There were mixed emotions in Dungog's two cricket grand final teams on Saturday.
Dungog’s youngest team the under 12s celebrated with unbridled enthusiasm as they completed the minor and major premiership double with victory in their grand final against Western Suburbs.
However, the C-grade team tasted the pain of defeat as Lochinvar recorded a four-wicket win after sending Dungog into bat in tricky conditions.
C-grade skipper Dennis Collison said he was extremely proud of his team, particularly the way they rallied with the bat.
“The game was moved to a synthetic wicket at Summerset Park, Thornton, because of the wet weather,” Collison said.
“We could only muster 9/65 from our 35 overs and it was never going to be enough against Lochinvar, who were minor premiers.”
Dungog were 5/14 after 10 overs and the lower order did a great job to get them as many runs as they did.
“David Jenkins held the innings together with 22. He received help from Tom Hojer, Andy Muddle and Ed Brooker who made six each,” Collison said.
Dungog had few answers against Lochinvar bowler Brian Lawrence who finished with the excellent figures of 5-12 from seven overs.
Dungog’s opening bowlers Andy Muddle and Charlie Hojer gave Dungog hope of victory, combing to have Lochinvar at 3/15.
Tom Hojer contributed again with some fine bowling and finished with 2-23.
The game was still in the balance at drinks, with Lochinvar on 5-48 after 18 overs.
Lochinvar again called on skipper Will Bischoff whose innings of 34 guided them to victory.
In the juniors, Dungog batsmen Isaac Edwards (34 retired not out) and Thomas Lovegrove (27) provided the bulk of their teams runs as they reeled in Western Suburbs total of 7/80, with eight wickets in hand.
Lovegrove was at the crease to hit the winning runs and immediately embraced batting partner Henry Hancock.
Edwards, who was named man of the match, hit a six to finish his innings of 34 before being compulsorily retired.
Edwards was also the chief destroyer with the ball taking 2/6.
Andrew Slade, Neil Carey and Lovegrove all picked up a wicket in the victory.
