IT was the tightest finish in recent Busselton Margaret River Cricket Association history last Saturday when A grade ladder leaders Yobs tied with Dunsborough in the top of the table clash at Bovell Park.
Local cricketing historians were scrambling to remember the last time such an important game ended without a winner with both sides bowled out for the same score 147 in a classic finish.
On winning the toss, Yobs captain Nayton Colombera had no hesitation in sending the visitors in on a rain affected wicket and his side made good use of the conditions early with Dunsborough in early trouble at 3/24.
Colombera said all of the bowlers bowled really well and stuck to the plans including Jamie Trewren.
Only resistance from Jake Gillett 29 and Chris Dudley 39 saw Dunsborough to a total of 147 off 49 overs.
On loosing the toss, Dunsborough captain Aaron Mott knew his batsman would face a task batting first.
“We knew the wicket would get easier to bat on as the day went on, we just had to do the best we could early,” Mott said.
In reply, Yobs started strongly and at drinks appeared on track for victory.
Colombera said they were going great at drinks and just needed to bat on from there but the game was really tight in the end.
Despite an uncharacteristic amount of extras by Dunsborough 46, the visitors managed to stall the innings of Yobs.
At 6/136 the home side looked to be on target for a memorable win before the visitors took 4/11 ensuring both sides took equal ladder points from the match.
Mott felt his side was very lucky to share the points given the number of wides bowled.
“Last week we bowled seven wides in total, today it was 36 which was too many,” Mott said.
“Sometimes it just happens but it did cost us today”.
Dunsborough bowler Ray Pes was the pick of the bowlers in the Yobs innings snaring 5/32 off his 10 overs.
Both captains relished what they described as a “good tight game” with the one game margin between the two sides maintained on the BMRCA ladder. Yobs will now look to refresh this Saturday with a bye whilst Dunsborough’s season continues this week when they take on Cowaramup.
In other games within BMRCA, Cowaramup celebrated their first wins for the season in both A and B grade, Vasse B grade captain John Albury 68no scored his third 50 for the season, and Yobs C grade batsman John Bruse scored a quick fire century 107 in their clash with Vasse.
Other results include A Grade- Cowaramup8/177 def Margaret River 10/142, Yobs 10/147 tied Dunsborough 10/147, B Grade- Dunsborough 1/49 def Margaret River 10/45, Vasse 3/142 def Yobs 7/130, Cowaramup def St Mary’s. C Grade- St Mary’s 3/119 def Nannup 10/117, Yobs 3/199 def Vasse 10/101, Margaret River 4/223 def Dunsborough 10/120, Augusta def Cowaramup.