Bandits ahead after win over Comets

• Published date: 03 February 2022
• Publication title: Clutha Leader

The Bandits beat the Clutha Comets by 116 runs at the Outlaw Oval in Owaka on Saturday thanks to a magnificent century by stand-in captain Gordon Edwards

Owaka won the toss and elected to bat first. At the end of forty overs, the side was 257 for the loss of six wickets.

Owaka started promisingly with opening batters Stu Kelly and Danny Simmonds blunting the Clutha attack; Kelly was the more aggressive of the two and was dismissed for 13 in the eighth over. Clutha took another wicket in the over, leaving Owaka in a precarious position at 16 for the loss of two.

Edwards came to the crease and immediately set about his work, moving well and hitting gaps in the field. At 59-4, just before drinks, Edwards was joined by Daniel White in his first match for the Bandits this season. The two gelled together instantly and their running between the wickets put huge pressure on the Clutha fielding, as well as finding the boundaries at will.

White was the first to bring up his half century off just the 34 deliveries, but was dismissed shortly after for 51. His knock included six fours and two sixes. Their partnership as worth a very valuable 90 runs.

Edwards...