gators appear to be strong in both the batting and bowling departments whilst the Crocs do rely more on their bowlers to get the job done.

Don’t forget the huge Xmas sevens tournament on the following Saturday at the recreation ground and by now all eight teams should be in full training.

More details on this next week but suffice to say, if you like big hitting and plenty of laughs, the rec ground will be the place to be come 9am on Saturday, December 23. 

On the National scene, it’s hard to see England troubling Australia in Perth where they have not won an ashes test in several decades.

It is tipped to be a batsmen’s paradise and no doubt if Root wins the toss this time he won’t be bowling first.

For the Aussies, this could be the Dave Warner show.

If he gets himself in on this pitch, it should be compelling viewing.

With the big bash on the horizon, let’s hope the ashes series won’t see another test drubbing and be overshadowed by the Pyjama circus.

It should be a cracking Big Bash and a great way to spend your balmy summer evenings in front of the goggle box.

See you at the rec ground in Bay 13 and 14 for some outstanding local cricket this weekend.