Stockinbingal made their second visit for the season to Cootamundra’s home of cricket Albert Park and elected to bat first but could only muster 64 runs.

The Crusaders were brutal in their reply, finishing 2/69 in just eight overs.

Stockinbingal lasted 21.4 overs and captain Brendan O’Callaghan top scored with 19, while Tom Campbell made 11 and Sam Larsen 10.

Bowling honours were again evenly shared - James Smith 3/16, Angus Rowan 2/2 from four balls, while earlier Dean Bradley took a bit of stick but finished with 2/32 from eight overs.

Set the very moderate target of 65 for victory and with rain spitting, Matt Berkrey and James Smith blasted 40 runs off the first three overs.

Berkrey’s innings featured five fours and a six before he was well caught by Jack Caldwell off a straight hit, while Smith made 28.

Stockinbingal opening bowler Sam Annetts felt the wrath of Berkrey’s onslaught, going for 35 runs in just three overs.

On Saturday the Crusaders will face a bigger challenge when the they take on stablemates Country Club at Albert Park, while Stockinbingal return home for the last time before Christmas break to take on Central Hotel. 

COY: 3 Matt Berkrey, 2 James Smith, and 1 Dean Bradley.

Breese and Jones destroy the Blues

Country Club opening bowlers Ryan Breese and Lyle Jones put the cleaners through the Family Hotel Blues at Clarke Oval on Saturday.

Breese grabbed 5/8 while Jones snared 5/4 as the Blues were bowled in 12.3 overs for just 15 runs. 

Earlier, Country Club batted first and made the competitive score of 155.

The Blues saw six ducks and Liam Frilay would have been at long odds to top score with 5 as he batted at number nine. 

In Country Clubs innings Charlie Tucker made his first ever 50, an innings that included six fours.

He and Lyle Jones added 58 runs for the sixth wicket with Jones capping off a great match remaining 23 not out.

Mick Butler is also a great asset to the Country Club side, batting at number four to make a breezy 39 runs.

Zac Oliver was the pick of the Blues bowlers capturing 3/37 from 7 overs while Mick Knagge, Joel Pearson, and Stephen Chant all captured two wickets each.

On Saturday Country Club return to Albert Park to play the Crusaders while the Blues have the bye. 

COY: 3 Lyle Jones, 2 Ryan Breese and 1 Charlie Tucker.

PK