At that point, all-rounder Mick Soper was confident Bunnan would chase down Belltrees’ mammoth total of 9/237.

“We lost two quick wickets and I just went out and tried to steady the innings,” he said.

“When I got to my hundred we were on about 196 and there was still plenty of overs to go.”

Soper had crucial support down the order from Curtis Strong (17) and Sam Murray (15) as Bunnan edged towards an impressive victory.

However, Belltrees medium-pacer Ben McRae (2/35) finally ended Soper’s terrific knock on 137.

It brought the determined run chase to a close, with Belltrees grabbing a 14-run win.

Jake Teague had earlier blasted 85 to help set up his team’s formidable total, while Matthew French (40) and Stuart McCosker (34) also chipped in.

Other round 12 results in brief:

- A solid team effort with the bat saw Rouchel win by three wickets at Merriwa.

After winning the toss, the home side posted 159 on the back of Mark Fieldsend’s determined knock of 83.

Contributions from Will O’Donnell (38), Andrew Clydsdale (26), Brett Hails (23), Nate Atkinson (21) and Tony Burnett (20 not out) enabled Rouchel to reach the target with 10 overs left.

- Over in Aberdeen, Mark Cameron (51) and Ben Crowe (42) combined to push Murrurundi to a total of 9/153.

Aberdeen 2’s Ben Crackett (3/27) and Brandon Parkinson (2/21) were the pick of the bowlers.

Parkinson (57 not out) then starred with the bat alongside Jeremy Smith (50) as Aberdeen 2 claimed victory just three wickets down.

- A commanding knock of 84 from Mick Davidson fired Belmore Bulls 1 to 8/169 at Bill Rose Sports Complex.

The Bulls started slowly as Golden Fleece’s opening bowlers Mac Dawson (1/20) and Tim Smith (3/31) caused problems.

However, an aggressive partnership between Davidson and wicketkeeper-batsman Chris McDean (14) built the innings before Tim Carter (18 not out) added vital runs at the end.

In response, Warriors batters Isaac Smith (31), Scott Lyne (19) and Kirsten Smith (18) all made starts.

However, the spin of Davidson (2/23) and Gavin Newton-Smith (3/9) produced a batting collapse, with Golden Fleece bundled out for 109.

- In the final clash of round 12, Aberdeen 1 proved too strong for Belmore Bulls 2.

Rikki Irwin (21) and Liam Moore (16) top-scored for the Bulls as the team reached a total of 120.

Aberdeen 1’s Nathan Connor (3/15) and Garry Latham (2/15) were the chief destroyers with the ball.

Connor (44) and Jake Duffin (24) then combined for a 72-run opening partnership before the latter’s dismissal sparked a minor collapse.

However, Daniel Hoogerwerf (13 not out) and Jason Tyerman (9 not out) went on to guide the home side to a five-wicket win.