FLANELLED FOOLS: 28 JANUARY 2017

Country leads by a mile, but others battle it out in the run to the finals

There were a couple of relatively easy wins in the Molong Oilsplus Cricket competition today.

At Hunter Caldwell Oval, Magpies batted first against Telegraph and scored 6-225 off their allocated 40 overs, with good innings from G Thomas (59 not out), J Gavin (35) and N Fisher (23).

Telegraph’s only multiple wicket-taker was S Twiss (2-30).

Molong Online does find the concession of 55 sundries a little careless.

In reply, Telegraph could only muster 128 off 38.3 overs, though G Miller (42) and B Brown (40 not out) obviously did their bit. A Osborn and Bodhi Johnson each took two wickets.

At the Molong Rec, Cudal scored 165, but that total was reined in easily enough by Country, who only lost three wickets in the chase.

On form, Country should account for Magpies pretty easily next Saturday, barring another forfeit due to bushfire, and retain a comfortable margin at the head of the table.

The other match, between Cudal and Telegraph, throws up the delicious prospect of three teams being equally placed for the run into the finals.

Country and Telegraph victories would see Cudal, Telegraph and Magpies all on 49 points, with one to be eliminated.