Young Guns, who are anchored on the bottom of the ladder, were drawn to play competition frontrunners Big O Blues in what was an obvious mismatch.

So when Ex-Services skipper Troy Tucker called correctly, many would have expected him to bat with the prospect of an early day at the office.

However, Tucker views season 2011/12 as a learning experience for his troops and the more cricket they play the better.

That’s why Tucker elected to bowl and, while Big O went on to post 7-222 from their allotted overs and then rolled Young Guns for 104, you have to applaud the

manner in which Tucker approaches the game.

Credit too to the Big O boys who,

knowing this was the last match before the competition splits in two for the run into the finals, opted to give their youngsters an opportunity to impress by elevating them up the order.

Unfortunately they couldn’t capitalise with Majad Khan (0), Zac Craw (8), Ryan Connell (1) and Jason Cronin (8) missing out on their chance, with the bulk of Big O’s runs coming from the blades of Gerard Guthrie, Matt Berkrey, Darren Connell and Scott Meale.

Guthrie and Berkrey took the score from 3-40 to 74 when the former knicked one behind to Hamish Pennington when on 32, with Berkrey continuing his purple patch to go on and make 43 before offering a chance to Luke Bailey off James Barrett.

The old firm of Connell and Meale added a further 65 for the seventh wicket, the runs coming in less than eight overs, before Meale had his stumps knocked over by Charlie Tucker on 38, leaving Connell (45 not out) and Wayne Berkrey (15 not out) to make the most of the final six overs.

Barrett bowled well to finish with 3-32, while siblings Charlie (2-22) and Jack

(2-19) Tucker were also rewarded for their efforts.

With a huge total to defend, Big O again offered an olive branch when it came to bowling, opting to open with Craig McTavish and Jason Cronin.