Cricket
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GRIFFITH remains undefeated after three games of the Creet Cup following a 22-run victory against West Wyalong at Exies Oval on Sunday.
Griffith batted first after winning the toss and made 6-176 off 40 overs before West Wyalong replied with 154.
It was the hardest Griffith had been pushed this season following big wins against Hay and Ardlethan-Barellan in its first two matches.
Griffith coach Richie Alvaro said it was pleasing to see his team prevail against strong opposition.
"It was a good, tough game," Alvaro said.
"West Wyalong are a good association.
"We've struggled against them in the past, so it was nice for us to get a win over them."
Griffith had a poor start to its innings when opener Michael McWhirter fell for a duck with the score on three.
Andrew Potter and Tom Shannon then combined to see off the new ball and steer the home side out of trouble.
Their 54-run partnership was broken when Potter was dismissed for 25, but the foundation for a competitive total had been laid.
Shannon (37) and captain Fletcher Josling (41 not out) were the main contributors as Griffith scored at nearly 4.5 runs an over.
When it came time to bowl, the home team looked on top when it had the visitors struggling at 4-24.
But West Wyalong rallied through Jesse Hampton (63), who found support at the crease from Ethan McFarlane (19) and Jacob Bell (25).
A 27-run stand between Bell and an injured Brendon Kirkup (eight not out ) for the final wicket moved West Wyalong within range of victory before Shannon brought the innings to a close by dismissing Bell.
Tom West (3-22), Shannon (3-27) and Alex Flood (2-33) were Griffith's best bowlers.
While West Wyalong finished closer than he would have liked, Alvaro was confident his side would defend 176.
"We were happy with the score," he said.
"When you bat first, anytime you get over 150 or 160 it's going to be difficult for the other side to chase."
Scoreboard on page 16.