In the Murray Valley Cricket Association A-grade competition, the Deni Rhinos made a first innings total of 282 last week at home against the reigning premiers Cobram.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Cobram showed some real intent in reply early before being bowled out for 237.
The 45 run win sees the Rhinos hold on to top spot with only one round remaining.
The pitch was in sensational condition, meaning the Rhinos would need to bowl well to win.
English/South-African recruit Matt Taylor struck with the fourth ball of the day having the in-form opener, Hugh Hyde, caught at short cover by the Rhinos’ other import Griegan French.
Dan Ellis came to the crease and was aggressive from the start.
Ellis and Lachlan Hyde added 147 runs for the second wicket at over five runs per over.
Ellis was hitting big through mid-on to square leg, but Hyde was the perfect foil and very correct.
Hyde was working everything sent through the leg side with ease.
Taylor finally struck in the 35th over, bowling Ellis for 95.
Cobram were on top at this stage, only needing 136 with a further 45 overs.
Hunter Verhoeven (10) survived some short pitched and fiery bowling from Taylor before chipping one to Brodie Bennett at mid-wicket.
Following this dismissal, Hyde brought up his second half-century for the season.
However, not much later, Andrew Hogan bowled the required line to Hyde who drove another catch to French at short cover.
The match was at an interesting stage, with Cobram now at 4-167.
Hardwidge and Lenny Power added 30 runs, taking the score to 197.
Hardwidge struck a pull shot off Brodie Bennett, only to see Jack Tonta hold a brilliant catch at square leg.
The ball was flying above Tonta’s head, but he was able to get his right hand to it, taking the pace off and catching the rebound.
The catch inspired his teammates and again turned the game back towards the Rhinos.
French took his third catch at short cover dismissing Power (23) and giving Bennett his second wicket.
Cobram were 6-210 after 57 overs.
The Rhinos had set defensive fields to dry up the scoring.
Bennett then struck again and had Reece Verhoeven adjudged LBW.
Rhinos wicket-keeper, Jonty Tubb, held a brilliant one-handed catch to his left, millimetres off the ground.
Bennett was on fire and also received great support from the fielders.
Eamon Hyde had batted well before getting a leading edge to the safe hands of Harry Hillier at mid-off.
Taylor ended the Cobram innings when he bowled Jeremy Baden.
Cobram were all out for 237 in 66 overs.
Bennett and Taylor finished with four wickets apiece.
In the other MVCA A-grade games, Katamatite suffered a disastrous collapse to lose to Berrigan by 18 runs.
Katamatite were cruising at 4-138 before being bowled out for 151.
Matt Ross continued his recent form, taking seven wickets.
Katamatite now need to defeat the ladder leaders Deniliquin in the final round at home, or hope Barooga lose to Finley if they are to play finals.
Nathalia batted well, making 251 but fell short of Barooga’s 313.
A century to Brenton Campbell was the highlight for Nathalia.
Cobram and Nathalia play each other in the final round with the winner to finish second on the ladder and host a home semi-final.
Finley also won their first game of the season, defeating Tocumwal by 29 runs.
The MVCA A-grade ladder: Rhinos 78.96 points, Nathalia 70, Cobram 68.4, Katamatite 53.48, Barooga 52.72, Berrigan 37, Tocumwal 21.08, Finley 15.42.
~ Contributed by Deni Rhinos A-grade coach John Arthur.
Contributed content