Ganmain Maroons cricket captain Harry Logan won the toss and elected to bat at the Matong Cricket Ground last weekend, when the opening batsmen quickly discovered they were playing on a seamer’s paradise.

The wicket was lively, the ball was moving and runs were going to be hard earned.

Opening pair Mitch McPherson (11) and Joe Foley (6) got things underway, although McPherson’s steadfast refusal to turn twos into threes, or ones into twos, undoubtedly cost his batting partner a few runs.

The Maroons soon found themselves in trouble as wickets tumbled. Ben Smith (15) and Matt Foley offered some resistance, while Tom Martin chipped in with a valuable 14.

Harry Logan’s contribution of a duck ensured his day was already heading in the wrong direction.

With the innings threatening to unravel completely, Blake Ryan steadied the ship, settling the collapse with a composed 31. He found valuable support from Dave Karlberg, whose 19 helped push the score towards something resembling respectability.

The Maroons eventually finished on 120, a total that looked competitive on a wicket offering plenty for the bowlers.

And for a while, it appeared more than enough.

Early wickets had Ganmain dreaming of an early mark and a few cold beers. Hamish Linsell (3/29), Sam Longmore (2/12), Dave Karlberg (2/18) and Joe Foley (1/21) all contributed with the ball.

Unfortunately, the wicket had other ideas.

As the afternoon wore on, the pitch flattened out, leaving Logan to reflect on a day where even his successful coin toss was beginning to look like a tactical blunder.

But the real story was Ganmain’s fielding.

Radford was dropped in the very first over, which proved costly.

Radford settled in, anchored the Coolamon innings and went on to compile an unbeaten 51. As the visitors edged closer to the target, Ganmain continued to offer generous assistance.

Radford was dropped twice more. Robinson was also given a life.

What should have been a comfortable defence had turned into a desperate fight for survival.

With Coolamon needing just one run to level the scores, and Ganmain seemingly determined to throw the game away, Dave Karlberg produced the decisive delivery, bowling the final batsman.

Coolamon 119. Ganmain 120. One run. Eight wickets down.

Coolamon’s remaining batsmen, Phil Inn and John Doe, reportedly refused to take the crease, leaving their teammates stranded one run short.

A remarkable escape for the Maroons, who almost to snatched defeat from the jaws of a victory.

A huge thank you to Ganmain sponsors the Royal Hotel Grong Grong, Rabobank, Cobrapparel and FoodWorks Coolamon for their continued support.