Resuming on 4/16, Wingham lost a further two early wickets and, despite good knocks from Brad Staff and Matt Essery, could not haul in West’s total.

Young Taree West quick, Nayden Moriarty did the early damage, having Hayden Essery caught behind for a duck in the first over. Staff and Ben Scowen added 20 before Scowen was run out for 6 when sent back by Staff. There was no run there.

From there Staff and Matt Essery rebuilt Wingham’s innings with a 69 run partnership before Essery pulled a long hop to mid wicket and was out for 40. 

Staff was dismissed ‘a la Ravi Ashwin’, with the score on 159, hitting 13 fours and a six in a valiant 75. Mick Stinson made 18 before being Paul Cox’s first wicket, followed by Ryan Smoothy for 3. Jye Kleindeinst remained 3 not out.

Moriarty was willing and claimed 4/35 from 15 overs, while Sean Carr got 1/21 from 11 and Cox 2/8 at the end.

Taree West didn’t fare as well in their second innings, albeit two batters short.

They were rolled for 107 with Dean Mills top scoring on 56 after a few chances. Josh Meldrum contributed 28 and JJ Burton 13 as Mick Stinson stormed through the middle order to finish with 4/16. Staff added 2 for 35 to his first innings 5 for.

Wingham faced just eight overs in their second innings and posted 2/84 thanks to Scowen (37), Hynes (22) and Smoothy (17 not out).

Debutant Ryan Smoothy, 16,  experienced both highs and lows during the match, unfortunately finishing with a knee injury. 

Wingham takes on Old Bar at Old Bar in the final competition round while Taree West and United do battle. 

Meanwhile fighting knocks by Old Bar batsmen David Rees and Ben Cole frustrated United’s attempt to gain an outright win in the match at Chatham Park.

Rees made 90 and Cole 86 as Old Bar made their biggest score of the season – 8/291 declared. Both Rees and Cole batted confidently to defy the United attack.

Rhys Whitton scored 50.

United only had four bowlers available, as Tom Burley was a late withdrawal through sickness. Jackson Witt led the way with 6/70 for United in what skipper Ricky Campbell said was a commendable effort from the trundlers.

Campbell believes his side will have an 11 point lead over Wingham in the race for the minor premiership going into the final match of the season-proper starting on Saturday.