Wagga City move to top by taking down South Wagga

The Cats' lone loss so far this season was in the grand final rematch earlier this season but they made amends at McPherson Oval on Saturday.

Wagga City captain Josh Thompson still couldn't believe he sent the previously unbeaten South Wagga into the bat, but it was a move that worked as they restricted their rivals to 9-236 from their 50 overs.

Despite losing three quick wickets, Thompson helped steady their chase to secure a five-wicket win.

"It is always great to beat South Wagga," Thompson said.

"I don't know what happened at the toss when I said I was going to bowl first but I just had a feeling about it.

"They obviously got off to a really good start and I was panicking a bit but we did well to tie them back through the middle overs."

South Wagga got off to a strong start as Alex Smeeth (47) and Joel Robinson (34) before both were stumped off Zac Lewis.

Thompson thought Lewis changed the match.

"I think Zaccy Lewis bowled outstanding," he said. "To get two blokes stumped and a chopped on bowled is really good for him as he's been working hard in the nets."

Blues captain Luke Gerhard (61) led a late rally for the Blues but they struggled to regather their early momentum to fall well short of their most scores, which have been above 300.

Prior to play Thompson thought anything under 250 would be a getable target and in response Ben Turner (45) and Tom Burge (16) started things off well before the Cats found themselves in trouble.

After losing 3-11, including Jon Nicoll for two, Thompson (70) and Aaron Maxwell (57 not out) set about getting back on track before Louis Grigg (28 not out) helped finish off.

The skipper was thrilled with how the side dug themselves out of trouble.

"We did have a good start, we weren't as quick as them, but we had a good base to build from going at four or five an over," Thompson said.

"I think the boys just felt hurried, like they had to get on with it, when we didn't and it's not good to lose three quick wickets in the top order but it was good to contribute to get the boys home.

Both teams have lost one match through the first eight rounds, to each other, but Wagga City are two points ahead after South Wagga's clash with Wagga RSL was washed out last week.

A week out from the Christmas break, Thompson is happy with how the side is travelling.

"It is always good to be at the top but when you are at the top you are the hunted so it is going to be a big second half to the season after Christmas," he said.

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