The Bowning Buffaloes scored a 20-run victory in a nail-biting finish against the Dalton Dingoes at Bowning Oval on Saturday, December 3. Bowning finished on 9/186. In reply, the Dingoes appeared set for a comfortable victory after a 104-run partnership from two top-order batsmen.
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However, they were eventually all out for 166 after the middle- and tail-order collapsed where the last six wickets fell for only 10 runs.
The win for Bowning was helped in part by Matt Clifton’s first five-wicket haul for only 28 runs.
“It’s my first season for the Buffs and I’m more of a batsman so I was very lucky to get a bowl by the captain,” he said.
Clifton, however, was quick to praise teammate Beau Walker for taking a spectacular catch that contributed to the Dingoes’ collapse.
“Beau took a very good catch that shifted the momentum, really. It was a very good piece of fielding – he was diving forward and low. It shifted the momentum back to us. As you would’ve seen the other night with Steve Smith’s catch, it had a similar big impact,” Clifton said.
Beau Walker also chipped in with the ball, taking three wickets for 29 runs from his nine overs.
Winning the toss, the Buffaloes batted first. Matt Clifton and Beau Walker set the pace before Walker fell for 29. Andrew Swaffield was batting well before falling for 10 and Clifton shortly after for a well earned 30. Next in was Mark Dyball, having a cameo and turning back the clock, swatting his way to 28 before being caught. Anthony James O'Mara's consistency this year continued with a respectable 22. All three O'Maras, including Beau O'Mara and Lachlan O'Mara, contributed with the bat, scoring 10 and 17, respectively. The next few in the middle order fell for not many runs before Dylan Arabin, on debut, was in good nick scoring 14 not out, including a massive six.
Dylan Arabin continued his good debut with his maiden wicket for Bowning. Players’ player was awarded to Matt Clifton for his five wickets and 30 runs.
”I was lucky enough to receive that. It really should’ve gone to Beau Walker for his catch, but the boys have been very nice about it,” Clifton said.
Meanwhile in the Sweeney Cup, both Yass teams suffered losses. Adrian Waters top scored with 72 runs to help Murrumbateman beat the Yass Golf Club Taipans while Boorowa secured a seven-wicket victory against the Yass Golf Club Colts.