FIRST GRADE CRICKET
A disappointing batting collapse has ended Hawkesbury’s season prematurely after they suffered what turned out to be a narrow three-wicket loss to Eastern Suburbs.
Hawkesbury had travelled to Bondi on Saturday knowing they needed to win their last two one-day games to have any hope of making the finals.
Easts’ skipper Kevin Pillay won the toss and asked the visitors to bat in bowler-friendly conditions.
Pillay’s attack made the most of the new ball as a steady flow of wickets saw Hawkesbury bowled out for 121 inside 38 overs.
Dale McKay top scored with 27 in an innings where the highest partnership was the 24-run opening stand between Tim Wilson and Corey Lowe.
But to their credit Hawkesbury did not give up the fight.
Early wickets to Shane Mott (1-25) and Scott Heaney (2-35) saw the hosts in trouble at 5-44 in reply.
But a patient Greg Clarence innings (34 not out) was enough to get the Dolphins home with more than 10 overs remaining.
Hawkesbury captain Jay Dyball said the performance had been disappointing but praised the fight back from his team.
“I’m proud of the boys’ efforts with the ball but it’s one that got away,” he said.
“It was a disappointing game. We lost the toss and they sent us in. We could only manage 121 on a wicket which was a touch hard to bat on.
“We just couldn’t build a solid partnership. Also umpiring decisions didn’t go our way which didn’t help.”
Dyball said despite their low total Hawkesbury still had the opportunity to win the game.
“We were still in the game having them five for about 50,” he said.
“We dropped a chance that would have taken them to eight for 80 but we missed it.
“They fell over the line in a tight, low scoring game.”
Hawkesbury’s first grade team now have a week off to prepare for their final game of the season when they host St George at Owen Earle Oval on March 14.
*Heavyweights Bankstown and Manly-Warringah will meet in the first grade limited overs final on Sunday.