Taree West’s Josh Meldrum stole the show in Nulla’s narrow defeat as the batsman blasted his way to 116 not out, scoring the majority of his side’s 172 runs on Saturday.
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The inability to pick up the crucial wicket proved the difference as only two other Taree West batsmen were in double figures and four were dismissed for a duck.
The seven-run loss was heartbreaking for Nulla, as a win would have narrowed the gap between them and a finals position at the halfway mark of the competition.
However, the loss drops them to seventh place and 10-points shy of fourth placed United with nine rounds remaining.
Nulla had an opportunity to claim the victory but weren’t able to get the required runs in the final over.
Nulla’s captain Ben Taylor, who is currently out injured, blamed his side’s inability to take their chances as the reason for the defeat.
“It was a game we should have won,” Taylor said.
“Josh Meldrum was the difference, catches win matches and that’s the reason Taree West scored 170 and not 100.”
Nulla batted their way back into the match, largely at the hands of Dan Baker, who reached 79 before he was dismissed.
“Dan Baker batted very well again and Pete Morris almost got us over the line,” Taylor said.
“The boys were disappointed with the loss but that’s cricket.”
The pick of the bowlers for Nulla were Mark Smee, who grabbed four wickets from as many overs, and Dan Morrison, who bowled an economic eight overs where he grabbed two wickets and allowed only 22 runs.
Taylor acknowledges Nulla, who are currently on a four game losing streak, need to earn a win against Macquarie this Saturday to keep their finals ambitions alive.
“I know it’s a 100 per cent must win to stay in touch next week,” Taylor said.
The match with Macquarie this Saturday marks the beginning of the second half of the competition.
The 40 over one-day match will commence at 1pm.
Nulla will play on the road at Wayne Richards Park.
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