PLAYING the first match of a double header, Newtown warmed up for their Sunday clash against Coastal Warriors with a solid performance, finishing all over the top of Esperance at the Esperance Cricket Ground on Saturday.

Despite some sloppy batting up the order Newtown were able to regroup before coming away with a one-wicket win over a gallant Esperance.

Earlier in the day Esperance, batting first, looked competitive putting together a 144 runs, despite seeing three members of the top order falling fairly quickly to a strong Newtown Attack.

Veteran Ray Davis (27-three 4s) kick started the Esperance inning with a real captain’s performance at the crease, finally departing the scene with the score on 47.

This was followed by a struggle for survival as Esperance slumped badly to be 4/50, the last three wickets falling for just three runs.

Greg Symes (15-one 4) led a fight back, along with veteran Wayne Martin (29) while Steve O’Reilly (19-three 4s) made the most of his opportunities.

Poor accuracy with the ball was also common with 27 sundries that included no less than 24 wides, enabling Esperance to end their innings at 8/144.

For Newtown Paul Griffiths ended the day with 2/13 off five overs while Chris Perks 2/29, Peter Skinner 2/26 and Reece Griffiths 2/33 all did well in the wicket department.

In reply Newtown lost their first wicket, Colin McArthur (8-two 4s), with the score on 14 before Geoff Harris (15-two 4s) coupled with Paul Pelham in a 39-run partnership before the second wicket fell.

The side lost their next two wickets when on 77 runs before Pelham (40) finally fell, bowled by Davis, five runs later.

Reece Griffiths (28-two 4s) picked up the run chase while Peter Lister (25) showed fight along with Paul Griffiths (retired hurt 11).

Sundries, again, played a part with Esperance conceding 24 ensuring Newtown of victory as the side ended their innings at 9/163.

For Esperance, O’Reilly headed the best bowling list with 3/36, Martin, Davis and Marty Sullivan also picked up a wicket while Leon Henderson and 12th man Kim Campbell each claimed a scalp as well.