The Diggers Tavern Bellingen Magpies secured maximum points with an outright victory over the Nana Glen Lizards on day two of the round two match to climb to the top of the table and remain the competition front runners.

Resuming at 1/5 chasing an unlikely 243 for victory, a depleted Nana Glen were no match for the young and not so young magpies. Light drizzle made the ball a touch slippery after the first few overs but good line and length stump to stump bowling kept the runs down and the mistakes soon followed. Clever bowling changes by Bruce “wise old owl” Mills where often met with immediate success restricting Nana Glen to 106 in their first innings. Bowling spoils went to Sam “Hollywood” Harrison 3/6 who bowled with vim and vigour. Hollywood was ably supported by the stoic cast of Nick Hopper 2/17, Julian Hulbert (1/11) and Bruce “background extra” Mills (1/1).

With first innings points in the bag at the early tea interval, Nana Glen were asked to bat again still 137 runs in arrears. A run of leg joint injuries to key bowlers, the slips cordon was looking more and more like the newly crowned “Hulbert Rehabilitation Ward” at Bellingen health campus. Louis Balenzano (1/7) picked up an early wicket but after 26 overs Nana Glen had steadied at 1/61. Julian Hulbert (2/19) was re-introduced and picked up the two vital wickets and then floodgates opened. Bruce and Nick picking up two each late in the piece. Nana Glen all out for 78. Two highlights of the second innings score sheet B. Young Caught S. Hulbert, Bowled J. Hulbert and S. Shelly Caught Billy “nerves of steel” Mills Bowled Bruce “no pressure” Mills.

Next week the Diggers Tavern Magpies play host to Dorrigo in the match of the round clash starting at 12:30pm.