An inspired performance by St Mary’s Nagle skipper Ricky Tatnell has powered his side to its second Bairnsdale Cricket Association win of the season.
The Saints registered their highest score of the campaign in defeating Paynesville at AJ Freeman Reserve in round 12, before Tatnell bowled them out with a sensational seven-wicket haul.
Batting first, St Marys Nagle posted an impressive 255 in the 76th over of the two-day match, their first score over 200 this season. Early contributions came from Jacob Hurry (58) and Tatnell (32), but the side looked in serious trouble at 5/109 in the 38th over, with their middle order and tail having offered little so far this campaign.
However, the Saints rallied strongly. Nathan Yarde (55), Brayden McCarrey (31 from 29), Reece Carstairs (27 from 30) and Randall Stewart (12) steadied the innings and lifted the tempo, posting a total that proved difficult for Paynesville to chase. Skipper Isaac Love bowled tirelessly, claiming 6/59 from 29 overs, with support from Mitch Wilmott (2/26).
In reply, Paynesville was dismissed for just 177. The Gulls stumbled early, losing key batsman Nathan Schoultz cheaply as Tatnell (7/53) claimed early wickets.
Despite solid contributions from Caleb Marsh (45), Noah Bennett (35) and former Collegians player Mitch Thacker (23), wickets kept tumbling under Tatnell’s relentless attack. Paynesville’s innings finally ended in the 68th over when Randall Stewart had Campbell Holland caught and bowled.
Victory by the Gulls would have seen them move to fourth on the ladder, or fifth at worst, an opportunity they will rue. For St Mary’s Nagle delight followed a strong display after a disappointing start to the season, with the side looking to build momentum after playing in the finals last year.
