CREEKS successfully defended its Singleton District Cricket Association first grade crown following a seven-wicket victory over Valley at Howe Park on Saturday.
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And, it was Mark Unicomb who proved to be the difference between the two combatants.
With Valley looking to post a big score first up, he claimed the important scalps of Chris Duffie, Simon White and Brendan Nichols.
After a delayed start, due to the recent rainfall, the match was reduced to a 40-over encounter.
Creeks sent Valley into bat and skipper Jacob Carey (15) and Duffie (33) combined for a 37-run opening stand.
Carey’s departure triggered a mini collapse, with White (4), Nichols (0) and Troy Barrett (7) all falling cheaply to leave the team at 5-65.
Isaac Barry (27), Mal Davis (6) and Daniel Storey (35 - with four sixes) steadied the ship, which enabled Valley to post a competitive 8-146.
Unicomb finished with 4-29 and received strong support from Myles Cook (2-50), Hamid Arain (1-13), Blake Cook (1-27) and Bayden Mulholland (0-19).
Creeks began its chase solidly, however Chad Solman (15) faltered with the score on 32.
Chris Unicomb (40) and Jacob Apicella (31) then joined forces for a 66-run partnership.
With Creeks comfortably placed at 3-104, Jacob Hill and Mulholland guided them home in the 31st over, finishing unbeaten on 16 and 29 respectively.
Tom Cox was the only bowler to snare dual wickets, capturing 2-17.