By Matt Zell

The Bendigo Bank Gilgandra 1^st XI recorded a resounding 6 wicket win against Dubbo in Dubbo on Sunday to register their first win of the season in a highly spirited performance.

Losing the toss & fielding first, opening bowlers Jon Kilby & debutant Harry Willoughby set about dismantling the top order.

Kilby gained the initial breakthrough before Willoughby struck with 2 quick wickets. 1^st change bowler & fellow debutant Jack Irving then stole the show.

In a quality spell of 10 straight overs Irving took 5/24 bookended by wickets in both his first & last overs in a fine display of line & length bowling.

Kilby & Ben Hjort then quickly mopped up the tail to ensure a manageable run chase was in sight. Jon finished with 2/15 off 8, Harry 2/43 off his 10 & Hjort 1/15 off his 4.

Wicket keeper & skipper Matt Everett was outstanding with the gloves taking 3 catches standing up to the quicks along with a smart stumping.

Chasing 106 for victory Gilgandra were rolling along comfortably at 1/44 off 8, we then encountered some mild turbulence with Grant Malouf taking a hat trick to have our middle order scrambling to get their pads on.

17 year old James Glasson then casually strode to the crease & set about resurrecting the innings & contributed 15 in an unbeaten stand of 60 with Everett, Matt remaining 57 not out in a stirring captain’s knock.

Gilgandra managed to gain the required runs in 24.3 overs in a totally dominant performance.

A special mention to both Jack Irving & James Glasson from USC Marthaguy who both came into the team at the 11^th hour due to some late withdrawals.

This week sees Gilgandra take on Bourke @ McGrane Oval from 10am on Sunday, be sure to come down & support our local team in their last rep game of the season.