Country Down Sa In Opener

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday January 8, 2008

GR

NSW Country made a strong start to the Australian Country Cricket Championships in Mackay yesterday when they defeated South Australia in the opening game of the 13-day carnival.

The Bush Blues have made a habit of losing their opening match in recent years but outclassed the South Australians yesterday on day two.

University batsman Robert Faraday-Bensley top-scored with 79 on day one, and NSW Country finished their innings yesterday morning at 9-273 before South Australia Country went into bat.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Bill Newell (3-39) and off spinner Shane Wallace (3-56) were the chief destroyers as South Australia were all out for 200.

Wallsend all-rounder Nathan Price picked up good figures of 2-26 off 11 overs, and Dubbo quick Daniel Hughes took 2-17 off nine.

Faraday-Bensley was among the runs again in the second innings, clouting 74 off 70 balls as NSW Country used the remaining overs to add valuable bonus points.

Belmont opening batsman Matthew Frith scored 29 and captain Jeff Cook hammered 36 not out off 14 balls as they reached 2-150 off 24 overs by the end of the match.

NSW Country play an East Asia Pacific side today containing Merewether all-rounder Jamie Brazier.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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