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Chasing Albion’s 263-run first innings score, the Kookaburras First XI barely missed a beat in Saturday’s Gunnedah District Cricket clash.
Slowly but surely, the Kookaburras kept the runs ticking over and the majority of its wickets intact.
After resuming the second day at 1-17, the side reached its target in the 77th over with five wickets to spare.
A considered 113-run knock by opener Cameron Milne led the run chase, backed by Bryce Johnson (95) who showed great restraint filling in for the absent Shayne Riordan from the first day’s play.
Albion bowler Andrew George did his best to entice play into the stacked off-side early in the piece but couldn’t get a bite.
The cautious Kookaburras pairing of Milne and Johnson was content to fend off unwanted deliveries and wait for more desirable offers from the bowlers.
George, together with fellow Albion opening bowler, James Mack, reduced the run rate almost to a standstill during that period.
Together they bowled nine maidens from 17 overs but still the batsmen refused to budge, with Milne surviving a number of LBW appeals.
After Paddy Paul went for a duck on day one with the score still zero, it wasn’t until 206-run mark that the second wicket fell – that of Johnson who was run out by James Mack.
Later in the match, Mitch Palmer held on to score 14 not out for the Kookaburras while Pat Rankmore made another 20 for his side until he was bowled by Jared Smith.
Smith was expensive late in the overs and finished with figures of 2-60 from 16 overs.
Mack bowled 15 overs for 1-48, George 1-44 from 20 overs while Andrew Darley was unlucky for his 0-13 off five.
Across town at Wolseley Oval, Court House took an eight-wicket outright win over Mornington.
Requiring less than 60 runs for victory in its second innings, Court House eclipsed the total in good time.
Ben Haire scored an unbeaten 23 runs and Brendan Smith 18 not out.
Earlier in the day, Mornington struggled for momentum in its batting effort.
Resuming at 3-5, the side was reduced to 5-19 and then 9-25 until a 11th hour rescue by batting number 11, Aaron Donnelly (43 not out) saved the team from complete disaster.
Court House bowler Farran Lamb tore through the Mornington line-up like butter and carved out seven maidens for figures of 6-12 from 12 overs.