After losing the toss and being sent into the field, the Pirates suffered an early setback as opening bowler, Nathan Schaefer, broke down with an abdominal strain in the first over. However, some tidy bowling from Elijah Blair (1-8 from 7 overs), David Moran, newcomer, John Murray and Matt Klose saw the visiting Pambula batsmen dawdle to 2-52 at drinks.

After drinks was a different story however, as further wickets brought about more aggressive batting from Pambula’s lower order. Klose and Moran, who had been the side’s misers, both conceded double figure overs. If it wasn’t for handy spells from Ben Potter (2 -30) and Lachie Brennan (1-15), the score could have been anything. As it turned out, the Pirates were set a par(ish) score of 164.

The return to the crease of the talented U17s keeper/batsman Alex Filmer-Smith, was a welcome sight. From the first ball, he was on the front foot and together with Adrian Ridgely (15), got the Pirates off to a flying start. Alex combined deft placement with booming straight drives before he mistimed a stroke to be caught and bowled for a score of 39.

At drinks the Pirates were 2 for 94 and coasting to the target score. As Moran and Murray departed cheaply soon after drinks, Elijah Blair (51 no) and Matt Klose (26 no) took hold of the contest and brought the game home with an unbeaten 55 run stand and 3.5 overs remaining. Elijah's innings was classy, and now that he has almost fully recovered from an early season injury, the talented all-rounder will be hard to keep out of the undefeated A grade side.

It was a clinical and positive batting performance by the Pirates and a big change from sluggish performances in the first two rounds.

Elijah Blair and Alex Filmer-Smith were the well deserving recipients of the Michaels at Dalmeny and Shell Narooma awards. Thanks to these sponsors for their valued support, as well as Club Narooma, Club Dalmeny and Richard Busuttil.

Next week it will be all hands on deck as the Pirates have to field teams in all three grades. New players are still very welcome. Training is on Wednesday at Tuross Oval at 5pm and on Friday at Dalmeny Oval at 4.30pm.