HOLBROOK set up a David and Goliath showdown against Albury with a crushing seven-wicket victory over Griffith in their O’Farrell Cup match at Holbrook on Sunday.
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Only a week after bringing down Wagga, the country association put another rival to the sword on the back of a superb opening bowling spell from Hamish Mackinlay.
Skipper Darren Howard said his side was thrilled to thwart off another challenger and looking forward to taking on Albury.
“We roll on to next week with nothing to lose,” Howard said.
“Albury will be overwhelming favourites, and we know that, but it’s on our home deck and we will give it our best shot.
“We’re up and about and playing good cricket.”
After winning the toss and bowling on a lively wicket, Mackinlay effectively sealed victory in the opening hour of the match by grabbing 5-17 off nine overs.
Mackinlay and new ball partner Ryan Kirkwood (2-21) saw Griffith crash to 7-22 before Tom Valeri (72 out) and Matt Hedges (24) set about a rescue mission with an 86-run partnership.
The pair helped Griffith reach 123.
It was never going to be enough as the wicket flattened out with Todd Hannam (45 not out), Andrew Mackinlay (27), Luke Richardson (14 not out), Will Heriot (18) and Ed Perryman (12) knocking over the total.
Hannam has been in fine form at club and representative level with the TRYC skipper aggressive from the outset of his innings.
“It was a good toss to win as there was a bit in the wicket early and we made the most of it,” Howard said.
“Hamish Mackinlay bowled brilliantly and Ryan chipped in with a couple of big wickets as well.
“Like a lot of O’Farrell Cup matches, the opposition usually fight back and Griffith did that.
“I would have taken chasing 123 at the start of the day though and the boys did really well in the run chase again with everyone contributing.”
Holbrook has beaten Wagga (twice) and Griffith in its last three O’Farrell Cup matches and is preparing for its toughest test.
Albury was left shattered by a Twenty20 loss to Wagga earlier this season which was one of the reasons why the association challenged for the O’Farrell Cup for the first time in 13 years.
Howard is expecting the challengers to throw everything at his side which is made up of players from the old Holbrook and District association.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge,” he said.
“I’m sure there will be a lot of interest in the game.
“We’re a pretty tight group and just enjoying our cricket at the moment.
“Hopefully we can keep going.”
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