Connell came to the wicket with his side in deep trouble at 4/24 chasing Country Club’s score of 9/140. 

With his son Ryan the pair added 31 runs for the fifth wicket, and then with Luke Berkrey they added 62 runs, Berkrey scoring 23.

The day belonged to Connell as he finished with a chanceless knock of 69 not out, his side cruising to victory in the 29th over to finish with 6/143.

The match ended with 52 year-old Mark Elia belting a four and a six off David Harris’s bowling as the Crusaders maintain top position on the ladder.

Connell, who is unavailable next Saturday, goes to the T20 Christmas break with a batting average of 131 and scores of 25 not out, 37 and 69 not out.

In Country Club’s innings, Cootamundra representative batsman Mick Butler top scored with 61 while other useful contributions came from Scott Roberts 16 and Dean Guthrie 15.  

Butler and Roberts added 58 runs for the third wicket.

Six bowlers captured wickets for Crusaders with Dean Bradley being the pick, capturing 3/23 from 10 overs.  

Country Club bowler Lyle Jones, who travels from Junee to play, finished with 3/36 from 10 overs while Ryan Breese snared 2/27.

A healthy crowd was on hand to witness this match in the idyllic surrounds of Albert Park, easily the most picturesque venue in the Riverina.

These two sides could compete for the silverware come March- the only other side that could have a say in proceedings will be the Central Hotel.

On Saturday Country Club face the in-form Central Hotel at Albert Park while the Crusaders play the Family Hotel Blues at Clarke Oval. 

COY: 3 Darren Connell, 2 Mick Butler and 1 Dean Bradley.