ILLAWARRA ended their NSW Country Championships carnival with a much-needed win over Riverina, but also with a deal of soul searching following disappointing losses to Southern/ACT and Western Zone in Wagga Wagga.
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Unbeaten Southern clinched the carnival with a five wicket win over Western (175) and face Newcastle in next Sunday’s title decider.
Illawarra ensured Riverina finished bottom of the Southern Pool after chasing down 155 in a six wicket win in Sunday’s round three.
Illawarra did a great job with the ball, while Mitch McCrae was outstanding with two catches and involved in two run-outs.
Xavier McDevitt (3-39) and Jamie Fleming (2-27) ensured Illawarra were always on top, while Kieren Richards (48) and Amit Balgi (34) anchored Illawarra’s victory with 12 overs to spare.
On Saturday, Illawarra were outclassed by Western, who easily chased down 152 in just 28.5 overs. Illawarra were 8-86 before Fleming (49) and Murray Crowe (31) added respectability.
Stephen Bunting (1-25) took a wicket for Illawarra in the first over, before Western opener Jordan Moran (58no) and Mitch Bower (90) comfortably dealt with the Illawarra attack with an imposing 142-run stand.
Illawarra will need to re-group, and with a different squad attempt to win two matches and claim the T20 Regional Bash at the SCG on Sunday week.
In the McDonalds Country Cup, Mark Rollestone took 7-41 as Northern Districts routed Kookas on Sunday. The Butchers are away to Wollongong in round three.
