Howzat! They did it again!

By Jon Kilby

Capping-off a championship season, Gilgandra District Cricket Association (GDCA), are the undisputed Champions of NSW Country Cricket, after winning the Macquarie Valley’s prestigious Federal Brewery Shield on Sunday.

The GDCA have now won the esteemed ‘Triple Crown’ of bush cricket, after victories in each of the Western Zone Plate, the Brewery Shield, and NSW Country Plate Finals — a truly remarkable effort for the GDCA, with the victory on Sunday topping-off an undefeated season.

Losing the toss and bowling first, Gilgandra didn’t get-off to the greatest of starts as Cobar flew-out of the blocks to be 1/40 after only eight overs. The run-rate, though, was pulled-back through some brilliant bowling spells from Baradine’s Ben Hjort with 0/17 off 10 overs, and Coonabarabran youngster, Cam Whittall gibing-up a miserly 0/8 off seven overs.

The spells from these two brilliant bowlers, gave the Cobar batters nothing to work with and this allowed Harry Willoughby to finish-off the Cobar innings bowled-out for 126 in the 47th over. In reply, Gilgandra were allowed an easy start from the Cobar bowlers with Gilgandra at 0/30 after just fourth over.

This, however, all changed as Ash Hazelton was dismissed for only four runs. Cobar’s bowling improved dramatically from thenon and they really made Gilgandra work hard to get to the below-par total. Gilgandra never looked fully in control and lost wickets on their way to chasing the 126 target.

Liam Zell was the pick of the batters, scoring a beastly 40 runs while hobbled by a calf injury. Zell also nearly carried his bat to the end in what would have been a deserving reward. The next best for GDCA was Matt Everett who scored 34. Gilgandra finally passed the total in the 39th over and, in the process, won their third final of the season.

The GDCA would like to acknowledge the Macquarie Valley Cricket Council (MVCC) for supplying the match balls, lunches, and umpires for the day. Both Cobar and Gilgandra appreciate the kindness provided by the MVCC and the supporters who were there for both sides. A final ‘thank-you’ must go to Matthew Zell for his unbelievable efforts for the GDCA representative side.

Bringing the team back from the wilderness, gaining sponsorships, organising playing gear, bus trips, accommodation plus many more hours behind the scenes. Without these thankless efforts, there is absolutely no way this GDCA team would have been able to achieve what they did.

•••

Bendigo Bank ABC Shield

In other cricket news, the Bendigo Bank regular season has wrapped-up with the top four now decided: USC/Marthaguy and Coonabarabran meet in the major final at Warren. Last season’s grand-finalists, Breelong and Gidgee, will also contest the minor semi-final at the McGrane Oval.

The Ossie Carrett Cup will also be contested this season, and will be played over two weekends.

•••

In their fixtures, Town Services and Biddon- Tooraweenah, will play their game at Tooraweenah, and Curban and Baradine will meet in the other match, with a venue and date to be determined later in the week.