United Cricket Club defeat Wauchope RSL in the Mid North Coast Premier League

Wauchope lost the toss and were sent in to bat under a baking sun at Andrews Park on Saturday, November 2.

Opening batsman Quinn Pares was taken leg before wicket early on five runs, he was replaced by Lindsay Hopper who made 30.

Opening partner Nathan Lyon held the ship steady making 91 runs with 15 boundaries, including two massive 6s.

"There's a nice strong breeze out there which is making it a bit more comfortable and we're thankful for that today," said Hopper.

"We're in a really strong position in regards to run rate and wickets. We've got wickets up our sleeve for the last ten overs.

"At drinks we were talking about targeting the 160 or 170 mark, we're in a position to chase that and that would give us a good position."

Wauchope easily made their target and strode on to make a stand on 40 overs with seven wickets for 205 runs.

United needed a strong opening to match the tally and quickly made a start. Opening batsman Matthew Collier making 19 runs while batsman Danial Stone was run out on 18.

Brock Hynes and Aaron Pin put in the hard yards making 77 and 38 runs respectively to help complete the chase on eight wickets for 207 runs in the 37th over.

At Johnny Martin Oval, Taree West won the toss and decided to bat first. Taree wouldn't have been too happy with the way thing went, as they lost wickets regularly and were bowled out for 149 in just 35 overs.

Clint Simpson 34, Zac Sheather 31 and captain Josh Meldrum 35 all got starts but unfortunately the team needed one of them to go on with it. Spinner Jason Swain was the chief destroyer taking 4 wickets while Josh Felton and Zac Jones both chipped in with 2 wickets each.

Sean Minns then continued his good form belting 84 not out with 8 fours and 3 sixes. Luke Boxhall opened up with Minns and offered good support to compile a well earned 50. Magpies chased down the target only losing 1 wicket and finished the game off during the 26th over.

Wingham defeated Rovers in the other game with no scorecard available.

Wauchope Red 2nd grade batted first against Beechwood and new player Adam Calamari Murray was in a class of his own as he compiled 95 not out as Wauchope amassed 5 for 285 from 39 overs. Murray was well supported by Andrew Hamilton 46, Zane Haywood 30, Ben Brown 31 and Mark Rose 38 not out.

Beechwood were then never really in the hunt as they finished their overs on 7 for 156 with Ken Ogilvie taking 2 wickets with the other bowlers chipping in with 1 wicket each.

Wauchope Blue 2nd grade then nearly stole their game from the jaws of defeat as they played out an entertaining tie. Batting first Pirates were bowled out for 177 with youngster Kade McKenna bowling a great spell of fast bowling to finish with 2 for 28 with Brad Baxter also claiming 4 for 45. Only batting with 10

Wauchope slumped to 7 for 92 before Josh Postle smashed the bowlers everywhere for 54. He was well supported by Dave Smith 41 but it was left to father and son duo Paul Arrighi 35 not out and Will Arrighi 20 not out who steered the team to an improbable tie.

In 3rd grade Wauchope left it late to chase down 169 in the 40th over. Captain John Hamilton 57 and Greg Kohler 30 were the main contributors with the bat. with the ball Steven Thompson 4 for 23 was the main destroyer with the ball.

Name: Lindsay Hopper

Nickname: Hops / Hopper

Profession: Agriculture design and construction specialist

Fave cricketer: Steve Waugh

Hidden Talent: None that I know of

Bad habit: Being late

Superstition: Putting left pad on first

Most annoying teammate: None of my teammates annoy me

Highlight for Wauchope cc: Being part of our undefeated season winning 2007 first grade team. First premiership in over 30 years

Name: Ben Brown

Nickname: Little Browny

Profession: Student

Fave cricketer: My dad

Hidden Talent: Concentration, I just hide it well

Bad habits: not listening

Superstition: None

Most annoying team mate: Dad, cos he is embarrassing

Highlight playing for Wauchope cc: Played here from under 9s to First Grade would like to make Premier League now.

It's under control. No lives or homes lost

Comboyne teenager cycles to scholarship success