Stribley Shield final | Cootamundra defeat Wagga

The match at McPherson Oval in North Wagga saw the home side win the toss and bat, but could only muster 91.

Cootamundra, with a couple of hiccups along the way, cruised to victory in the 16th over to finish with 6-92.

The catalysts in Cootamundra’s win was their two quicks, Dean Bradley and David Garness – both quicks bowling unchanged, which saw, Wagga reduced to be 7-64 after 20 overs.

Bradley grabbed 3-23 from his ten overs; while Garness a little more expensive snared 3-38 from his ten overs.

For his outstanding performance with the ball, Bradley, the Cootamundra captain was rewarded with the man of the match performance, named in honour of the late Arthur Stacey OAM, a cricketing legend of Temora.

Cootamundra’s two other quicks, Gene Kessell and Nathan Corby, wrapped up the Wagga innings with Kessel finishing with 2-6 from four overs and Corby 1-21 from 4.5 overs.

Wagga innings lasted 28.5 overs.

Wagga captain Jono Nichol, playing his last representative match, top scored with 20.

Set just 92 runs for victory, Cootamundra got away to a sound start with openers Brendan Gale and James Smith.

Gale made 10 and Smith second top score with 19.

There was a bit a clutter of wickets with Adam Twyford for 15, Matt Berkrey for 12 and Garness for a duck.

Darren Connell steadied the ship showing all of his experience to finish with 23 not out.

Wagga opened the bowling with leg spinner Lachie Skelly who is the leading wicket taker in Wagga cricket.

The talented spinner although a little expensive, finished 4-47 from eight overs.   

The win by Cootamundra was their first in the Stribley Shield since 2013-14 and their first win away from home since 1999-2000, when they defeated Wagga by 18 runs at the Wagga Cricket Ground.

Cootamundra’s win was their 18th overall, which includes the first Stribley Shield title in 1951-52.

In the past 21 Stribley Shield finals, Cootamundra has appeared in 16 finals for a 9-7 won loss.  

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