The duo picked up two wickets for 18 runs off 12 overs, leaving a stunned Lawson Park side on the back foot as they tried to claw their way back into the match.

But this was never going to be the case as the Paragon side were pulling off something special when first change bowlers Nathan King (2-11) and Jeremy Doherty (3-16) continued the tight and consistent bowling.

The first batsman to reach double figures for the Lawson Park team was Matt Croake at number seven and the tail showed the top order how it is done as they almost accounted for two thirds of a poultry 86 run total.

Some good hitting from Mark Barnes and Rodney Golden gave the Lawson Park side a minute glimmer of hope.

Mudgee District Cricket Association Secretary Betty Endacott was one of many people who said the opening spell of bowling was one of the most impressive performances she has seen.

“The Paragon side were just landing the ball in exactly the right areas and were very hard to get away,” she said.

Lawson Park captain Rodney Golden also praised the Paragon team.

“They came back from the forfeit with a very strong side. We underestimated them a little. Our batting is no where near what it needs to be,” he said.

“We are showing promise but our top and middle order need to stand up or there will be changes.”

Whilst the Paragon team chased down the runs with no loss of wickets, the Lawson Park side were unlucky in the field with many balls passing the edge of the bat and balls just falling short of fieldsmen.

Paragon skipper Jeremy Doherty made sure he punished the bad balls, hitting eight fours in his not out innings of 48 and Callum Ruming provided solid support, hitting three fours and a six to finish with 31 not out.