Despite a century to opening batsman Harry Chapman, the Ballina Bears cricketers lost their third-grade fixture hosting Byron Bay at Saunders Oval last weekend.
Harry opened the batting and immediately went on the offensive with a display of big hitting. He was soon joined by Don Daley, who contributed 26 to the Ballina total of 9/215 off the 40 overs.
Harry finished with an even 100 to his name.
After weathering an early storm from the Bears, the Byron bowlers reined in the run rate. Brady Fuhrmann took control through his 5/30 off eight overs and Mitch Loane backed him up with 2/9 off five overs.
In reply Byron Bay were able to set an early platform through a partnership between Owen Delian (49 runs) and Doug Jarvis (66 including five sixes). They were backed up by Mitch (37) and Tom McGeorge (38 no).
Byron took the game with their 4/221 off 29 overs.
It was their first game of the season after sitting out a bye last weekend.
The best of the Bears’ bowlers was William James with 2/36 off seven overs.
Tintenbar East Ballina and Bangalow both sit on top of the third-grade table with two wins each, from two starts.