The Snipers were nine wickets down and still needed another 24 runs off the last five overs against the Golf Club on Saturday which they managed, just.

However, the win didn’t come without controversy as three dropped catches and a line-ball, run-out decision cost the top-of-the-table Piranhas the points.

The Piranhas won the toss and batted on what was a slow pitch, matched with a slow outfield.

Chris Doyle stood out in the first innings making 34 not-out. Most of his partners made starts but after 45 overs, no one had really gone on with it and the scorecard read nine for 145.

The Snipers started off strongly, with first-drop batsman David Field putting 44 runs together. But the Golf Club hit back and tore through the Snipers thanks largely to an impressive four-wicket spell from Phil Sparnon.

The Snipers were nine for just 122 runs, with five overs to go, and all looked lost but the 10th wicket stand proved the difference and got the Snipers over the line.

Golf Club captain Robert Field said his side batted well but was left to rue costly opportunities to take the final wicket.

“Dropping those catches and missing that run out, it was tough, but full credit to the Soldiers Club. They never gave up and they deserved it.”

Over at O’Connor Park the Pirates proved too strong for Bowning.

The Buffaloes’ lacklustre season has been disappointing for the only out-of-town team in the competition, and Saturday’s game was no different.

Bowning won the toss and elected to bat first but was rolled for just 92 runs in the 35th over.

Only Tim Hazell and Mitch Darmody offered resistance, making 25 and 23 respectively.

Pirates’ bowlers shared the wickets, with Nick Pollack, Matt Lawrence, Shaun Davis and Anthony Carroll all taking two wickets.

The Pirates chased down the total in just 18 overs thanks largely to a 47 not-out by Nick Pollack and an 18 not-out by Beau Walker.

Pirates’ wicket-keeper Brad Wylie said he was happy with where his side was at this point in the season.

“We were happy with performance but consistent batting is needed if we are going to be contenders.

“Confidence is also key but the more wins we get the more confident we will get.”

 Sweeney Cup

Bookham tightened its grip on the Sweeney Cup, with another big win at the weekend.

This time it was the Golf Club Taipans that were beaten easily.

The Taipans won the toss and, in a risky move, sent Bookham into bat. It proved disastrous, with Bookham smashing 207 off 40 overs.

Three wickets were taken early by the Taipans but Leo Pearman and Josh Robertson quickly steadied the ship, making 66 and 72 respectively.

In response the Taipans struggled to get on a roll and were eventually finished off for just 131.

Aaron Wilson was best with the ball, taking four scalps.

In the other games Gundaroo obliterated Dalton. The Gunners batted first and posted a whopping 265 off their overs. In response the Dingoes could only manage 80.

In the other game Murrumbateman 2 beat Murrumbateman 1 in the local derby.