The inaugural Far North Coast over-45s winter cricket league got off to a great start with over 400 runs scored and a win for the Red-necked Pademelons over the Forest Dragons.
Playing at Kingsford Smith Oval in Ballina the Forest Dragons were sent in to bat and scored 205 off 36.2 overs. Dave Dirou scored at more than a run a ball for his 39, as did Brett Crawford (41no) and Brett McPhail (28). Sonny Singh (28) and Nigel Dornan (23) kept the runs coming.
Paddy Wilde was the best bowler for the Pademelons taking 4/40, supported by Kev Walker (3/38).
The Pademelons came out firing with Brad Walker (23) and Nathan Croft (23) moving the score along quickly. It took the fourth bowling change to get a much-needed wicket, however the middle order continued to hit runs.
At the 20-over drinks break, the game was evenly poised. But the strong middle order of Mal Hamcock (34no) and Matt Dickens (41no) laid the foundation for the chase which was reached in the 37th over.
Players of the match were Kev Walker and Brett Crawford.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
