A DOMINANT bowling performance has led Exies to a convincing first-innings win against Diggers in the elimination final.
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Marc Tucker (5/27) and Andrew Arnold (5/31) were equally destructive as they did their best to limit the scoring opportunities of Diggers.
Diggers were on the back foot loosing Dom Brown (0) and Brendan Wade (4) and Leon Vico (5) joined soon after.
Diggers’ captain Pat Whittard (7) and Scott Smith (16) tried to put their head down as they got the side to 29, however, Arnold struck again. The fall of Simon Miller (5) spelt another collapse as Diggers fell to 8/47.
Jack Favell (12) and Dean Aylett (3) tried to get some late runs, as Diggers were bowled out for 71 off 43 overs.
Exies captain Phil Burge said his bowler's performance was the backbone of their success.
“We bowled some good areas and got on a bit of a roll,” he said.
“Andy Arnold bowled well and put us on the front foot.”
Having to face out a few overs before stumps, Burge knew it was crucial not to lose wickets heading into the second day.
Craig and Phil Burge got their side through the difficult day ending session and got the side to 80 before Craig (48) fell to the bowling of Craig Lugton (1/39).
“Craig batted well on Saturday arvo,” he said.
“It was just about not losing any wickets early and continuing on from where he put us.”
Andy Arnold (12) and Burge went about doing so as they lifted the score past 100 when he fell to the bowling of Dom Brown (2/45) with the score on 106.
Jamie Winkler ensured the slide wouldn’t become a factor as he and Burge lifted the side to 154 with a lead of 83.
When Burge was bowled by Dean Aylett (1/45) and Winkler was caught by Miller off the bowling of Brown the side had elevated their lead to 97.
Dean Ashcroft (4*) and Michael Shepherd (15*) closed out the innings and the game.
The win will see Exies take on Leagues after they lost the qualifying final against Coro while it’s the end of the season for Diggers.