Workers Brace For Aberdeen Onslaught

Newcastle Herald

Friday January 28, 2005

Craig Kerry - Up the Valley

THE resurgence of defending Muswellbrook cricket champions Workers will be tested against new competition leaders Aberdeen tomorrow at Olympic Park.

Workers, still 14 points off the field in last spot, showed their first signs of life this season with a six-run win against Valley Souths at Olympic last Saturday.

Captain Brad Swann made the most of poor catching to hit 75 in Workers' 137.

Left-arm quick Scott Bailey then ripped through Valley's middle order to set up victory.

Bailey took 5-28 to help take Valley from 2-63 to 9-110.

Paceman Chris Merrick, having his first bowl this season after a serious shoulder injury, bowled Valley captain Mick Howarth (20) to end their chase on 131.

Earlier, Howarth (5-28) took his season wicket tally to 38 and Brian Scott snared 3-20.

"I think we thought we had the game in the bag, and that's probably why we batted like we did," Howarth said.

"Losing those wickets in the middle made it hard for the guys at the bottom, and they shouldn't have had to get the runs."

His opposite number said the win was a boost for his side's younger members who have filled the void left by several missing senior players.

"We haven't fielded anywhere near our strongest side this year, and we still won't for a couple of weeks yet," Swann said.

Workers' opponents tomorrow, Aberdeen, are on a high after reclaiming first spot with victory last week against Denman at Harrison Oval.

Teenage leg spinner Dean Jackson (4-25) and medium-pacer Grant Lloyd (3-31) bowled Aberdeen to victory as Denman fell for 136.

The result put Denman back to second on 32 points, two behind Aberdeen and two ahead of Valley.

Denman play Valley at Denman Oval tomorrow in the other game.

© 2005 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home