With the region’s best combining with Canberra stars for an explosive Twenty20 match, it was the Southern Sixers providing the goods to overcome the Northern Thunder. 

The Thunder took to the crease first and was showing some early promise. 

However, a moment of hesitation mid-run saw opening batsman Adam Blacka run out by former international one-day player Mark Higgs. 

Thunder captain, and last year’s man of the match, Ben O’Reilly was leading the way for his team neatly clocking up 35 runs before he was caught. 

Canberra Comets all-rounder Vele Dukoski stepped up to the crease, but did not impress as he was quickly dismissed for just two runs. 

With the Sixers settling into the rhythm  in the field, the Thunder’s batsmen were under increasing pressure. 

Runs were added steadily, but wickets were mounting against the Northern team. 

Andrew Dedman provided a solid performance, as did Kel Evans. 

With the middle order whittling away to the lower end, the Thunder was just rounding the 100 run mark.

“The Thunder need to lift the run rate here to see an impressive score,” came the call from the commentator Chris O’Brien. 

However, they could not muster a low order stand and lost a wicket on the last ball to finish at 8/129. 

Tathra’s Lachlan Gordon provided an impressive bowling effort, as did Pambula captain Brendon Gordon. 

Higgs took a turn and was able to keep the batsmen fairly quiet with his  powerful spin bowling. 

Meanwhile ACT rep player Mac Wright made his presence felt with some fast-paced bowling. 

Canberra Comets star Michael Spaseski bowled in the later stages, but really shone in his batting performance (see story page 18). 

With the target set the Southern Sixes warmed up and took to the crease. 

Raffles were drawn during the switch over with over half a dozen people winning some excellent prizes. 

Dylan Jordan provided an action packed opening innings for the Sixers, but was claimed early. 

Talented Pambula batsman Shane Garrett notched up 29 including two sixes. 

Higgs was just warming up when he sent a ball sailing high. 

In a near comedic blunder, the ball was dropped, but Higgs was run out after he didn’t bother running, assuming he was caught.  

After Spaseski’s spectacular effort the Sixers were only three down needing just two runs for victory. 

However, the game quickly switched momentum, with  Dukoski making a reprieve for his batting performance. 

His opening bowl sailed through the stumps and swiftly put the Sixers under pressure. 

With six overs to spare, the Southern squad wasn’t breaking a sweat, but did lose two batsmen before securing the final couple of runs to win at 6/133. 

Meanwhile, players were  invited to donate any second hand gear to a Tongan Cricket appeal on the day. 

Appeal organiser Peter Moorehead said he was very happy to see the response from the  community, with players from Tuross Head making the trip to donate a large box of goods. 

Moorehead said it was a great start and is now eager to move on with contacting Australia’s large cricket bodies. 

Players who have gear they wish to donate can still do so through the Tathra Cricket Club.