Crushingly Eden finished just one run short of the target set by the Pirates as the hosts opened a total of 9/178 with Eden closing out 40 overs on 4/177. 

Astonishingly, South Euro’s solid total came despite a trio of early ducks. 

Alexander Filmer-Smith was caught for a duck before the Pirates had put any runs on the board, but a remarkable partnership between Simon Smith and Dean Friskin ensured the club could defend against Eden’s batting order. 

Smith had the club’s best, building to 78 runs, while Friskin hit 59 as the club rounded 140 runs. 

A smattering of quick wickets gave Eden a glimpse at a swift reply, but a tail order stand of 13 from Thilan Walgamage helped the Pirates eek out the last handful of runs in their innings. 

Martin Butchers was again impressive with the ball for Eden, picking up three wickets, while Jessie Mudaliar again proved her ability with the ball to collect a further two wickets including Smith’s prized scalp. 

Eden opener Drew Mudaliar was returned to the sheds for 11 off and lbw, but fellow opener Mark Spink set about some good work to chase down the target. 

With third order batsmen Patrick Kearney joining him at the crease, the pair built an impressive partnership that saw Kearney reach 50, while Spink went on to bat 86 runs. 

Martin Butchers hit 20 not-out, but the Eden club ran shy of overs as play ran out finding themselves just the one run short of a draw. 

Despite the loss, the Eden club are still holding fourth on the table by for and against from the Bega-Angledale club – who suffered a handy loss to the Merimbula Knights over the weekend. 

The Pirates advanced to third place on the ladder in hot pursuit of the Tathra Sea Eagles and Knights – who now lead the competition. 

Eden will have a chance to swing handy competition points this weekend when they take on the Sea Eagles at the Eden Cricket Ground. 

This will be the last round played regular draw for the premier division ahead of the competition’s holiday break into January.

Play will go ahead from 1pm on Saturday.  

The club’s C grade roster has been handed a forfeit by Bermagui ahead of the weekend with the northern club unable to post the numbers for play. 

Club officials said it was unfortunate to miss the game, but were also keeping a close eye on the weather which may have led to a washout anyway. 

Eden are holding down third place in the C grade competition, hot on the heels of Tathra with the Pambula Bluedogs in a commanding position atop the ladder. 

The C grade competition will return early in February. 

The club also praised their representative juniors, who had been performing well.