AS the Busselton Margaret River Cricket Association A grade competition recommenced last Saturday after the Christmas break, competition for top ladder positions intensified with two games taking on big ladder implications.
In Dunsborough, the local side (Dunsborough 8/254) took on Cowaramup (10/149) and registered a win, whilst in Margaret River, St Mary’s looked to continue their recent run of wins when they took on Margaret River.
On winning the toss, Margaret River elected to bat first on a wicket St Mary’s captain Ben Lloyd felt was a “great batting wicket”.
A sustained accurate ten over spell from St Mary’s Danny Hatton (3/25) and first change bowler Chris Massey (4/54) saw the home side restricted to 188, bowled out in the 47th over. Lloyd was pleased with his bowlers and said Danny Hatton was tight and accurate early and this set the tone for the day.
“Chris Massey also bowled well at the end of this innings taking four wickets,” Lloyd said.
In reply St Mary’s openers Mark Ford and Hatton set the pace for a disciplined run chase, with the visitors passing the target five wickets down.
St Mary’s went on to post 5/219 off 50 overs with Lloyd top scoring with 81 and along with his two wickets was awarded man of the match.
Lloyd was quick to downplay his own effort and praised the innings of Jack Marwick who finished with an unbeaten 51 not out.
“Jack had his first run in the top side this week and played a really mature innings which we needed,” Lloyd said.
Marwick who spent last winter playing in England relished his opportunity and may play a significant role in St Mary’s run to the finals in March.
St Mary’s will look to galvanize their recent form of five consecutive wins when they take on Cowaramup next Saturday and then ladder leaders Yobs on Sunday.
Next week will see many sides playing on both Saturday and Sunday as BMRCA looks towards consecutive byes the following weeks when they travel to Perth for the annual WACA Country Week.
This year sees BMRCA sending sides in A and C Section and will look to continue its recent winning form that has seen them post wins in the previous three country weeks.
Next Weeks Fixtures- A Grade Saturday- Margaret River v Yobs, Cowaramup v St Mary’s, Dunsborough bye. B Grade- St Mary’s v Dunsborough, Yobs v Margaret River, Cowaramup v Vasse. C Grade- Dunsborough v Yobs, Margaret River v Nannup, Vasse v Cowaramup, Augusta v St Mary’s. A Grade Sunday- Margaret River v Dunsborough, Yobs v St Mary’s, Cowaramup bye.
