This was obvious when Nowra took revenge for an earlier loss this season, defeating the locals by 16 runs last Saturday at Lighthouse Oval.

After Nowra won the toss and batted, United youngster Angus Rutherford struck in his second over when he cramped Nowra opener Jono Clark to snick a rising delivery behind the wicket to give United’s ever-alert keeper Rocky Lavalle the easiest of catches, making it 1 for 8.

Seven overs later, demon off-spinner Aaron Wester brilliantly outsmarted and removed opener Damien Ethrington (26) with a stunning caught and bowled as Nowra momentarily shivered at 2 for 53. The experienced combination of Lewis O’Brien and Jason Bell then teamed up before O’Brien, swinging flamboyantly, departed on 24 after being caught at deep mid-wicket due to a lifting bouncer from Nat Simmons. Nowra improved from 3 for 73 after ten overs to finish at 3 for 137 with Bell (47) and Ryan Henry (4) at the crease.

In reply, some of the United batsmen seemed to be making their decisions at the crease by rote. 

Skipper-opener Harley Bell was the exception. Right from the first delivery he faced outside his off stump, the big left-hander made his intentions known as he laid his full weight behind the ball which flew over the long-off boundary for six. With opening partner George Walker departing for 12 after edging behind, the Seagulls were 1 for 28 after seven overs.

Bell pulled, hooked, cut and drove, keeping his opponents guessing with some spectacular hitting before Sam Lee was bowled for a duck at 2 for 44.

A reasonable partnership was starting to build when Rocky Lavale gave a schoolgirl’s catch to mid-on on 22, quickly followed by Brad Field’s dramatic exit after being bowled first ball as the locals wobbled at 4 for 92.

At the 16th over mark, the gallant Bell finally bade farewell to his innings after a barnstorming 50, before Wes Holmes (10) was run out in the last over with United 17 runs short of victory.

Later on that afternoon, United didn’t fare any better, falling 4/131 to 130 to Berry-Shoalhaven Heads at the same ground with Holmes (37) and Angus Rutherford (2/24) being the standouts for the hosts.

This Saturday afternoon at Lighthouse Oval starting at 2pm, the locals take on North Nowra-Cambewarra  in the last round of the one-day competition and this Sunday morning at 10.30am at the same Lighthouse venue, the locals face Berry Magpies in the T20 comp semi-final.