by Sam Debenham, reprinted with permission by the author

ST PAT’S Old Boys have picked up their first win of the BDCA second grade season after ending ORC’s unbeaten run with a victory at George Park 2 on Saturday.

SPOB made things hard for themselves at times chasing 132 for victory but ultimately got across the line by two wickets thanks largely to a good team bowling performance and a strong opening stand with the bat.

With ORC batting first, Chris Porter put them on the back foot early on with three wickets in his opening spell, removing Dave Sellers (18) along with Aaron Taylor and Harrison Oakley without scoring.

He would finish with 3-26 while Nathan Down also took two wickets, as ORC struggled for momentum, Ben Spence (19), Adrian Mielke (15) and Glenn Robinson (24) all getting starts but not converting.

In reply SPOB cruised to 0-51 in 11 overs before losing Shannon Dawes (37) and Chris Sewell (31) in quick succession.

James Smith (4-20) brought his tean back into the game with SPOB at 6-114 but Porter (11 not out) showed enough composure to get his team over the line.

Kyle Aubin (2-16) also finished among the wickets for ORC.