Western Suburbs have recorded their second dramatic win in a row beating Kurri Weston by 11-runs after the Warriors appeared to be cruising to victory.
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Joe Connell in his first grade debut for Wests and co-skipper Mitchell Fisher took four wickets each as the Warriors crashed from 3/133 to be all out for 176 chasing the Plovers first innings total of 187.
The never-say-die victory keeps the Plovers in fourth place on the ladder equal on points with North Suburbs who defeated Eastern Suburbs by 39 runs at East Maitland Park.
Raymond Terrace and Kurri Weston are now locked on 21 points each after the Lions, led by 80 to Jaymes Thomas, had a five-wicket win against Thornton chasing down their target of 182 with four overs to spare at Thornton Oval.
City United are now 11 points clear at the top of the table after surviving a scare from Port Stephens to win by eight runs dismissing the Pythons for 173 in the 41st over after posting 7/181.
At Kurri Central, Plovers skipper Fisher gave Wests a glimpse of hope when Jason Lantry caught the in-form Casey Capper on 53 to leave Kurri Weston on 3/98.
Steve Abel picked up the running but was caught by Glyn Hayes for 37 off the bowling of Fisher to have the Warriors at 4/133 needing 35 runs to win. Fisher got his third when he dismissed Simon Marshall lbw for 31 and Kurri Weston were 5/148.
Kurri Weston’s batsman appeared determined to slog their way out of trouble and after Jo Connell was hit for 11 it was Tony Fuller’s turn with 14 taken from his over.
Connell was handed the ball back and it turned out to be the match-turning moment as he caught Daniel Foster in front of his stumps for seven to take his first wicket in first grade.
He picked up wickets in his next three overs, as Fisher (4-38) chimed in with his fourth. The amazing turn around was all over when co-skipper Tom Irwin caught Jack Sylvester off the bowling of Connell (4-28)
Fisher said he was incredibly proud of his side’s second gutsy win in a row.
“We just stuck at it, it looked like Kurri were cruising to a win, but the boys never gave up,” he said.
“We were in a similar situation against Easts the week before when Josh Hicks took to our bowling and threatened to get Easts home for an outright.
“We’re not the most talented team, but we are putting a lot of effort in at training with our fielding to get the most out of ourselves.
“Holding our catches and putting pressure on in the field helped turn the last two games in our favour.”
Fisher said he was delighted with Connell’s performance.
“Joe is a talented cricketer and I’d like to think he will get a lot more first grade wickets for the club into the future.”
