NOT even an impromptu deluge by the sprinklers could dampen Napoleons-Sebastopol’s spirits on Saturday.
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The back-to-back Ballarat Cricket Association club firsts grand finalists swept aside a brief period of drama at City Oval to wrap-up first innings points against Ballarat-Redan.
After ousting the Combine for just 92, Naps-Sebas took to the crease in search of quick runs with the hope of sending the home side back in to bat late in the afternoon.
However, captain-coach Dan Davies’ plans were put on hold when sprinklers surrounding the pitch square were somehow triggered early in the Naps-Sebas innings.
The incident left the pitch area wet, and soaked up about an hour of play before the match could resume.
Naps-Sebas then set about hauling in the target, and did so with a minimum of fuss, reaching stumps at 2-102.
Davies, who made 47 at the top of the order, told The Courier he had plans of an outright victory heading into next week.
“We will chase quick runs for about 12 overs and have the best part of the day to try and bowl them out,” Davies said.
“That’s the plan so hopefully the sprinklers don’t come on again.”
Matt Ringin was the man that did the bulk of the damage early in the afternoon, finishing with 6-36 as Naps-Sebas took fewer than 38 overs to tear through the Combine.
Davies then led the charge with the willow before being bowled by his counterpart Matt Hoey, leaving Simon Ringin (29 not out) and Jacob Eyers (14 not out) to carry the team through to the end of the day.