A brilliant all-round performance from Will Gell was not quite enough to get Merriwa home against Golden Fleece Warriors at Bill Rose Sports Complex on Saturday.
Warriors’ opening bowlers Joel Harrison and Mac Dawson combined to claim three early scalps.
But, after battling through extremely hot conditions, Gell went on to score a defiant 102.
He admitted it was a relief to finally bring up his century.
“I was buggered by the end of it,” he said.
“It was pretty hot and steamy and we ran a heap of twos and threes to try and rotate the strike.
“We started off slowly and lost a few wickets, so we just tried to consolidate a bit.
“I ended up getting to it [the century] with a glance through mid-wicket.”
His hundred helped Merriwa reach a solid total of 5/207 from its 40 overs, with Seth Morgan (44) also offering crucial support.
Gell then chipped in with the ball, ending with the figures of 3/33.
However, the Warriors’ batting line-up went on to mow down the target as Scott Lyne (75) and Isaac Smith (73) top-scored.
Golden Fleece reached the mark just three wickets down and with eight overs to spare.
Meanwhile, a real team effort helped Belmore Bulls 1 to a 40-run win on the weekend.
Up against Aberdeen 2, the Bulls started slowly but had contributions from almost everyone in the top order.
Openers Rick Lawrence (35) and Anthony Hill (17) set the platform, before Cal Murray (32), Gavin Newton-Smith (32) and captain Tom Wilson (25) kept the score ticking along. In the end, the Bulls’ total of 7/190 looked formidable.
It proved to be the case as, despite the best efforts of Simon Newton (43) and Ben Crackett (41 not out), Aberdeen 2 fell short in the run chase.
Crackett had also earlier impressed with the ball, picking up 2/36.
The Bulls will now face Murrurundi in round eight this weekend, while Aberdeen 2 takes on Aberdeen 1.
In other fixtures, Belmore Bulls 2 play the Golden Fleece Warriors, Merriwa clashes with Bunnan, and Rouchel goes up against Belltrees.
