THE clash of the two front runners on Saturday turned into an epic, as both sides struggled to get on top some tight and at times hostile Mallacoota bowling.
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Pirate captain Boyd Brennan decided to send Mallacoota into bat and the gamble soon paid off as they reduced the powerful Mallacoota batting line up to 4/33 at drinks. They never recovered from the early Pirate onslaught and limped to 9/86 after their 40 overs. Best with the ball were Far South Coast Cricket Association C Grade Champion player of the year Ty Hitchens 3/11, as the rest of the attack shared the wickets.
In reply the Pirate top order was soon under pressure as they were reduced to 3/34. Opener Brennan was joined by Steve Benic, they slowly chipped away at the total, but with score at 62 Benic fell for 20. With the game in the balance the Pirate side decided to finish the game after drinks. Brennan and Nathan McDairmid bludgeoned several deliveries to the boundary. With the score at 86, McDairmid was out for 14 and the game tied. Simon Hitchens finished the game off; while Brennan maintained his composure to bat through to remain 19 not out.
Celebrations erupted after the final run as the Southern Eurobodalla Cricket Club won its inaugural Far South Coast Cricket association Premiership.