2 weeks Ago By Cameron Newbold
Reigning premiers Williams recorded the first win of the title defence in the Upper Great Southern Cricket Association A-grade competition on Saturday, thumping Lake Grace in Williams. Williams were round one losers at the hands of Wandering but they bounced back in strong fashion, prevailing by 91 runs after amassing a big score batting first. With their batting line-up strengthened by the inclusion of WA Country XI all-rounder Julian Crudeli, Williams posted a formidable 6-249 from their 45 overs.
The Williams top six all surpassed at least 20 against the under-pressure Lake Grace attack, led by a half century from skipper Rodney Ford. Ford top scored with 63 from 62 balls, hitting seven boundaries, while Crudeli (47) and Riley Ford (47) also made significant contributions with the bat. Kim Rintoul was the first to fall, dismissed by Brayden Reynolds for 27, and his opening partner Michael Forman followed soon after also for 27.
Williams were 2-68 when Forman was bowled by Matthew Trevenen but a 78-run stand between Rodney Ford and Crudeli set the tone for the home side’s massive total. Harry Grigson Reynolds was the pick of the bowlers with 1-47 but the visitors had a big task ahead. Trevenen and Regan Smith gave Lake Grace a terrific start in the chase, sharing in a 77-run partnership at the top but the required run rate proved too much in the end.
Riley Ford snared Regan Smith for 41 and then Trevenen soon after for 44 to leave Lake Grace 3-96. However despite a fighting 40 not out from captain Mitch Smith, Lake Grace were bowled out for 158 in 35 overs as Riley Ford and Rodney Ford proved a destructive combination. Riley Ford finished with a sensational 5-39 from nine overs while Rodney Ford chipped in with 3-13 from six tidy overs as Williams got on the board for 2024-25.
Cuballing scored a comfortable five-wicket win over Wickepin-Harrismith in Harrismith. Wickepin-Harrismith could only manage 119 all out after winning the toss and batting first, as quick Grady Francis tore through their line-up. Harry Grigson Grady Francis’ match-winning haul included a hat-trick, as he dismissed Dane Angwin (32), Riley Spark (8) and Cassius Parnell (0).
Figures of 7-18 from 7.5 overs from Francis set up Cuballing’s big win, as they chased the small target inside 25 overs. Kendal Ballard (36) and Johannes De bruyn (33) steered the chase for the visitors.
Meanwhile in the other round two fixture Wandering made it successive wins, easily taking care of Towns in Wandering. Wandering bowled first but Towns top order struggled with only Perrin Quartermaine making a significant score. Perrin Quartermaine made a patient 61 opening but a disciplined Wandering attack had the visitors all out for 138.
Bryan Hardie (2-20), Lewis Parsons (2-13) and Henry Blechynden (2-15) all snared multiple wickets. Wandering cruised to a six-wicket win, after openers Jacob Schorer and Lewis Parsons put on 100 runs together. Jacob Schorer hit seven fours and one six on his way to 63 off just 46 balls and Lewis Parsons was vital with 47 as Wandering reached the target in 23.
4 overs..
