Wagga City moved back into top spot after dismantling Kooringal Colts at McPherson Oval this weekend.
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Avoiding the bad weather that brought a premature end to the other two matches in the round on Sunday, Cats romped home with a 152-run victory.
Jon Nicoll starred with both bat and ball for the side who have only lost once this season.
He finished unbeaten on 64 as Wagga City declared at 5-280 on Saturday evening.
Nicoll was then the chief destroyer of the Colts attack, claiming 5-20 off 13 overs as they were bowled out for 128.
Captain Josh Thompson was thrilled with the side’s performance.
“Fortunately the weather stayed away but all in all I think we put in the best performance for the year,” Thompson said.
I think we put in the best performance for the year.
- Josh Thompson
“I was really stoked with the way we batted – we were 1-130 something before I got out – and stuck to the structures we wanted to implement.
“We wanted to get off to a good start then get to a period when we had a lot of wickets in the shed at the 50, 60 or 70 over mark to go harder and make a big 250 plus score.
“We have done that, had an opportunity to bowl on Saturday, and our bowlers were outstanding.
“On that wicket is very hard to take a wicket so to take 10 is very pleasing, especially coming into finals as you’ve just got to find a way to take wickets on a flat deck.”
Thompson top scored with 78 during a 100-run partnership with Tom Burge (75) for the second wicket.
While Cane Graetz (19) and Mitch Cawley (18 not out) really accelerated the run rate as City chased quick runs late in their 72-over innings.
Dean Crane picked up Brad Ryan (one) in a tricky period after the declaration heading into stumps.
He finished with three wickets but it was Nicoll who struck early on Sunday.
The four-time Brian Lawrence Medal winnner snared the key wicket of Dave Bolton (six), who made his lowest score since round one.
Sam Whitfield top scored with 38 before being run out while Brenden O'Reilly (19 not out) and Matthew Etchells (16) were next best on a disappointing day for Colts.
Wagga City are now one point clear of South Wagga in the all important top spot after rain forced a draw between the Blues at Lake Albert.
With two rounds to go, the Cats are back in the box seat to have the advantage of a draw being good enough to see them progress through finals.
The loss sees Kooringal slip out of the top four on percentage behind St Michaels. The two sides play each other in the final round of the season.