Round 6 of the South West Slopes Cricket League (SWSCL) A Grade competition delivered two exhilarating, low-scoring contests this past weekend, with both matches decided by fine margins.
The Coota Club Bulls 1st Grade secured a hard-fought win against the Temora Bowling Club Tigers A Grade, while the Stockinbingal Cricket Club triumphed in a dramatic defence against the GRENFELL BLUES.
Bulls’ All-Rounder Roberts Downs Tigers
The clash at Albert Park saw the Coota Club Bulls overcome a spirited Temora Bowling Club Tigers A Grade side in a classic, tense run-chase. The Temora innings was largely propped up by a magnificent half-century from their vice-captain, Matthew Gillard, who top-scored with a commanding 59 runs off 65 balls, decorated with six fours and two sixes. However, the rest of the Tigers’ batting line-up struggled against a relentless Coota bowling attack.
The star with the ball was Coota’s all-rounder, Oscar Roberts, who delivered a career-best performance, ripping through the Tigers’ middle and lower order to finish with a superb haul of 5 wickets for just 15 runs from his 8 overs. Supported by Riley Meale’s economical 3/23, Coota dismissed the Tigers for a modest total of 116 in the 35th over.
Chasing 117 for victory, the Bulls faced a determined Temora bowling effort, with Cody Lynch and William Oliver both chipping in with two wickets each to keep the pressure high. The match was in the balance until Roberts, fresh off his bowling heroics, stepped up with the bat. Roberts anchored the chase with an invaluable, unbeaten 48* runs off 54 balls. His partnership with Joseph Pall (30 runs) provided the stability needed for the Bulls to navigate the tricky chase, eventually guiding them home to a five-wicket victory in the 36th over. Roberts’ dominant dual performance was undoubtedly the difference-maker, securing a crucial win for the Coota side.
Stockinbingal Hold Nerve in Low-Scoring Thriller
Meanwhile, at the Stockinbingal Recreation Oval, the home side edged out GRENFELL BLUES by 20 runs in a captivating battle of attrition. Batting first, the Stockinbingal Cricket Club were dismissed for 133 in 34 overs. The total was lifted considerably by a blistering, quick-fire 41 runs from Nick Holt off just 15 balls, which included three sixes, providing the late momentum the team desperately needed. For Grenfell, Jethro Fenton was the standout bowler, leading the attack with exceptional figures of 4/23 from 8 overs. Luke Beasley and captain Bailey Edwards also contributed with two wickets apiece to keep the Stockinbingal total within reach.
The Grenfell chase of 134 was fraught with tension from the start. Despite a resilient effort led by Rohan Wilson’s fighting 44 runs, Grenfell’s batsmen were unable to build sustainable partnerships.
The Stockinbingal bowling unit applied continuous pressure, with the wickets falling steadily until Grenfell were eventually bowled out for 113 in the 38.2 overs. The victory was sealed thanks to key bowling contributions from Stockinbingal’s Brendan O’Callaghan and Patrick Crawford, both of whom claimed 3 wickets to dismantle the Grenfell innings and ensure their side successfully defended the 133-run target. The 20-run margin highlights a strong bowling and fielding performance that snatched victory for the home team.
Looking Ahead to Round 7
The SWSCL A Grade competition heats up as it moves into Round 7 on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The victorious Stockinbingal Cricket Club will host the Coota Club Bulls 1st Grade in what promises to be a highly anticipated clash between two winning sides from Round 6.
The Grenfell BLUES will be looking to bounce back when they travel to Burns Park to face the Junee Cricket Club.
The Temora Bowling Club Tigers A Grade will have the bye, giving them a chance to regroup before their next outing. The tight results across the weekend indicate a closely contested season, with individual brilliance proving decisive in crucial moments.
– Tully Potts
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