FOLLOWING a disappointing opening round loss to ACT Southern Districts, Greater Illawarra Zone have rebounded in their second match of the NSW Country Championships at Hayden Drexel Oval.
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Visitors Newcastle, who defeated Riverina at the Berry Sports Complex on Friday, won the toss and elected to bat against Greater Illawarra – side that contained Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemens trio Daniel Gleeson, Blake Munilla and Nate Jones.
Batting first, reigning champions Newcastle posted 186 from their 46.3 overs – with Adrian Chad (60) and Joshua Geary (36 not out) top scoring.
With the ball, the hosts were best served by Rhys Voysey and Nate Jones, who finished with 3/41 and 3/42 respectively.
In reply, a courageous 86 from opener Graeme Batty and 58 from Mitchell Watterson steered Greater Illawarra to victory, reaching the target 4/187 with 11 balls to spare.
Ex-Servos’ Blake Munilla and Daniel Gleeson made zero and six not out respectively in the run chase.
Bradley Aldous was the pick of the Newcastle’s bowlers with 2/47.
Also on Saturday, ACT Southern Districts (211) defeated Riverina (161) at Berry – with ACT’s Thomas Vane Tempest (91) and Riverina’s Cameron Suidgeest (5/51) being the standouts.
On the third and final day of action, Greater Illawarra take on Riverina at Hayden Drexel Oval while Newcastle battle ACT Southern Districts at Berry.
Both matches start at 9.30am.