Denmark deny late Mt Barker hopes

Denmark have strung back-to-back wins after holding on for a tense three-run victory over Mt Barker at Turf East late on Saturday afternoon, in a round eight match that was precariously placed for a large period.

Veteran Cary Green snared the final two wickets as he helped deny the Bulls a remarkable late fightback to win, given they had two wickets left and still needed 26 runs to win.

With their key batsman out, the Bulls were relying on recruit Ricky Marris to help guide them home but when he fell on 32 the match had again swung in the Magpies favour.

Father and son combination Anthony and Noah Middleton then shared in a defiant 16-run ninth wicket stand that got the Bulls in sight of victory until Anthony Middleton tucked a ball around to Matt Ellul who juggled the catch.

Craig Anning came in at No.11 and scored five runs and with still more than three overs to bowl the Bulls hopes were again jolted until the wily Green slid a ball onto Noah Middleton’s pads and trapped him lbw to end a thrilling contest.

Green finished with 2-24 off 8.3 overs to help his side notch consecutive wins following their triumph against Collingwood Park the previous week.

Seamer Brad Stewart (4-30) was crucial for the winners, dismissing the key men in Nathan Crosby for a duck and Alex Fergie after he was well set on 31, while Bulls skipper Jeremy Wood was playing some terrific strokes until counterpart Ryan Gaerth brought him undone on 41.

A mini-collapse after Wood’s dismissal hurt the Bulls chances, losing 5-18 to make things difficult for the lower order.

Earlier the Magpies won the toss and batted but their innings was rescued by an outstanding seventh wicket partnership that gave them a decent target to defend.

Matt Burton (22), Ryan Gaerth (22) and Oliver Pluckhahn (13) all threw away starts and when Fergie had Daniel Reid caught behind on nine, the Magpies were struggling at 6-95.

Veteran Peter Ross and Matt Ellul then came together and their unbeaten 67-run stand ensured the Magpies batted their 50 overs to finish with 6-162.

Ross timed the ball well in his crafty half century that consisted of only one boundary and Ellul was 26 not out at the other end as they frustrated the Bulls at the death.

Wood (2-27 off nine overs) and Steven Scott (2-35 off eight) were the pick of the Bulls bowlers.

The Magpies still sit at the foot of the table but join Collingwood Park and Royals with two wins ahead of their clash with North County this Saturday.