Picton paid dearly for nine dropped catches and three missed stumpings in a second rate fielding effort on day one at Bradman Oval against Mittagong.

Mittagong finished 229 runs for the loss of six wickets in 66 overs at

stumps. Picton did get a wicket and restrict Mittagong to only 23 runs off the last 16 overs of play, which gave them a chance of a day two run chase.

The spoils on day one went to Mittagong's Captain Jeff Guy who opened with a dogged 128, while Dave Fernance was also impressive at the crease for his 31.

Early on day two Picton finished the Mittagong tail taking 4 for 36,

Mittagong all out for 265.

Wayne Purcell settled well into opening the Picton attack and returned 29-8-2-66, with most of Picton's missed chances coming off his bowling.

John Tierney was unlucky with an early dropped catch from his bowling and ended up expensive for his 15-2-2-87. Matthew Quinn, who also had dropped catches off his bowling, chipped in for 11-1-2-41, while Luke Simmons was solid without luck on day one, courtesy of more dropped chances, but finished off the Mittagong tail well to end up with 9-0-3-34. John Schofield's debut with the ball was also impressive in the last session of day one, 8-5-1-8.

Chasing 265 off 75 overs Picton finished 111 runs shy with 23 overs still to be bowled. Col McDonald was again solid early with 38, Marc Rana 27, Matthew Quinn a sound 30 and John Tierney another quickfire 22 with two massive sixes and a boundary. 154 was a very disappointing total on a good flat Bradman Oval wicket, again leaving the Magpies wondering what should have been.

Picton now need to upset the competitions favourites Moss Vale in the last round of this years competition. A win at Chater Oval would represent not only the season's biggest upset, but one of the biggest in recent years.

Even more so if Picton claimed the fourth semi-final berth, relying on Bowral to go down to Wingello.

One thing is for sure though, that mighty Magpie spirit will be present as the boys give it their all in this last game, as always, and no doubt we'll again have some fun win, lose or draw.

Picton's opening fast bowler Adam Taylor will make a return against Moss Vale; (one to be omitted) Gary Jackson (c), John Tierney, Col McDonald, Shawn Hill, Matthew Quinn, Wayne Purcell, Luke Simmons, Nathan Sutton, Adam Taylor, John Schofield, Tristan Hogan, Marc Rana, Steve Bills (12th man to be named).