United’s round 10 Mid North Coast Premier Cricket League win over the Port Pirates was met with a sigh of relief from captain Ricky Campbell.
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Not since their round four victory over Nulla on November 4 has the side tasted victory.
“We finally got one,” Campbell exclaimed.
The Pirates were consistent in setting the total, finishing their innings on 6/154 from 40 overs.
Campbell was pleased with the side’s bowling attack.
“We bowled well early but they got away a bit there in the end,” Campbell said.
Tom Burley was the pick of the United bowlers with 3/22 from eight overs.
The reply could not have begun under worse circumstances as Danial Stone was caught for a duck on the last ball of the first over.
This brought Campbell to the crease.
Matt Collier fell soon after to leave the visitors 2/15.
Campbell then took a methodical approach to rebuild the innings and notch up a half-ton.
“I had the time to bat which was good,” Campbell said.
Tom Burley was dismissed for 19 before Campbell was caught on 52.
Liam Simpson (two), Zac Sheather (25 not out) and big hitting Matt Kennewell (40 not out) closed out the innings to record the win with 18 balls to spare.
“It was good to get a win for the end of the year,” Campbell added.
This was the second time the sides faced off this year following a comprehensive United win in round one at Chatham.
“They’ve got a few young fellas that will become good players,” Campbell said of the Pirates.
“They’ll be better in the next year or two which will strengthen the competition.”
United is caught in a tight tussle in the middle of the table, with just one point separating third to seventh.
Campbell remains optimistic that the side will feature in the playoffs.
“We’ve had injuries to key players and we’re only one point off second with a game in hand,” he said.
In other results, Wingham accounted for Nulla by three wickets while Macquarie chased down Wauchope RSL to take the outright lead in the competition.
The Rovers recorded their fourth win in a row after they defeated Port City Leagues Magpies.
The game was stopped due to bad light and gave the Rovers victory based on net run rate.
Taree West had the bye.
