With a storm approaching from the west, Exies captain Phil Burge knew quick scoring was going to be key if his side was going to be successful against Hanwood on Saturday night at Exies No 1.
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After Hanwood won the toss and elected to bat, Hanwood looked to make a positive start but were quickly put on the back foot.
Andrew Arnold was in a wicket-taking mood and showed it with his first ball trapping Brad Hornery (0) in front with the first ball of the second over, and Luke Shannon (0) didn’t fare much better as Arnold found himself on a hat-trick.
Jamie Whitworth (3) fell in the next Arnold (4/17) while Dean Catanzariti fell to Marc Tucker (1/17) over as Hanwood were struggling on 4/12 after four overs.
Ryan McWhirter (4) and Isaac Campbell (17) tried to rebuild with a 22-run partnership but again they both fell in quick succession with Hanwood falling to 6/38.
If not for a 48-run stand between Morgan Tiere (17) and Teei Piawi (25), Hanwood would have been in a much worse position.
The fall of Tiere spelt the end for Hanwood as their last four wickets fell for four runs as they were bowled out for 92 in 37.1 overs.
At the change over the dark clouds started to roll in from the west and the urgency from the Exies batsmen was clear from their first few overs.
Burge took advantage of a bowling change in the fourth over hitting two sixes including one which ended up on the terrace of the clubhouse.
Even the fall of Travers Pickmere (19), who was caught behind off the bowling of Catanzariti (1/8) did little to slow the scoring with Exies already on 1/58 after 11 overs.
Burge continued to score quickly before he was finally dismissed as he went for one big shot too many as Campbell (1/39) knocked over his off-stump.
Alistair Burge came out to join Jamie Winkler as the rain started to fall and even after a short rain break the pair were able to get their side across the line as Burge (12*) hit a six to give his side an eight-wicket victory.
The win also extends Exies unbeaten run to 14 games in first grade having only lost one game so far this season.