IT proved to be a nail biting finish to the final games before Christmas when Yobs took on Dunsborough in A and B grade last Saturday in Dunsborough.
The top of the table clash in the Busselton Margaret River Cricket Association A grade posted ladder leaders Yobs against second place Dunsborough.
In unusual circumstances, then game began without the customary coin toss when both Captains found themselves wanting to start the game in the same way.
Yobs captain Nayton Colombera was delighted to bat first and his side took full advantage of the situation posting a competitive 7/208 off 50 overs.
Severe 45km/hour winds played havoc throughout the afternoon, with batsman from both sides belting the into the wind bowling.
In reply, Dunsborough led by Jake Gillett (43) and Phil Watts (61no) steadily chased down the target eventually winning in the final over of the game with two wickets in hand. The win keeps Dunsborough within reach of top spot as the A grade season goes into the Christmas break.
Next door in B grade it was a similar story when Yobs also batted first in blustery conditions.
A fast start courtesy of youngster Billy McGowan had Yobs pass 50runs in just the seventh over before three quick wickets saw the home side stem the run flow.
Dunsborough’s swing bowler Matt Cooper (2/31), Richard Norrish (1/21) and Jesse Gautrey (1/29)continued to apply pressure with Yobs eventually posting a competitive 9/192 off their 45 overs.
Yobs captain Tom Payne (38) and McGowan (39) were the leading run scorers.
Dunsboroughs run chase began shakily and at one point was 3/36, before club president Mat Lepidi responded and at drinks the home side had recovered to be 4/74.
In a nail biting end to the game, the lower order of Matt Cooper (27), Josh Bennett (21no) and Richard Norrish (19no) saw the home side to victory in the final over.
Tight bowling from Yobs Jake Wain (3/34) and skipper Payne (1/14) were also highlights on a day where the wind made it very difficult for the bowling side.
Yobs will now look to regroup and build in their bid to make the finals in March.
Dunsborough president Mat Lepidi was delighted with his clubs performance and said his club always relished the tight contests that had become common place whenever the two clubs met.
The BMRCA now breaks for the holiday period until A grade returns on January 3, with B and C grades set to resume on January 10 just prior to the annual WACA country week in Perth.
