A BLAZING half century to Hunter Ball set up Denman's big seven-wicket victory over JPC in the Singleton District Cricket Association's T20 competition at the weekend.
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The visitors strode to the middle of the Denman Recreational Ground first and soon found themselves in trouble, losing Dave Newman (4) and Harry Moore (0) with just six runs on the board.
The poor start was rectified somewhat when opener Rod Luxford and Michael Cole (22) added 79 for the third wicket.
Luxford eventually fell for a well-deserved 54, an innings that consisted of two sixes and seven boundaries.
A late cameo by Rod Pearce (17 not out) lifted JPC to a handy 5-113.
Peter Mills was the pick of the bowlers, snaring 1-13 from four overs.
And, he gained some nice support from Daniel Wojcikewycz (2-18), Jacob McCormick (1-10) and Leigh Stutchbury (1-17).
Denman's chase began shakily when Heath Russell dismissed David Sowter for a duck.
Karl Bowd and Ball then steadied the ship with a 36-run partnership.
However, the removal of Bowd (15) and McCormick (8) a bit later did little to blunt the side's momentum.
Ball, assisted by John Apps (15 not out), remained unbeaten on 66 as Denman reached 3-116.
He smashed half a dozen fours along the way as well.
Russell (1-13), Parcell (1-22) and Newman (1-22) claimed the scalps.
It was a red-letter day for Denman, with the thirds also upsetting Valley by five runs.
The hosts posted 9-114 as Alex Loredo top scored with 17.
Ted Denton (13), Al Murphy (13), Brad Ellis (13), Jonathan Hoad (11) and Joshua Kelly (10) chipped in with valuable contributions.
Rick Jarvis (2-14) and Connor Lambkin (2-35) snared the bowling honours.
In reply, Valley faltered on 9-109.
Murphy took 3-21, Kelly 2-5 and Anthony Worth 2-17 in the victory.
