Sport
3 March, 2020
Atherton defeat Rovers to claim one-day title
ATHERTON’S first grade side have put in another dominant performance with a 5 wicket win over Rovers to take out the Cricket Far North one-day premiership in front of a strong home crowd at Loder Park.
ATHERTON’S first grade side have put in another dominant performance with a 5 wicket win over Rovers to take out the Cricket Far North one-day premiership in front of a strong home crowd at Loder Park.
It was Atherton’s second of a possible three 2020 titles after claiming the two-day competition trophy back in January.
Fired up by Rover's midweek media comments Atherton went to work early using a combination of pace and spin to grab valuable early wickets. Seppe Barletta and Dan Parnell's opening four over spells had the visitors 3-21.
Dan’s dismissal of dangerman Brenton Edwards proved a turning point as Rovers struggled to form partnerships.
Atherton's bowlers were consistent and economical and backed it up in the field in a good allround team effort. Dylan Pettingill took the final three wickets for 4 runs to have Rovers all out for 122 in the 40th over.
Atherton had their tails up as they went out to chase the total, but got off to a shaky start losing 3-12 to the Rovers pacemen before Paul Nasser and Fred Pittorino steadied things with a 56 run partnership.
Michael Salerno joined Paul at the crease with the score 5-84, and the two put their heads down, batting out the innings to reach the target in the 31st over.
Another man-of-the-match performance from Paul Nasser - 74 runs not-out off 93 balls with nine fours and a six, and bowling figures of 1-24 of 9 overs.
The competition now moves to a T20 format with Atherton playing two home games at Loder Park this Saturday, March 7 – 8.30am Atherton v Barron River and 3pm Atherton v Rovers.
Results: 1st Grade - Atherton 123 (P Nasser 74*, F Pittorino 22, M Salerno 10*) Def. Rovers 122 (D Parnell 4-29, D Pettingill 3-16, S Barletta 1-7, T Boorman 1-24, P Nasser 1-24).