Silver was on the receiving end of a 222-run thumping from Rouchel in the latest round of the Upper Hunter District Cricket Association, with the only fun aspect of the day for the away team being the ability to say the winning margin in Richie Benaud’s voice.

There were a couple of positive moments throughout the match though, with Bailey Taylor making an impressive 85 in just his second game of the season, contributing the majority of his outfit’s 135. 

Thirteen-year-old Cooper Gaegler was also notable as he made the second highest score and took a screaming catch on the final ball of Rouchel’s innings to dismiss Andrew Clydsdale.

That dismissal denied Clydsdale of a huge average boost, given the talented number three batsman made a colossal 163, which included seemingly countless numbers of boundaries.

David O’Donnell was also good with 94.

But, he ultimately succumbed to the “nervous nineties” on his side’s way to a season record 357, beating out Belltrees’ 301 from round three, which was also against Brook Silver.

Joshua Crowther and Jack Pennell were good with the ball for the home team, taking 4-18 and 3-47 respectively.

The news wasn’t much better, although admittedly less painful and drawn out, for Brook Blue who suffered an eight-wicket loss to ladder leaders Merriwa, who caught the home outfit’s dismal 59 in just 16.2 overs.

Brad Strachan made light work of the score as he notched up 26 to become the game’s highest scorer.

He also contributed to a shared effort with the ball in hand, taking three scalps along with Nathan Blackadder, while Charlie Stokes and D Munro took two apiece.

With just two rounds remaining, the Brook squads will already be looking towards next season for improvement, as they’ve had a less than desirable return to the Upper Hunter District Cricket Association. 

In other results, the Bushrangers put an end to Belmore Bulls’ run of form with a tight three-wicket triumph, Belltrees secured an important win away at Bunnan and third-placed Murrurundi defeated Aberdeen.