Gunnedah Premier League: Imperial Hotel beat Karen Carter by six wickets to claim 2021 title

Chasing Karen Carter's 8-100, after some tight bowling pulled them back from a blistering start, Callum Henry led the way, cracking two sixes and four fours in a well-compiled 39 from 41 at the top of the Imperial order.

Opening partner Luke Ryan also chipped in with 16 off 18 and skipper Oscar King 12 off 10 before Mitchell Swain (15 off 16) saw them over the line with 10 balls to spare.

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Earlier Simon Norvill blasted three fours and two sixes in a quick-fire 39 from 26 to get Karen Carter off to a flyer. They were 0-57 at one stage with fellow opener Hayden Baker chiming in with 19 off 27.

But the innings tailed away after Norvill's dismissal with Brodie Cleal (10) the only other batsmen to make double figures, as King (2-15), Peter McCormack (2-9) and Vinnie Winsor (3-5) bowled Imperial back into the game.

McCormack had a good weekend with the ball, claiming 3-10 for Court House as they beat Morninington in their first grade clash on Saturday.

He started things off as they dismissed Mornington for 81 in reply to their 7-169, picking up both openers to have them 2-9. Skipper Farran Lamb (4-8) then joined the party as Mornington slumped to 0-17, only some rearguard action from Andrew Johns (19), D Pass (15) and AJ King (13no) saving them from being bundled out for under 50.

Lamb earlier anchored the Court House innings with 47, Blake Small chipping in with 22 opening.

Mitch Foster (4-23) bowled well early for Mornington while skipper Rhyce Kliendienst claimed 2-40.

In the other game, Bailey Lennox blasted an unbeaten half-century as Albion thrashed Kookaburras. Lennox's 52 underpinned their 8-159 which they easily defended with James Mack snaring 5-27 to dismiss Kookaburras for just 93.

It could have probably been less if not for extras, the 22 they bowled the top contributor to the Kookaburras innings.

The final round will be played this Saturday with Albion taking on Mornington and Court House facing Kookaburras, and the minor premiership still up for grabs.

Less than a point separate Court House (120.52) and Albion (120.31) while Mornington are also in the mix for the one-day silverware.

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