The first-tier War Veterans’ Cup side won the toss and elected to bat, making 114 before being bowled out on a slow wicket.

Few batsmen were able to get anything more than a start, with opener Andrew Brownlie the top-scorer.

He made 23 before being caught by Brendon Rixon from the bowling of state squad member Josh Hazlewood.

Brownlie forged an opening partnership of 42 with Dean Moore, who was eventually bowled for seven, also by Hazlewood.

He was the best of the bowlers for Tamworth, taking 3/15 in a seven-over spell that included one maiden.

It was all downhill for Armidale once Brownlie was dismissed, with the final eight wickets going for just 66 runs.

Only Adam Bailey (17) and Brad King (10) managed to make it to double figures.

Also among the wickets for Tamworth were Callum Roberts and Tim Kensell, who each bagged three, while Ben Legge claimed the scalp of Bailey.

In reply Tamworth reached the total for a loss of seven wickets in their 42nd over.

Blake Fitzgerald top scored with 33 before being trapped in front by Cameron Wood, while Hazlewood also chipped in with an unbeaten 26.

Wood was the best with the ball for Armidale, taking 5/27.

In addition to players who were always going to be out of Sunday’s match due to other commitments, Armidale also had to contend with the late withdrawals of Liam Smith and Andrew Skinner.

Armidale skipper Adam O’Sullivan said there were plenty of positives to take out of the game.

“We’re very happy with the way we turned up to play,” he said.

“The top and middle-lower order batsmen were very good, our fielding was great and not one of the bowlers let us down.”

“We’ve got four or five blokes to come back for the next game which will make selection interesting.”

The War Veterans’ Cup side’s next outing will be on November 2 in Inverell, as part of the SCG Country Cup knockout competition.

The MA Connolly Cup side had more luck against Pilliga.

While representatives from that team were unable to be reached yesterday, O’Sullivan said they had a convincing win, making 234 before bowling the opposition out for less than half that.

“That was really good,” O’Sullivan said.

“Four or five blokes scored 30s or more so it’s looking good for them.”