Run out turns tide for Bears
A DIRECT-hit run out from Stuart Blythe propelled Marshall to a fifthstraight win.
With Torquay cruising to its target of 267 after a fruitful fourthwicket partnership of 89 between captain Ash Russell and Thomas Dunn, Blythe threw the stumps down and sparked a remarkable comeback.
“There was a little bit of a mix up, Ash got sent back, and Stu got a direct hit and it was a game changer,” Bears captain Kal Dubbeldam said.
“He (Blythe) was at a short third man and he (Russell) put in a full- length dive and didn’t quite get there.”
Russell was out for a well-made 72, and while Dunn (39) and Dave Hando rebuilt the innings with a 34run partnership, Marshall grabbed the ascendancy.
“I got fairly worried in the middle period of the game,” Dubbeldam said.
“Torquay’s middle-order bats batted really well and looked like they were potentially going to get the team home, but we kept grinding it out.
“We got a few wickets and a run out that opened the game up.”
Russell, who smacked 11 boundaries and a six, took sole responsibility for the run out. “I just got it wrong,” he said. “There was definitely no run there, it was my fault, so I put my hand up for that one.
“It hurt in the end, but we had a good partnership after that and we were right in it. Once Dave Hando went out we struggled to score and we started losing wickets.
“If myself and ‘Dunny’ stayed in for another 10 overs, we could’ve knocked it over, but they’re a good team.
“They’re 5-0 and we’re not far away.”
Jake Dubbeldam and Brad Greenwood were again among the wickets, snaring 3-49 and 3-67 to get the Bears home.
“I’m stoked with the lads,” Kal Dubbeldam said.
“We’ve been playing some solid cricket and we’re reaping the rewards.
“There’s good energy and we all have confidence in each other.
“We’re having fun playing quality cricket.”