A heavy thunderstorm in the early hours of Saturday morning no doubt did a fair amount of the damage to the games scheduled in Inverell, although there was better luck with the matches played out of town.

Imperial travelled to Warialda where they scored a narrow victory over their opponents, in a very competitive match.

Batting first, Warialda posted 9-177 with Jason Walker (51) and Sam Cooper (36) making the best contributions with the bat.

Clinton Connors continued his good all-round form, picking up 3/39 with the ball.

With only nine batsmen it was going to be a tough chase for Imperial, but they did manage to reach 7-179, to claim the match with no wickets in hand.

Preston Connors was the top scorer for his side with 34 not out, while Rodney Blair (31) and Raymond Connors (30) also chipped in with the bat.

Warialda captain Allan Austin was the best with the ball, picking up 2/22.

There was also play out at Gum Flat, where Staggy Creek and Delungra managed to get a result.

Batting first, Delungra posted an impressive 8/223 with Jeremy Pilcher (80) and Toby Pilcher (35) performing with the bat.

Tom Lavender was the best bowler for Staggy Creek, claiming figures of 3/20.

Staggy Creek put up a decent fight in their run chase with Chad Makim scoring a half-century, but it wasn’t enough as they were bowled out for 162.

Brad Thomas (4/33) and Matthew Kennedy (4/29) combined with the ball for Delungra to bowl their side to an impressive victory.

The only game played in town was the second division clash between Invincibles and Square & Compass at Brooks Oval.

Shortened to 35 overs after heavy rain hit seconds after the coin toss, Invincibles eventually scored a good win on the day.

Batting first, Square & Compass made 184, with captain Eric Higgins top scoring with 82, while Josh Porter (27) and Sage Cook (24) also contributed with the bat.

Dan McLachlan was the best bowler for Invincibles, claiming 2/28 from his overs.

The total looked competitive, but the Invincibles batsman appeared up to the task very early in the piece, with captain Tim Torgau smashing 80, with some great support from Jesse Williams who made 50.

Darren Blatch (2/35) and Jake McMillan (2/47) claimed wickets for Square & Compass, but it wasn’t enough to stop Invincibles from reaching the total with wickets in hand.

Teams will be hoping the weather stays away tomorrow and in future weeks so there can be a clean run into the finals.