The Boorowa Crocs suffered a heart breaking ten run loss to Harden at home in a loss they could pay dearly for.

Meanwhile in the city of Dalton, the Gators winning run came to a sudden halt when the locals won by three wickets in a good run chase by the Dingoes.

The Crocs bowled first against the Harden team and restricted the visitors to a very achievable target.

Harden made just 6/139 after 40 overs on a slow Boorowa outfield. Harden were 2/58 after 20 overs and although they struggled for runs, batting the allotted overs paid dividends. Best of the Boorowa bowlers were Nick Dwyer 3/17, Chris Dwyer 1/23, Alex Blomfield 1/22 and Jye Paterson 1/22.

In reply, Boorowa began steadily through Phil Coggins and James Green, reaching 31 before the first wicket went down. Boorowa began to struggle at 4/71 after 20 overs but even at 7/126 requiring just 14 to win in nine overs, they should have won.

However the last three wickets fell for just three to be all out for 129.

It was a much higher scoring match in the Gators encounter with Boorowa batting first and making 214 being all out in 40 overs.

Andrew Burns made an enterprising 68 whilst Chris McIntosh held the innings together with a well compiled 44 not out.

In reply, Dalton looked in control for most of the innings being 2/110 after twenty overs.

They reached the target at 7/215 with three wickets and three overs to spare.

Simon Pye picked up 3/18 for the Gators whilst Russell George 2/26, Mick Canellis 1/11 and Chris McIntosh 1/20 being the wicket takers for Boorowa.

This weekend’s final round before the semi-final is crucial for several teams, none more so than the Crocs.

The Boorowa Gators cannot be knocked out of the top two regardless of whether they win or lose their last game.

However Murrumbateman could still take first spot if the Gators lose.

Although having lost the same amount of games as the Gators, the Crocs find themselves in a precarious position due to having the most wash outs of any team in the competition.

If they win and other results go their way, they can still force their way into a top two spot and a major semi-final. 

A loss may see them drop as low as fourth and have to play an elimination final away from home.

There’s plenty to be played for with the teams running in the bottom half of the ladder set to play off for a C-Grade trophy.

The Gators and Crocs have played once this year with the Crocs coming out on top. However Saturday will see the Gators start as firm favourites. 

The Gators are strong in both batting and bowling whilst the Crocs will rely heavily on their bowling outfit to get the job done. 

In a sense, both sides have nothing to lose, as both will play semi-finals the following week, but winning form is good form and it’s highly likely these two teams will play again in the finals series.

See you at the rec ground this Saturday for what should be a great day’s cricket.