Stags won the toss and batted on what appeared a pretty friendly pitch.  The Golf Club bowlers were clinical though and it was James Weir that drew first blood dispatching the first of the openers for a duck.

Without adding to the score Bronson Collins bowled the big hitting danger man Josh Ryrie, gleefully reminding him that it was the second time this season.

James Weir could not believe his eyes as Daniel Cooper chose to leave a ball that cut in and took off stump.  Oh, what a feeling!

Bomber was into the attack by now and took a great caught and bowled to see the end of Jack Murdoch, the season’s top run scorer.  Another one for Bomber that over and the Stags really had the staggers at 5/29.

The procession continued producing a trail of ducks with only three batsmen getting off the mark.  With no answers to the Crookwell attack Stags were lucky to make it to their final total of 48, Dylan Maddock putting on 15 of them for the last wicket before being caught by Adam Evans for 26.

A season best of 6/28 for James and a tidy 3/8 for the captain had given Crookwell the best start imaginable.

Crookwell now had to capitalise on their great start.  Brendan Hewitt was an early casualty but there was only the one wicket down when Golf Club took the first innings lead.

In the blink of an eye though Geoff Nicho and James Weir were spectators with 22 and 20 respectively.  There were a few others happy enough to watch the cricket as the score slumped to 8/76.

Now, check our newest recruit - Sam “Pommy” Jackson elevated from third grade to save the day. A rock solid display with the captain produced the biggest partnership of the match, 58.  That was stumps on Day1, an 81 run lead thank you.

Not all went to plan on Sunday, Bomber’s great captain’s knock finished second over for 60.  A bloodied Sparra had suffered a brutal hit in the nets. Although a little shaken he still batted above par adding 3 for a total of 137 and a lead of 89.

Spud Weir was again involved early rattling the stumps in his first over.  Stags however were out to show why they were minor premiers and had passed their first innings total inside four overs.

There was some very aggressive batting but it produced chances and the wickets continued to fall. Jack Murdoch was being a downright nuisance as he brought up his 50, but first ball after drinks and the best slips fielder in the business, Nicho put an end to that.

Matty Mills caught the other danger man and the pressure was eased somewhat.  Sparra sneaked one past the bat for an lbw and Bomber cleaned up as only he can to finish with four wickets.  It will be a long wait though to see if he gets this hat trick!

78 was the target.  Doesn’t sound a lot, and the story does have a happy ending but not without a few hiccups.  Stags fought hard and took 6 wickets in the run chase.

The positives were 28 to Brendan Hewitt, and a well deserved 22 not out along with his 11 wickets to give James Weir man of the match. Corey Knight had the honour of hitting the winning runs with a well struck boundary.

I do feel that our little mate behind the stumps deserves a special mention.  He has done a great job for the team all year and this match was no exception for Benny Evans.  Well done.

Job done, a magnificent end to a great season and yes, there were some minor celebrations.

Many thanks to our sponsors and supporters for helping bring this to fruition.  Council staff should also take a bow, as all visiting teams comment on our fantastic grounds.