SAWTELL and Valleys Cricket have started 2022 in winning style with victories in the latest round of the North Coast Cricket Council’s Premier League season.

Sawtell had a 45-run win at home in their one-day match against the Northern Districts Rebels at Richardson Park, while Valleys Cricket beat Coffs Colts by 7 wickets at the Coffs Coast Sport & Leisure Park.

Defending premiers Sawtell recorded their first win of the Premier League season, through no fault of their own after having the opening round bye and their next three matches washed out.

Sawtell opened the batting in their Round 5 match with the Northern Districts Rebels and finished at 9/179 from 40 overs.

Richie Gallichan top scored with a vital captain’s knock of 42, while opener Trent Mitchell was next best with 35.

Ian Slapp was the best of the Rebels bowlers taking 2/21 from his 8 overs.

Needing 180 for victory, the Rebels were bowled out for 134 with Sawtell’s bowlers proving to be the difference.

Richie Gallichan secured man of the match honours with a super spell of 3/3 from his 2 overs.

Tomas Neal took 2/12 from his 3 overs while David Schutt took 2/27 from his 6 overs.

Ian Slapp was the best of the Rebels batsman finishing on 48.

Valleys Cricket also earned a victory in Round 5 with a 7 wicket win in their one dayer against Coffs Colts.

Set 188 for victory, Valleys Cricket reached the target in the last over.

Aiden Staham led the successful run chase home finishing on 56 not out with Brodie Bartlett next best with 48.

The North Coast Cricket Council’s Premier League season continues this weekend with Round 6 matches in Coffs Harbour and Harwood.

Coffs Colts play host to the Northern Districts Rebels while Harwood host Valleys Cricket.

 

By: Aiden BURGESS