Sunday saw the annual Mayors Cup game between the NW Rovers and Redpa being played at the West Ulverstone CC ground. Under cloudy skies stand-in Captain Nick Sallese picked correctly and asked the travelling team to take the field. Things didn’t quite go to plan for the home team with Hilfenhaus out facing his first ball. The run rate was going well, however wickets fell consistently, Enter Cooper (rtno 25) and Stone (rtno 40) to restore some stability to the team. Cole (29) helped the home team to score a reasonable 182 off the allotted 40 overs. Pick of the bowlers where Nicole 2/13 off 4 overs and Denison 2/21 off 6 overs.
After the innings break and a magnificent lunch once again, the Rovers made an instant breakthrough in the third over. Some good solid bowling saw the visitors get to the drinks break at 3/75. Gray (rtno 37) and Wells (rtno 41) turned up the run rate and proved to be the main stay of the Redpa innings. Denison showing his all-round skills also making 24.
The game was on an even keel all the way through with the Rovers rueing some dropped catches, which were pivotal for the Redpa team in their run chase. Needing 14 runs to win off the last four overs the Rovers turned to opening bowler Smith 2/11 off 6 overs and part timer Sallese 1/15 off 5 overs to try and stem the runs. With the field all in, some very tight bowling and fielding, the Redpa lads could not manage to find the runs needed still needing five runs to win at the end of their 40 overs.
Another fantastic day for Veterans’ cricket and the game was once again played in great spirits. The Rovers have now bragging rights for the next 12 months as holders of the Mayor’s Cup.
The cup was presented to the Captain Nick Sallese by Deputy mayor of the Central Coast John Beswick at the after-game function. Congratulations to everyone that had a hand in making this day a great success.