LDCA A grade cricket
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NARRANDERA continued an unbeaten start to its one-day title defence with a narrow two-wicket win over the Phantoms at Mark Taylor Oval on Saturday.
However, it was only narrow in the wickets column with the Carpheads chasing down the seemingly challenging total of 144 to win with an easy 14 overs to spare.
Losing the toss, the Phantoms were sent in to bat on a deck that seemed to hold up a bit, prompting expansive shots from the outset.
After losing Simon Wallace (12) and John Gray (4) relatively early, Steven Weckert (54) got his side scoring quickly while Tim Rolls (17) dropped anchor in a significant supporting role.
However, once that pair fell, Richard Keith (24no) was left to hold the innings together as his partners displayed spirited batting, but failed to stick around.
The Phantoms put on a respectable 143, despite not being able to bat out their overs.
Narrandera opening bowler Jacob Anderson (3-23) did the early damage, taking the first three wickets before captain Lachie Jess (3-15) did his damage in the lower order. Jono Doyle took 2-35 and Rohan Rehwinkle grabbed the final wicket off his second delivery.
The Carpheads bat deep and early wickets would be the key to a Phantoms win.
Like several of the Phantoms batsmen, Brent Lawrence (4) started with a boundary before being trapped lbw by Adam Hopkins (2-38). Jess and Nick Hirst (11) grafted out some runs in his first hit on MTO before being caught and bowled by Max Graham (1-21).
Craig Acton (4) didn't last long - becoming Hopkins' second victim - but Jess was still grafting away.
However, in a sickening blow, his innings was cut short on 36 when he top-edged a ball into his right eye and he spent the rest of the afternoon in hospital.
Rewinkle (43no) kept up the run rate along with Doyle (21) and only 30 runs were needed after the break for drinks.
With runs required diminishing and plenty of time left, the Carpheads did get the jitters, losing Doyle then Jamie Hutchison (14) and Anderson in successive balls.
However, just two runs were required and Lincoln Gooley (2no) had all the time in the world to wait for the delivery to push through covers for the victory. Weckert was the other wicket-taker for Phantoms, finishing with 3-34.