The UK lads heralded their arrival with two match winning efforts against Waratah. Jacob Mulhall registered the Magpies first century since Hitchy and Armsy knocked up 101no and 152 respectively against Stockton back in March 2018. Harry Gadd’s fighting 42 was enough to see the 1sts register their first win of the season.

In Firsts Waratah won the toss and batted at Kahibah Oval with Maddo making the initial breakthrough bowling the dangerous Hudson. The Waratah top order then batted steadily to be 3-128 at one stage but then lost 7-28 to finish on 156. Maddo and Armsy took 3 a piece and Wally while not successful bowled another consistent and probing spell to finish with 1-23 off his 8. Andy Saville snared a couple of fine outfield catches one of which will be a contender in the Magpies Classic Catches this season.

Dan (27) and Hitchy (23) combined for an opening stand of 55 and in company with Jed’s aggressive 34 off 26 they had the Magpies in a winning position at 2 -107. Harry then combined in a number of small partnerships to move within reach of the win but a collapse of 5-11 almost took the game away. The boys managed to hang in there to take the win at 9-157.

The Seconds clash at Waratah Oval was another close game with Waratah batting first and posting 9-156 at the close. Josh Eddy led the attack with 3-29 while Dan Standing (2-30) and Nick Chapman (2-34) chipped in and Rusty showed his value again bowling an economical spell of 6-1-1-14. In reply the top order mirrored the 1st Grade scorecard with Josh Hardy (29) and Lee Davies(35) sharing an opening p’ship of 55. Jake Richo’s 30 kept them on target but they lost wickets regularly. Fortunately Dane Macourt had stepped in to replace the injured skipper and his experience showed in a well compiled 29 off 47 to get the ‘Pies home with a couple of overs to spare.

At Charlestown Oval the spectators were treated to a dominant knock of 125 no from Jacob Mulhall which included 17 x 4’s and 3 x 6’s. Jacob shared stands of 53 with Conrad (12) and 78 with Kye Ellison (16) to see the ‘Pies post 6-188 at close. After Nate Cyrus and Benny Fryer took two wickets each early Waratah were tottering at 4-22 but a fine knock from Jack Dundas, an ex Charlestown junior, who finished unluckily on 99 no took them within reach of the target. Kye though rounded off a good all round performance by cleaning up the tail to finish with 4-15 and the ‘Tahs fell 20 runs short.

The inexperienced 4’s are on a steep learning curve but are giving their best effort. After losing yet another toss Charlestown were in the field and Waratah batted aggressively to post 5-222. Kade Sutton impressed again returning good figures of 8-1-3-21 while Blake Hardy (2-57) continued to show that he is a genuine wicket taker. Matt Temple bowled economically to finish with 0-26 off 7. In reply Davo batted with authority at the top to finish with 37 while Kade again impressed with the bat finishing 27 no and completing a good all round performance. Young Davo, Patrick that is, finished off a good day for the family finishing with 14 and adding 28 for the 9th wicket in a p’ship with Kade.. The ‘Pies were dismissed for 130 in the 37th over but showed the fight they will need to compete seriously over the entire season.

It has been suggested that Dave Ellison may be taking the other captains to a two up school to up their calling skills !!