SHOALHAVEN Ex-Servicemens have held on to defeat North-Nowra Cambewarra by just sevens runs at Hayden Drexel Oval on Saturday.
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After winning the toss and electing to bat, the hosts started strongly, reaching 34 before opener Brandon Booth was dismissed for 19.
His opening partner Chaise Boulding then came into his own, playing a number of strong shots to keep the score ticking over.
But his next five partners all came and went in quick succession; Luke Jurancic (one), Matthew Isackson (four), Hari Bhandari (nine), Shane Phillis (zero) and Luke Jones (three).
Boulding finally fell on 57, an innings that included five boundaries and one six, with the score on 143.
John Bowern (23) and Joey Ellery (15) helped the tail wag, as the hosts posted a target of 143, after 38 overs.
James Cohen was the pick of the Norths bowlers, claiming 4/38, with James Batson (2/15) also claiming numerous wickets.
In reply, Paul Davidson (22) and Batson (13) got Norths off to a solid start but the next three batsmen fell cheaply, to give the hosts the advantage.
An explosive innings by Ben Beck (60), which included four boundaries and six sixes, helped get Norths back in the game but his dismissal – caught and bowled by Dean Jones – hurt Norths.
Despite 12 not out from Jack Sweet, Norths were all out for 136 in the 28th over – handing Ex-Servos the win.
Gary Fuss (3/13) was the chief destroyer, while Luke Jones (2/10), Shane Phillis (2/32) and Dean Jones (2/35) all bowled well.
Elsewhere, at Lighthouse Oval, Ulladulla were no match for Sussex Inlet.
The visitors won the toss and sent United to the crease.
This spelled disaster for the hosts, with only Nathan Simmons (16) and Terry Dorrell (14) reaching double figures, as United were all out for 61 after 28.1 overs.
Both Riley Jarrett (3/13) and Jon Kingston (3/15) shone for Sussex with the cherry.
In reply, Sussex made light work of the chase, reaching the target (1/62) in the 13th over.
Pat Matson led the way with 31 not out, while the lone wicket taker for United was Terry Dorrell (1/10).
At the Berry Sports Complex, Berry-Shoalhaven Heads were too strong for Batemans Bay.
Dale Lovatt (47) and Mal Windey (37) helped the hosts reach 156 in their innings, despite 3/22 from Darcy Knight.
In reply, Lloyd Herron (3/16) and Dale Lovatt (3/17) restricted Bay to 9/138 – with Tom Purcell (26) top scoring.
The final match, between Bay and Basin and Bomaderry at Sanctuary Point Oval, was washed out.