In cooler conditions last Sunday, Lachlan Cricket Council faced-off against Dubbo White in Round 3 of the Greg Griffith Shield - Under 16s Western Zone Cricket Competition.
Coming off two defeats to start their representative campaign, Lachlan were determined for a strong performance in front of their home-crowd.
A large contingent of local supporters surrounded the ground to watch the next cohort of aspiring western zone cricketers.
Dubbo White won the toss and elected to bat first on the picturesque ground.
The opening bowling pair of Zach Guy and Billy Baldwinson from Parkes bowled with precision and speed that continually troubled the Dubbo top-order which saw the pair collect one wicket apiece in their opening spell.
Latest Stories
The Dubbo score stood at 3-3 and Lachlan in an exceptional position early.
As confidence levels grew among the Lachlan outfit, the wickets continued to tumble for Dubbo much to the delight of the jubilant Lachlan spectators.
The introduction of Max Hazell, Luke Beasley and Harry Yelland into the bowling attack brought immediate success.
Luke collected 3 excellent wickets with precision and great line and length to finish with 3/2 off 4 tight overs.
Talented off-spinner Harry Yelland captured 2/1 off 2 overs and Max Hazell (1/11) removed the key wicket of Lewis Blizzard after he topped scored with 8.
Dubbo was eventually bowled out for 27 in just 19.1 overs with Ellijah Turner taking the final wicket with his first delivery of the match.
Lachlan were quick to chase down the total with Jayden Kuun (12no) and Callan Venables (14no) hitting an unbeaten 28 runs and steering Lachlan to an impressive 10 wicket victory over arch-rivals Dubbo.
Both teams should be commended for playing the match in great spirts.
Lachlan will host Bathurst Gold in Forbes this Sunday in the round 4 fixture.
The Lachlan Under 14s suffered a 4-wicket defeat to Dubbo Blue in their final fixture of the season.
Needing a win to secure a semi-final position, unfortunately Lachlan were unable to defend their total of 168 with Dubbo securing the win with 9.5 overs remaining.
The Lachlan Under 12s were unable to continue their recent form, falling 66 runs short against Dubbo Blue.
Lachlan Under 12s, under the guidance of Peter Yelland, have improved significantly over the season and have secured a home semi-final after finishing the regular season in second place on the ladder.
Lachlan will play hosts to Bathurst at Grinsted Oval in Forbes on Sunday.
The winner will proceed to the Western Zone Grand Final on March 2.
