Nathalia wrapped up a comprehensive first innings victory against Tocumwal in the Premier Division of the Murray Valley Cricket Association on Saturday.
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Resuming at 2/40 Nathalia needed 55 runs to win the game. Andy Arthur (1/56) picked up the wicket of Clay Stevens early but it was the only joy the Bloods would have early.
Ash Quinn (159) and Scott Morris (62) slowly but surely chipped away at the deficit and the Bloods were their own worst enemy with a couple of chances going astray.
Quinn was very measured early and Morris struggled for timing as the Bloods bowled as well as they had all season long.
Jesse Barker (3/66 off 23 overs) and Chris Shaw (3/59 off 18) bowled tirelessly and ensured the Purples earned every run.
With the win achieved it seemed the Purples were quite happy to keep batting and with other results going their way, they had no need to chase an outright victory.
After a couple of hours play, and a run rate of just over three per over, the Bloods were doing a solid job in the field but couldn’t find the wickets they needed.
Morris eventually departed to a good catch by Arthur but the runs began to flow from Quinn’s willow.
Spinners Matthew Wilson (2/52 off 13.4) and Andrew Lean (0/53 off 13) bowled very well but it was Quinn’s day as he blasted into triple figures.
Finally the Bloods made inroads with wickets beginning to fall.
Barker, Wilson and Shaw all got in the wickets before Quinn was finally dismissed for 159 to an athletic Reilly Rennick catch at deep mid-on.
The carnage ended when Wilson snared the last wicket of the day with the score 358.
The win sees Nathalia facing an elimination match against Katamatite to secure the last finals spot while the Bloods will travel to Deniliquin for the final game of the season.
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The Division One Bloods were blasted off the park by Nathalia on Saturday.
Batting first Tocumwal were bundled out for just 51 inside 30 overs in a disastrous display.
Spencer Dines (11) was the only player to reach double figures while the sundries was the top score with 12.
Veteran Dale James took a spectacular 5/4 from his eight overs as the Bloods capitulated to their worst defeat of the year.
In reply the Purples wasted little time to wrap up a big win reaching 1/52 in the 17th over with Adam Zammit (24 not out) and Phil Carroll (15 not out) getting the hosts home.
Division One can bounce back this week against Cobram in the final game of the season.
The Division Two Bloods fell short of victory by 29 runs against CYU on Saturday afternoon.
The Blues reached 6/149 from its 35 overs but the Bloods were skittled for 120 in the 30th over of the contest.
The Division Two Bloods host Deniliquin in the final home and away match of their season on Saturday.
A win could see the team make finals given the tightness of the ladder.
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The Under 16’s are into the finals after a strong victory against Finley/Jerilderie last weekend.
Chasing the Combines 125, the Bloods scored a two wicket win thanks to some great batting from Tom Oliver (19) and Chase Hardwidge (22) at the top of the order.
Runs from Harvey White (11)and Tom Barker (22) in the middle order ensured a tight finish was on the cards before a splendid 24 from Kalle Stewart got the Bloods home.
Some costly extras from the Combine ultimately cost them dearly.
As a result of the win, the Bloods will now play Cobram on Friday night under lights at Barooga for a place in the Grand Final.