Sport
24 January, 2026
Disastrous start cruels Redbacks
KINGOWER cruised into the Loddon Herald Cup T20 final with a big win over Arnold.
Gower skipper Matt Rowe and fellow opening bowler Kyle Simpson did the damage to the Arnold top order, which slumped to 4-18.
Rowe took 3-11 from his four overs, dismissing opening bats, Heath Lock and Henry McCullough.
Simpson was even tighter, conceding only nine runs from his four overs, including the wicket of Michael Dale.
Flynn Lock (30) and Kale Hewett (18) combined for a 45-run partnership for the fifth wicket, and Adam Davies (13 not out) chipped in at the end, but Arnold’s 6-80 after 20 overs was never going to be enough to defend against Kingower’s strong batting lineup.
Rowe and Simpson also dominated with the bat, putting on 72 for the second wicket and highlighting their all-round skills.
Will Deason fell early to Henry McCullough, but Rowe and Simpson then piled on the runs.
Simpson was dismissed by Kale Hewett for 38 just as Kingower matched their opponents’ score.
In the end, 10 overs saw the Gower hit 2-91, sealing their place in next Saturday’s T20 final against Boort Yando.
The Redback bowlers had a tough time of it, with Michael Dale’s three overs yielding 34 runs and McCullough’s four giving up 37 runs.
Arnold will meet Wedderburn Band in a two-day match beginning on January 30, with Kingower to face Bridgewater..