Armidale's under13's cricket side beat Tamworth by 75 runs

At Lambert Park, the home side won the toss and opted to bat first.

Oliver Schmude and Harry Litchfield opened the scoring with a 50 run partnership before Ned Shortis added 19 captain Ryan Simpson contributed with a top score of 30. 

The remaining batsmen and women combined well for a total of 165. 

Armidale District Cricket Association’s vice-president Michael Dennis said the home team dominated the opening stages before they were reigned in by Tamworth’s bowling attack. 

"They had a good opening partnership,” he said.

"They were going very well and Tamworth fought back and limited them to 165 after they looked like they might get to 200 but then they bowled really well.”

The local side backed up their performance with the bat with a strong bowling display.

Harry Litchfield, Ned Shortis, Maurice Kelly, Henry Starr and Harry Watson all played their part in bowling the visitors out for 90. 

Dennis said while Armidale won by 75 runs, it was a match played in good spirits from both sides. 

"They played well as a team and got on very well together,” he said.

"All of the bowlers bowled so well that the wickets were shared amongst them. Importantly, they really seemed to enjoy themselves. 

"They were playing a 40 over game so for some of them it was probably the longest game they ever played so it was all a bit new to them but I was very pleased at the way they all got on and enjoyed themselves. 

"Indeed the Tamworth boys and girls were also good so it was a good day. A lovely way to start the season for these kids.”

Dennis said Simpson played his role as captain well and had a big influence on the game. 

"He captained very well as well,” he said. 

"He marshalled his troops very well and was very encouraging. I thought he did a really good job and he made sure the bowlers switched around.”