The Hay senior cricket team has sent a clear message to the region’s cricketing community, successfully defending the Creet Cup in a commanding performance against traditional rivals Griffith on Sunday.

In what served as a high-stakes local derby for the Western Riverina and neighboring shires, Hay capitalised on home-ground advantage to secure a massive 117-run victory.

The win solidifies Hay’s position as a powerhouse in regional cricket following their initial Cup win against Lake Cargelligo in December.

Under clear skies and on a firm, well-grassed pitch, Hay skipper Simon Bunyan elected to bat first after winning the toss. Openers Liam Whitbourne and Ferg Cattanach set a disciplined tone for the afternoon, navigating the Griffith new-ball attack to reach 46 before Whitbourne was caught at mid-wicket.

The middle-order partnership between Cattanach and Bunyan proved to be the backbone of the innings. Mirroring their successful chemistry from the Lake Cargelligo clash, the pair put on an 80-run stand. Both batsmen reached half-centuries, departing for 54 runs apiece.

Despite a brief flutter of wickets in the 33rd over that saw the score at 4/146, the lower order maintained the pressure:

Digby Lilburne: 26 runs

Rupert Lilburne: 26* (not out)

Tom McGufficke: 18* (not out)

The final total of 7/231 is the largest score the Hay side has posted at home in recent years, setting a daunting chase for the visitors.

The chase for Griffith began disastrously. Rupert Lilburne claimed a wicket in the opening over, followed quickly by Ferg Cattanach, who removed the second opener in the next. When Cattanach dismissed the Griffith No. 3—caught by his brother, Jack Cattanach—the visitors were reeling at 3 wickets down within the first four overs.

The Hay bowling unit showed significant depth, with Dean Aylett stifling the run rate by bowling three consecutive maidens. This sustained pressure led to a collapse, leaving Griffith at 7/68 by the 20th over.

The clinical performance in the field ended with Griffith all out for 114.

Final Scoreboard:

Hay: 7/231 (F Cattanach 54, S Bunyan 54, D Lilburne 26, R Lilburne 26*, T McGufficke 18*)

Griffith: 114 all out (F Cattanach 2/22, R Lilburne 2/30, D Lilburne 1/8, I Gardiner 1/9, D Aylett 1/18, J Cattanach 1/27)