There were some close games and some surprise results as round 2 of the Mid North Coast Cricket Council's Premier League was finalised on Saturday.
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Already this year's competition is shaping up as a very open competition with all teams looking evenly matched.
At the picturesque Oxley Oval, Port City won the toss and decided to bat first against Wauchope and early on it looked like a good decision.
Openers Sean Minns 35 and the evergreen Gordan Scott 41 were doing it easy and scoring at a reasonable rate putting on 89 for the first wicket but after that wickets fell at a regular rate.
Port City lost 10 wickets for just 59 runs in a stunning collapse. There were eventually all out for just 148 runs.
Adding insult to injury, Port City will now be without star fast bowler Brendan Badenoch who broke a knuckle after being dismissed. He was unable to take any further part in the match.
Youngster Will Clarke, in only his second game of Premier League, turned the game when he came on taking 1 for 23 off eight overs restricting the scoring that helped the bowlers at the other end.
Matt Day chimed in with three wickets but the star of the day was all-rounder Nathan Lyon bowling his little mediums taking three for 11 with one of those wickets seeing the batsman bowled off a full toss in what Nathan explained was a planned move.
Wauchope then cruised to victory only losing four wickets in what was a very satisfying win for the club after a high turnover of players in the off season.
Lyon continued off from last year smashing a brilliant 81 runs and was well supported by Mitch Quinn 24 , Lindsay Hopper 17 not out and Matt Miller 13 not out.
Wingham started their season on a winning note against Taree West at Cedar Party Reserve.
Batting first Taree compiled 9-185 from 39 overs with P. Cox leading the way with a well compiled 79.
He was ably supported by captain Dean Mills 18, B. Polson 23 and J. McLeod 16.
Best for Wingham with the ball was JJ. McTaggart with four for 31 while wicket keeper B. Cole took three catches.
In their run chase, Wingham lost an early wicket but were in control and paced their inning to perfection reaching the target in the 38th over with the loss of six wickets.
B. Cole capped off a good game controlling the innings to finish unbeaten on 63. Other valuable contributors were opener R. Morris 24, M. Stinson 24 and all rounder McTaggart who backed up his effort with the ball to hit 32 with the bat.
The final match of the round took place at Wayne Richards Oval with United winning the toss and electing to bat first against the youthful Pirates.
Things didn't start well though with United slumping to six for 53 before fast bowler Justin Boyd came to the crease and turned the whole momentum of the match with a whirlwind 50 off only 38 balls. His innings included five sizes.
A. Pin 35 and captain Ricky Campbell 23 also offered some support as well as one of united favourite sons David Stone making 20 at the top of the order.
Adam Carroll and Brice Cook took two wickets each with Jarred Humphries being the star taking four for 13.
Pirates then set out about chasing 170 to win but fell short being bowled out for 156 in 38th over.
Too many players got starts for Pirates and didn't go on with it in what is a worrying sign as last week they had the same problem.
Only Connor Cook 54 off only 36 balls and Marty Moate 21 made valuable contributions.
Daniel Stone three for 22 off eight overs put the breaks on the Pirates batsmen but the pick of the bowlers was Justin Boyd who backed up his whirlwind half century in taking three for 30 off 8 overs.
There are no Premier League games this weekend.
Play recommences on November 2 with round 3 games featuring Taree West at home to Port City Leagues Magpies at Johnny Martin Oval; Wingham hosts Rovers at Cedar Party Reserve while Wauchope RSL is at home to United at Andrews Park. Port Macquarie Pirates will enjoy the bye.