Missing four of their top line first graders, including skipper and batting star Cody Graham, Servies were within three wickets of upsetting an in-form Easts outfit.

Widders was enormous for Servies. After scoring an important 14 in Servies’ small total of 99, Widders was a man on a mission with the ball in their run defence.

The right-arm seamer claimed 5-17 from seven overs including the major scalps of Dean Moore [22] and Todd Francis [23].

“Brad really turned back the clock,” Servies’ president Scott Graham said.

“He was the standout.

“He just bowled stump to stump and kept picking up wickets.”

After being sent in by Easts, Servies top order was decimated by Tyson Burey [4-39] and Sam Uphill [3-24].

Only Ben Jackson [23] and Dale Northam [21] scored any significant runs as Servies were bowled out for 99 in just 36 overs.

But the Servies quicks came out fired up and behind the performance of Widders they almost pulled off a gigantic upset. A cameo from number six Ben Hanlan [31 not out] allowed Easts to scrape home, but only just.

Easts passed the total seven wickets down in the 21st over.

“It was a really good game of cricket,” Graham said.

“I don’t think it was a case of undisciplined batting, both sides just bowled really well.

“I think if we could have taken one more wicket a bit earlier on it would have made things interesting.”

Graham said it was an inspiring effort from the young Servies outfit.

“We had four gun players out so we had to bring some young guys up and they all stood up,” he said.

While still winless, Graham is confident a win is just around the corner.

“I’m more than confident we can beat City this weekend actually,” he said.

“I still think on paper they have one of the best sides, but I still think we can beat them.

“It should be a great game.”