A hat-trick to Wagga City teenager Louis Grigg helped the Cats to a 16-run win over South Wagga at McPherson Oval on Saturday.
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With the Blues needing 21 runs for victory from the last two overs, Grigg stepped up and delivered a brilliant performance to help get Wagga City over the line.
Grigg, a right-arm medium pacer, returned a four-wicket maiden just when the game was in the balance.
He bowled Alex Jones, then completed the hat-trick by having Terry Willis and Blake Harper caught on the boundary.
His over only got better when he had Adam Skow caught to all but seal the Cats win and give him figures of 5-8.
It put the icing on the cake of a strong defence from Wagga City after they made 4-124 earlier in the day.
South Wagga eventually finished at 9-108.
Wagga City captain Josh Thompson praised the efforts of Grigg.
“He bowled fantastic, it’s a credit to him,” Thompson said.
“He’s very strong for a 16-year-old kid. He wants to do well.
“Last week he bowled four overs for 2-19 and just off that I had enough faith in him to come on and do the right thing at that stage of the game.
“From a captain’s point of view, when you ask him to do something, he does it and does it straight away.”
Grigg’s effort with the ball completed what was an impressive all-round display from the undefeated Cats.
Jon Nicoll (60) and Aaron Maxwell (26) combined for an opening partnership of 57, in what set up Wagga City’s innings.
Nicoll went at a run a ball and then received good support late from Mitch Cawley, who hit 29 off 20.
“Obviously Jono and Maxy got us off to a really good start,” Thompson said.
“When Maxy got out the score was on about 60 so that’s always good in a Twenty20. Mitch Cawley then came in and was a bit slow to start but then bashed the ball around. He hit to his strengths and smacked the ball. He battled really well.”
Skow picked up two wickets for South Wagga, while Mitch Sykes tied the Cats down most, returning 1-12 from four overs.
In reply, South Wagga never looked like threatening the target.
Blake Harper top scored with 34, while Mitch Sykes chipped in with a quickfire 25.
While Grigg got the spoils, Thompson said the bowling of Max Harper and Nicoll, who also took four catches, played a big part in the Cats’ win too.
Thompson was pleased to get another win on the board.
“It’s good to get a few wins early,” he said.
“We’ve struggled early for the past few years so it’s good to be in a good position before Christmas but in saying that it’s only two wins.
“It puts us in good stead for the rest of the season.”
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