In Eden’s first double header Twenty20 challenge, the Reds faced Merimbula before going against competition front-runners Tathra. 

The Merimbula Knights were on the back of a form slump and were aiming to turn it around, which they were able to do, but at Eden’s expense. 

Playing on the Knights’ home ground at Berrambool Oval the home side took the crease first. 

Knights president Jeremy Fernando said he and Dylan Jordan were off to a “flying start”.

Jordan was caught in the third over by Dylan Wheeler, but had already amassed 21 runs. 

Fernando attributed “some quick running and great stroke play” to helping the Knights reach 109 before he was caught by Reece Wheeler. 

However, Fernando said his batting partner Lucas Rixon was providing the goods.

“Rixon pushed on to a game winning knock of 68.”

After their 20 overs the Knights had compiled a challenging 4/159.

Tim Bowes continued his good form for the Eden bowlers, picking up three wickets, while captain Drew Mudaliar bagged one. 

Eden’s top order had the better of the Knight’s opening bowlers and were quickly setting about chasing down the run total. 

However, a quick switch in tactics from Merimbula saw things take a turn. 

“The first bowling change saw Brayden McDonald get the breakthrough,” Fernando said. 

Andrew Evelyn was bowled after a solid 27 run stint, while fellow opener Dylan Wheeler, just shy of a half-century on 42 was bowled by McDonald’s brother Jacob. 

Eden’s batting line-up quickly toppled after the initial spree, with Ian Smith going out for two, while young gun Corey Spink added 19 to the chase. 

Bowes was also bowled for just two along with Neil Baker on two as well. 

Mudaliar added 13 and Reece picked up 19, but as the overs rounded out Eden had fallen short of the target by 19 runs. 

Eden finished its 20 overs on  7/140. 

The Reds then travelled to the Pambula Sporting Complex at Pambula Beach to take on front-runners Tathra. 

Tathra took the crease first which led to a crushing blow to Eden’s chances of victory. 

Despite picking up opening batsmen Chris Dwyer early from a great Smith catch, Adam Blacka repeated his performance from last week and slogged 110 runs. 

Tathra captain Ben O’Reilly also smacked a swag of runs scoring 51 not out. 

Once Blacka fell to the bowling of Tyrone Thomas, Eden started taking wicket after wicket, but the damage had already been done. 

Tathra ended its 20 overs at 6/210. 

Thomas took three wickets, while Reece claimed two and Neil Baker one. 

Things looked dire for Eden when the run chase got underway as early wickets claimed valuable batsmen. 

Mudaliar was caught for just three and fellow opener Dylan scored four before he was caught by Blacka. 

Thomas fell to a duck from the bowling of Dan Blacka and Corey Spink added 11 to the total. 

It was a surprise middle order partnership that got Eden back in the running, as Andrew Evelyn scored 28 and Reece scored 24. 

Neil Baker strived his hardest to get Eden back on top with his half-century 53, but could not match Blacka’s effort. 

Eden finished at 9/150. 

Saturday will see Eden on the road again to play another double header in Bega against the Bulls and Pirates.