Hay’s latest Saturday cricket interrupted by weather

By Mick Cattanach.

Saturday cricket was interrupted firstly with the No.1 pitch area flooded on Friday night, causing games to be moved to No.2.

Then, showers that saw the second game washed out but not before the Titans pushed the South Hay Colts to the wire, almost breaking through for their first win of the season.

The Titans batting first got away to a good start with Pintu Goswami and Ajay Patel getting 20 runs on the board before Isaac Gardiner got Ajay caught at slip.

Josh Gardiner then picked up two wickets in successive balls to leave the Titans in trouble.

When Jensen Hargreaves removed Pintu with a top edge taken, the Titans were in danger of not posting a score.

However, Pragnesh Patel was joined by Euan Kerr and the two of them went to work, combining well to keep the score ticking over and ensured the Titans were able to bat out their overs, as they kept the young Colts spinners Hilton Hargreaves and Ned Williamson at bay.

At the close the Titans had reached 74 runs, a tricky total for the Colts if they lost early wickets.

And that was what occurred as Colts skipper Jensen Hargreaves was well caught at point, and he was quickly followed by Monte Barnes bowled by Pintu.

Lane Griffiths took on the innings anchor role and combined with Jimmy Moran to keep the Titans at bay.

The introduction of Bayden Little's leg spin drew Jimmy into a hit into the outfield, that a sprinting Pragnesh intercepted with a brilliant catch in the deep.

When Lane was also out caught the Colts were four down and still needed 35 runs to win.

But the combination of Cooper Scott, Mick Cattanach and Isaac Gardiner was able to get the runs out and get the Colts home in over 20.

Hay Titans 8/74 (P Patel 21 not out, 17 P Goswami, I Gardiner 3/6, J Hargreaves 2/5, J Gardiner 2/16) were defeated by South Hay Colts 6/78 (M Cattanach 25 not out, L Griffiths 21, P Goswami 2/12, B Little 2/20).

In the second game the Riv were off to a good start against the Crusaders being 3/119 when rain called a halt to proceeding.

Liam Whitbourne and Dean Aylett had got the score to 75 in a solid opening partnership before they lost the first wicket.

Archie Houston got a couple wickets bowling his offies before the rain hit.

Riverina Hotel 3/119 (L Whitbourne 42, D Aylett 39, A Houston 2/35) before the match was abandoned.

Pictures is Simon Bunyan, local cricketer, batting. Hay cricketers are enjoying a stellar 2023 season. Image: The Riverine Grazier/Margie McClelland.