The Western Wildfires Masters Cricket team travelled to Dubbo to take on the very strong Macquarie Valley team on their home ground.
Wildfires batted first making a competitive 9/143 off their 40 overs. Kim Taylor made 27 no and was supported by Nev Castle with 25 no and Sandy Cox making 23.
However, the score made by the Wildfires was never enough with the Dubbo side only losing 3 wickets in achieving the win but they did take 36 overs to reach their target. All 3 wickets were taken by Steve Cronin who was the well deserved Man of the Match for the Wildfires.
The following week saw Glen Campbell and Nev Castle playing with the Central Coast in the 70s against Sydney helping them to a rare win.
Both players had a good day with Glen making 18 retired and Neville 26 retired and although both went wicketless, Glen bowled his last 4 overs for only 8 and Neville bowled 6 overs for 9.
The Wildfires 60s team is heading to Maitland to play the State Championships and try to defend their title from last year.
Meanwhile, Glen and Neville will again combine with the Central Coast for the 70s State Championships in Port Macquarie.
Wildfires Season Begins
The Wildfires Veterans Cricket team have begun this years season with a trial game at Saville Park in Portland followed by their first real game against Central West in Orange.
The trial in Portland saw the Wildfires play a combined Hampton/Hartley team. The purpose was to give as many as possible a bat and bowl under game conditions.
Scores were roughly equal at the end with some even getting a second bat, but a reasonably useful hit-out for everyone.
A lunch barbeque was cooked by Chris Menchin (a former Wildfire) and enjoyed by both teams at the Portland Bowling Club, one of our sponsors.
Orange was the venue of the first actual game with the Wildfires coming out on top. Central West made 7/157 off their 40 overs. Central West only made 26 off their first 12 overs and were 65 at the 20 over drinks break before eventually making their 157. Steve Walsh took 2/22, with one wicket each to Nev Castle, Mark McGrath, Adam Hawken, Kim Taylor and Mick Byrne.
In reply Wildfires were 5/162 with 7 overs remaining. Mark McGrath completed a very good day with 40 retired. Captain Kim Taylor made a good 26, helped by Clive White 22no. Nev Castle 21 retired, Glen Campbell and Chris Cox both making 17 and Steve Walsh retired for 16.
The Wildfires next play Macquarie Valley in Dubbo before the state championships in Maitland later in October.
