Winning Colts pile on runs, the Diggers... not so much
THE Warwick Hotel Colts' top batters were able to hold off the RSL Diggers bowlers and take full advantage of the batsman-friendly pitch at Slade Park on Saturday.
Colts opener Matt Elford was bowled by Brett McEvoy early on but Brendan Iles and Maugan Benn managed to get some rhythm back.
Iles clocked up 25 runs before being given out for an LBW off another one of Brett's balls.
Cam Peterson was next to take the crease, forming a magical 95-run partnership with Benn.
Peterson nabbed a total of 53 runs, which included seven fours and one six, before being caught by Jamie Saunders.
Benn hit five fours but was caught out by wicketkeeper Mitch Siebenhausen with a solid total of 41 runs.
The Diggers started to get some control back, sending John Cleary for five, James Olsen for zero and Donald Miller for six.
But Adam Byrne had little trouble dealing with the Diggers bowling side, reaching 31 not out.
Chris McEvoy was the Diggers' best bowler on the day, taking four wickets for 20 runs during his eight overs.
Noel Knight was close behind with four for 50 from eight overs.
With the Colts all out and sitting on 193 the Diggers knew it was not going to be an easy chase.
Things did not go well for the Diggers side, losing opener Jeff Morris for zero and Siebenhausen for six.
Colin O'Brien was the team's top scorer with 17 runs before being bowled by Elford.
Colts bowler Rod Hansen was the hardest to deal with, taking three wickets for 15 runs in just five short overs.
Elford also put on a good show with five wickets for seven runs and Cleary racked up one wicket in his eight overs - sending the Diggers off the pitch for a total of 58.
Cleary said it was great to finally get a win under their belt.
"It is good to have a comeback. We have had a few losses in the past few weeks," he said.
"Everyone showed up ready to play as a team and that is what helped us."
Cleary said having Peterson and Benn in good form was also a great advantage.
Grab a copy of tomorrow's Daily News for the results from the Maryvale and Wheatvale clash.
