DARREN Connell played a lone hand for Cootamundra as the home side was soundly beaten by Wagga in last Sunday’s round three of the Stribley Shield played at Albert Park.
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Connell fresh from scoring 72 for the Crusaders against Central Hotel on Saturday, stood head and shoulders above any other Cootamundra batsman, steered Cootamundra out of a very embarrassing situation as Cootamundra crashed to be 5/16 in the 9th over.
Connell was associated in a sixth wicket stand of 30 with Tom Grace, with the former Wallendbeen cricketer playing a defiant role in supporting Connell, the left hander made just one.
However, the partnership was like gold.
Then Connell received great support from David Garness for the ninth wicket, the pair took the score from 62 to 122, before Garness was caught on the long on boundary.
Garness finished with 17.
A seasoned cricketer Connell required a runner for his last few runs due an Achilles problem.
When Cootamundra’s innings finished on the last ball of the 48th over, Connell was unconquered on 75 as Cootamundra finished with a respectable score of 122.
Obviously, Cootamundra were missing several regulars, including the Berkrey brothers Luke and Matt, plus Brendan Gale and that reflected on Cootamundra’s top order.
At the luncheon interval Wagga were 1/22 from 12 overs. After lunch, Wagga went about their innings in a tradesman like manner.
... the partnership was like gold.
- Pat Kerin
Cootamundra dismissed Will Morley brilliantly run out by Tom Grace for 30.
With Wagga needing 10 runs to win, David Garness had Jono Nichol brilliantly caught by wicket keeper Mick Cronin for 8.
In the two previous matches against Cootamundra Nichol had made 106 not out and 135 not out in last season’s Stribley Shield final.
Wagga scored the winning runs in the 36th over to finish 3/124 with Harry Rosengren finishing with 59 not out.
The fielding by both sides was very ordinary and no fewer than 12 catches being dropped.
Wagga are now undefeated after three matches, while Cootamundra have recorded one win and two losses.
Round four of the Stribley Shield competition is on January 21 with Cootamundra hosting Young.
Cootamundra now turn their attention to the O’Farrell Cup challenge against Temora next Sunday.
