City United bowler Tim Baker bowled a match-winning 16 overs straight to claim 6-36 against Raymond Terrace at Robins Oval on Saturday.
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The Lions got off to a strong start with a 40-run opening stand between Joe Harden and Leigh Osmond until Baker captured both in quick succession and started a rout which saw Terrace all out for 117.
City were forced to fight hard for the win with Raymond Terrace pace bowler Cameron Bates claiming opener Ricky Dent and the prized wicket of No.3 Josh Trappel in the first over.
They were reeling at 3/0 when all-rounder Daniel Upland bowled Jordan Burton in the second over.
However, skipper Matt Trappel (47) and Matt Latham (54) combined for an 82-run partnership to get City home for the loss of five wickets in the 27th over.
“Tim Baker was excellent today, that win really came down to him,” Tappel said after the match.
“In pretty trying conditions to come out and bowl 16 overs straight as an opening bowler and get 6-36 is pretty impressive.
“He was unlucky early but just kept on persisting and that’s the best I’ve seen Tim bowling.
“It was a big first grade bowling effort I reckon he will remember for a long time.
“Nick Bower chimed in again with three wickets which was great as well.
“To roll a pretty decent team in Raymond Terrace for 117 we were stoked but obviously you never know what the wicket’s like until the two teams have batted.”
Daniel Upward continued his outstanding form with the bat to make 42 for the Lions.
Trappel said Terrace showed their fighting spirit with an excellent opening spell of bowling.
“To be 3/0 it looked a bit dicey there for a bit, but credit to Matty Latham and the boys before him Anru (Kriel) and Heiney (Michael Heinrich) digging in we were able to get through,” he said.
“The wicket got good at the end and Matty had a bit of luck but batted excellent.
“It was really good to see when we were under the pump someone else stood up and guided us home.
Trappel and Latham were both dropped early in their innings
“We’ve been doing really well with the batting line-up this season and to have Matty coming in at seven is a real bonus,” Trappel said.
“He was confident today and that was the best thing to see.
“He played his shots and took advantage of a bit of luck when he was dropped.
“I think Raymond Terrace will be a top four team so to get the win was important to get a break on another team in the mix.
This article first appeared on The Maitland Mercury website.