OVER THE TOP: Berry’s David Crapp sends another ball over the boundary fence. Photo: ROBERT CRAWFORD
THE winning advantage in Friday night’s Kiteley’s Roofing Twenty20 semi-final matches came down to the toss of a coin. As temperatures soared into the 40s all four captains involved in the two 20 over semi final matches crossed their fingers and hoped the coin would fall their way.
At Nowra Showground Bomaderry captain Jason Bell made the right call as the coin was tossed. As expected he elected to bat first forcing the Nowra players to the field where they struggled to maintain the momentum required to contain a batting side in the fast paced competition. Bomaderry played out their 20 overs to finish 8/152.
Over at Hayden Drexel Oval Berry’s Kerry Penfold called the toss correctly and sent Ex-Servicemen to the field.
The home side put up a brilliant performance in the heatwave conditions, containing Berry to a modest score for the first 10 overs. Unfortunately for Ex-Servicemen by the time Berry’s David Crapp made his way to the crease the almost unbearable heat was starting to take its toll. Crapp unleashed an unbeaten 71 that included five sixes, helping Berry to 6/183.
As both games prepared for the change of innings, the southerly buster arrived on cue dropping temperatures by as much as 16 degrees as a cooling breeze blew across the cricket ground.
Berry and Bomaderry headed to the field fresh and enthusiastic and were both able to defend their totals and progress through to the final of the competition on February 3.
