IT’S been a long-time coming, but finally the Moss Vale batsmen set a platform for their bowlers at Lackey Park on Saturday.

Batting first, Moss Vale posted 7-138 off their 45 overs with captain Dave Edmends [28] and Ross Webb [29] leading the way.

While 138 may appear a modest total, Edmends said it was worth far more considering the conditions at Lackey Park.

“It was a very slow outfield, with the grass thick and plenty of cut grass lying on the surface,” Edmends said.

“We thought it was a defendable score and we batted reasonable well.”

Wingello could manage only 122 in reply.

They were cruising at about 4-80 at the halfway drinks break before a lower-order collapse ended their finals aspirations.

James Baldwin top scored with 46, while Grant Pike [15] and Arron Deegan [15] also chipped in.

Moss Vale’s Troy Brown cleaned up the tail with 4-19 off his seven overs to win the game.

Brown usually opens the bowling for Moss Vale but was held back to bowl at the death on Saturday.

“Troy was injured and we were actually hoping we wouldn’t need him at all,” Edmends said.

“But we threw him the ball and once again he came through for us.”

The win has moved Moss Vale into second place on the BDCU Cup ladder, while the loss has all but ended Wingello’s season.

They must beat Tully Park outright in the final round to qualify for the finals.